September 2019

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 

SIGN UP FOR YOUR E-NEWSLETTER AT 

WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK 

Advertising: 

Publishing Director: Andy Dunn 

DD: 01892 732 047 

Mob: 07963 330777 

Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk 

Commercial Manager: Jake Roxborough 

DD: 01892 732 047 

Mob: 07956 133314 

Email: jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk 

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... 

FROM 

A 

ONL 

* 

£345 

LY 

per leaf 

Including 

delivery 

Matt 

The content of Total Contractor magazine (and website) does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and 

are the views of its contributors and advertisers. The digital edition may include hyperlinks to third-party content, advertising, 

or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising 

from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources. No part 

of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. All rights 

reserved. 

Registered office: 1 Forstal Road, Aylesbury, Kent, ME20 7AU 

Supported by: 

Aluminium Bi-Fold 

Doors 

make smarter the 

choice 

T 

Quote turnaround within hours 

Up to 1200mm sash widths 

10 A 

D Working 

ays Lea ad 

Time 

ORDER TO 

DELIVER 

LIVERY FROM 

A FAST 

N 

L 

IN 

A 

LAND 

A 

UK 

M 

M 

U 

DE 

ITE 

S 

T 

D 

DEL 

E 

ERY* 

E 

R 

Stock colours : White, Black, 

Grey, Grey on White 

* Per leaf price is unglazed and may vary depending on size and specification of 

the door. Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply 

Email: sales@madef 

efortrade.co 

Ca all: 01642 610799 

Fax: 01642 671026 

www 

w.madefortrade.co 

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 


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: 


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. 


OLD TRAFFORD-2ND OCTOBER 2019 

Contractor’s Day heads North! 

Roofing and 

cladding uncovered 

HEADLINE SPONSOR 

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 


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. 


Aluminium Roof Lantern 

FROM THE 

AWARD WINNING 

ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS 

FITTED 

IN 

MINUTES 

FASTER - Glazed in seconds 

No on-site cutting or drilling for ease of install. No silicone, single bolt fixings and clip 

fit finishing caps – Search on YouTube to see the Korniche fully fitted in under 6 minutes 

STRONGER - Performance Engineered 

Ability to withstand ‘Live’ loads over twice that of the leading competitor. A 6x4m roof can 

support up to 8 tonnes. Up to 3m x 2.5m with no rafters, No tie bars required 

WARMER - Thermally Broken 

Thermal PVC T Bar, Thermally broken eaves beam and industry leading Q-Lon Gaskets. 

U Value from 1.2 

SLIMMER - Uninterrupted Sight Lines 

Patent pending end boss enabling hips to merge into ridge. 

Traditional features in contemporary design give ‘Timber’ like looks suitable for all properties. 

Narrowest external ridge profile 

SUPPORT - The best trade lantern 

Brand, point of sale and marketing support helping save time and maximise profit from sales 

TM 

and on-site. Online trade KwikQuote tool 

5 

ORDER TO DELIVERY FROM A FAST 

Working Days 

Lead Time 

Email: sales@madefortrade.co 

Call: 01642 610799 | Fax: 01642 615854 

www.korniche.co.uk

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 


Handrails:- EasyGuard 

free-standing Guardrails 

*CurveyGuard – an aesthetically pleasing curved rail. 

*EasyGuard – raked or straight legs dependant on 

application. *FoldGuard – folding handrail. 

Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with 

Counterweights used on un-secured ends only. Placed at 2m 

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 

leading edge protection HSE/SR 15, September 1988. 

Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material 

quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk 

Ladders:- Easy Fit 

Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 – 

To comply with the standards for 

permanent ladders all mild steel then hot 

dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461. 

All typical ladders bespoke – email 

info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk for a 

survey check sheet. 

Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy 

to assembly; in manageable parts Easy to 

handle and install. 

Rest Platforms and ladders with special 

fixing requirements; solutions provided by 

Safetyworks in house. 

(All components for British Standard 

compliant ladders require steel components 

with timber and aluminium recommended 

for temporary use only) 

HANDRAILS 

- 

LIFELINES 

- 

WALKWAYS 

- 

FALL GUARDS 

- 

FLEXIDECK 

- 

DEMARKATION 

- 

LADDERS 

- 

STEELWORK 

- 

Tel: 01487 841400 

www.safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk

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. 


Hazardous environments 

Potential risk of high corrosion 

H 

Pollution Hazard 

Moisture Content 

! 

Coastal Zone 

EJOT Corremaks ® JA1 / JZ1 

Developed specifi cally for use in environments that present a signifi cantly high risk of metal corrosion. 

Manufactured from A5 stainless steel, these specialised self-tapping fasteners are highly resistant 

to hazardous atmospheres such as swimming pools, tunnels, coastal regions and industrial 

processing areas. 

EJOT Cronimaks ® JZ7 

For tapping into high strength steel, EJOT Cronimaks is manufactured using a unique alloy 

composition creating a much harder thread fl ank and screw point offering corrosion resistance 

equivalent to A2 stainless steel. 

EJOT JT6 

For applications in areas where corrosion is a known risk - typically coastal zones - EJOT’s JT6 bimetallic 

range is manufactured from Grade 316 stainless steel (A4) and engineered with a high quality 

grade case-hardened carbon steel drill point, providing a much higher level of corrosion resistance. 

EJOT® the quality connection 

Call 01977 68 70 40 email: info@ejot.co.uk 

www.ejot.co.uk

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 


BUY 5 

ROLLS OF 

TORCH ON FELT 

AND GET THE 

6TH ROLL 

FREE! 

Down at your local. 

VISIT WWW.SIGROOFING.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Terms and conditions apply visit website for more details. 

ROOFING 

ONE WARRANTY 

O N E R O O F 

1 5 

• 

Y E A R S 

O N E PA R T N E R 

• 

O N E WA R R A N T Y

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 


Boost your year 

round rewards 

£40 

€45 

£40 

Get £5-25 rewards with every VELUX 

white painted roof window this 

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 

Claim your VELUX Rewards at 

velux.co.uk/rewards 

Claim by 13.12.2019. Terms & conditions apply.

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 


Tapered insulation... 

all routes lead to Building Innovation. 

Building Innovation offer an unrivalled and complete tapered 

insulation service, from initial consultation, survey, system 

design and calculation, to site delivery and post sales support. 

Contact Building Innovation for objective advice 

on which solution is right for your project. 

Tel: +44 (0) 1926 888808 

Fax: +44 (0) 1926 888898 

General email: info@building-innovation.co.uk 

Design office email: design@building-innovation.co.uk 

Find us on... 

@BuildingInnov 

building-innovation-limited 

www.building-innovation.co.uk

UK Construction Week 

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 


Protan Domestic Roofing 

Protan PVC single-ply membrane roof systems are only 

installed by Protan domestic partner contractors. 

Protan provides domestic waterproofing solutions for 

both new-build and refurbishment projects including: 

- Balconies and terraces 

- Dormers and porches 

- Conservatories and orangeries 

- Extensions and garages 

- Garden offices 

- Green and turfed roofs 

- Outbuildings 

Installations are clean, easy and quick and do 

not require the use of hot adhesives, naked 

flames, resins, solvents, or tape. 

“Protan roof membranes are environmentally 

friendly, tried-and-tested materials, which are 

designed and independently tested to last in 

excess of 40 years and are supported by a 

manufacturer’s warranty.” 

For further information on Protan 

Domestic Roofing contact: 

sales@protan.co.uk 

Or call 01925 658 001 

Protan (UK) Ltd 

256 Europa Boulevard, Gemini Business Park, Warrington, WA5 7TN 

Tel: 01925 658001 Fax: 01925 899688 E-mail: domestic@protan.co.uk 

www.protan.co.uk/domestic

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. 


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. 


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/ 


Introducing the Elite range 

Revolutionary new outlets, uniquely compatible 

with ALL flat roof waterproofing systems 

REDUCES PROJECT COSTS PREVENTS COLD BRIDGING CONNECTS TO ALL 

COMMON PIPE SIZES 

Unbeatable flow performance 

minimises downpipe 

requirements 

Incorporated PVCu pipe 

connectors provide air tight 

seal and thermal break 

between outlet body and 

connecting pipework 

Our roof outlet range connects 

to all common PVCu, HDPE 

and socketless cast iron 

pipework sizes 

New online rainwater drainage design calculator 

Ensure your flat roof projects are in full compliance with the 

BS EN12056-3 rainwater drainage design standard 

Go to www.marleyalutec.co.uk/calculators 

For further information call 01234 321996, or visit www.marleyalutec.co.uk/elite 

/marleyalutec @marleyalutec /company/marleyalutec

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 


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” 


Roofglaze 

Lighting, by nature. 

Let the light into your home and living spaces with 

Roofglaze’s market-leading Flatglass rooflights 

01480 474 797 rgrestimating@roofglaze.co.uk roofglaze.co.uk

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 


FREE 

Site Survey & 

Quotation Service 

enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk 

KEMPEROL ® 

Liquid Waterproofing 

Long term protection for flat roofs, 

buildings and critical structures 

Warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs, 

podium decks, walkways, balconies, 

terraces, car parks... 

• No hot works 

• Sustainable 

• Solvent-free 

• Odourless 

Whatever your 

requirements, we have 

a certified and proven 

solution to meet your 

needs. 

Contact us to discuss 

your next project. 

KEMPER SYSTEM 

Tel: 01925 445532 

enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk 

www.kempersystem.co.uk 

Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

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 


Complete Building 

Envelope Solutions 

featuring Kingspan RW 

Pitched Roof System 

Superior build 

speed 

Options for PV 

integration 

Precision extruded 

daylighting 

LPCB-approved membranelined 

insulated gutters 

Height safety and 

fall arrest systems 

Specialist support from 

Kingspan Technical Services 

Bespoke flashings and 

fabrications for design flexibility 

Kingspan’s own complete range 

of structural steel products 

Kingspan Insulated Panels RW Roof system is a factory-engineered single 

component system for very fast installation. 

The system comprises a complete range of structural steel products, high performance panels, 

insulated gutters, superior polycarbonate daylighting, height-safety systems and a bespoke 

range of corners and flashings. As a manufacturer of the complete roof system including all 

components, we’re with you all the way with services to help save time and maximise project 

value and performance. 

The system can be protected by the Kingspan Warranty. 

Kingspan Insulated Panels 

Greenfield Business Park No.2, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7GJ 

Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716100 www.kingspanpanels.co.uk


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. 


SLATE FOR ROOFING 

Comprehensive product range 

30 to 75 year market-leading warranties available 

Reproduction & Fibre Cement ranges 

Tailored ranges in stock in your area 

Full support & guidance 

Natural Slate Ranges 

Excellence 

Commercial 

Classic 

www.sigaslate.co.uk


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 


@_Redland / @Icopal_UK 


Refurb & repair 

problems – solved! 

Replacement rooflights 

to match any profile 

Warehouse, Heathrow 

GRP barrel vault rooflights 

– perfect for 

curved roofs 

Distribution Centre, Kent 

Fixsafe allowed 

safer rooflight 

replacement at 

this warehouse 

Monarch rooflights: 

the ideal daylight 

solution for curved 

roofs 

Lightweight GRP 

over-roofing 

Water company depot, 

Yorkshire 

Simpler, more 

cost-effective roof 

refurbishment 

Industrial Unit, Wiltshire 

Safer rooflight 

replacement with no 

roof access 

Factory, Middlesex 

Roof refurbishment 

and canopies 

Byker Wall Estate, 

Newcastle-upon-Tyne 

All these diverse, demanding refurbishment challenges have one thing in common. In each case, the 

solution was a specifically designed GRP sheet or associated product supplied by Filon Products: the 

building envelope refurbishment problem solver. 

...please call us for details or to discuss your project, on 01543 687300 

Filon Products Ltd, Unit 3 Ring Road, Zone 2, Burntwood Business Park, Burntwood, Staffs WS7 3JQ 

www.filon.co.uk

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 


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 


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 


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.” 


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 


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 


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! 


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. 


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 


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. 


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. 


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 


Let’s LOGO! 

Get FREE front logo printing 

on your V-Gard® hard hat!* 

Find out more at msasafety.com/customhardhats 

V-Gard 950 V-Gard 930 V-Gard 520 V-Gard 500 V-Gard 200 V-Gard 

*Conditions apply, contact us to learn more.

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 


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 


Looking for safe rapid 

access on fragile roofs? 

Then get our 

Board-Walk system 

F or everyone settling for nothing but the 

best when it comes to performance and 

precision. Ideal for roofers. 

Looking for safe rapid access? 

The Easi-Dec Board-Walk system is an open 

mesh walkway which complies with EN 12811-1. 

The system allows access from the eaves to the ridge, 

whilst spreading the load onto the support battens 

to provide the user with a safer working position on 

fragile roof surfaces. 

Board-Walk is a modular system which features 2m, 

3m and 4m sections that are easily linked together 

and, an integral length work positioning line. 

 

 

 

For further information visit our website 

at www.easi-dec.co.uk 

Hot air tool 

HG 2620 E 

• 2300 W / 50 – 700 °C / 150 – 500 l/min 

• Brushless motor: 10,000 h 

• Air pressure: 4,000 Pa for more power 

• Suitable for construction site use 

• LCD information display 

• 4 user-selectable programmes 

• Easy to operate by joystick 

• Heater and power cord easy to change 

• Including fine dust filter 

www.steinel-professional.de 

Call 01767 691812 

or email info@easi-dec.com

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 

Protan (UK) Ltd 256 Europa Boulevard | Gemini Business Park | Warrington | WA5 7TN 

Tel: +44 (0)1925 658 001 E-mail: domestic@protan.co.uk www.protan.co.uk

Global experience requires 

local knowledge 

PROTAN PROVIDES DOMESTIC WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS FOR BOTH 

NEW-BUILD AND REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS 

BALCONIES AND TERRACES 

DORMERS AND PORCHES 

CONSERVATORIES AND ORANGERIES 

EXTENSIONS AND GARAGES 

GARDEN OFFICES 

GREEN AND TURFED ROOFS 

OUTBUILDINGS 

Protan PVC single-ply membrane roof systems 

are only installed by Protan-approved domestic 

partner roofing contractors. 

Installations are clean, easy and quick and do not 

require the use of hot adhesives, naked flames, 

resins, solvents, or tape. 

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 


The same great 

quality expected 

from 

now available in a range of 

Weep & Peep Vents • Telescopic Underfloor Vents • Brick Vents • Vertical Extension Sleeves • Cavity Sleeves • Plus a huge range of associated products 

t 0845 034 6008 f 0845 034 6010 w www.easy-trim.co.uk 

12B Metcalf Drive, Altham Industrial Estate, Altham, Lancashire, BB5 5TU, Great Britain

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 


@BMIUKandIreland 


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 


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.” 


Roofing Updates 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


Cladding Updates 


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. 


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 


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 


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. 


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” 


“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 


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 


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 


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 


• 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 


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. 


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 


Updates 


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 


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 



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. 



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

September 2019

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?