February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

FEATURES

• THE LATE, LATE NO-SHOW: WORRYING

STATS ON LATE PAYMENT IN CONSTRUCTION

• WELL-DRILLED: KEY ADVICE TO ENSURE A

CONSISTENT, SAFE & SECURE FIX WITH

SELF-DRILLING FASTENERS

• COLD-CALLING: THE DOS AND DON’TS

WHEN INSTALLING LIQUID SYSTEMS IN

COLDER CONDITIONS

An Inspector Calls

Contractor’s Qs

NFRC Tech Talk

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Editor’s Comment

MATT DOWNS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK

07963 330774

One of the big perennial problems for subcontractors in construction is

poor payment practices. A further attempt to tackle this issue was

announced in January with the news that a new bill proposing a statutory

limit of 30-days for all invoices, as well as banning clients from charging

suppliers a fee in exchange for prompt payment or charging firms to be

on preferred supplier lists was introduced to the House of Lords.

The very fact that a new bill is being introduced shows that the many

previous attempts to address this issue have been lacklustre. Further

evidence of this is shown by some of the alarming figures from an ECA and

BESA study in Jackie Biswell’s column which found that two-thirds of

construction business owners were regularly paid late, with half regularly

taking no salary at all to make up for shortfalls, whilst one in four had to

cancel company training, 7% of employers were forced to pay staff late,

and nine in ten owners suffer from a range of mental health issues as a

direct result of managing cash flow. Read Jackie’s article which looks at the

impact of poor payment practices and offers some solutions on p22.

Elsewhere in this issue we put the questions to new Institute of Roofing CEO

Stuart Hicks about his plans for the organisation and its role in today’s

market (p14); Chris Page looks at the issues around wind uplift on flat

roofing projects (p18); John Mercer addresses some of the key

developments in roofing throughout his 40 year career (p24); Stuart

Nicholson answers the key questions regarding low pitch projects (p28);

whilst Richard Dyson tackles his five big working at height myths (p46).

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Above: Mark Bruchez of Kemper System outlines the main dos and don’ts

when applying liquids in colder conditions. Read his advice on p40.

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FEBRUARY 2020 TC 3

Contents

COVER FEATURES

22 THE LATE LATE NO-SHOW

Jackie Biswell discusses the shocking stats on

poor payment and examines how late payment

practices can be stamped out

26 WELL DRILLED

Jon Knaggs talks self-drilling fasteners, the

importance of correct installation and how to

ensure a consistent safe and secure fix

40 COLD CALLING

Mark Bruchez explains the dos and don’ts

when it comes to applying liquid systems in

colder conditions

26

FEATURES

14 TOTAL TALK: STUART HICKS

Matt Downs puts the questions to Stuart Hicks,

Institute of Roofing CEO

18 CAUTION TO THE WIND

Chris Page offers flat roofers advice on minimising

install failure due to the effects of wind uplift

28 HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?

Stuart Nicholson answers’ readers’ questions

regarding low pitch roofing installations

30 CONTRACTOR’S QS

Josh Morrison answers our questions on progressing

in roofing and key considerations for contractors

20

38 MODULAR APPROACH

Julian Thurbin discusses how a modular approach can

help contractors get a slice of the green roof action

64 IMAGE LIBRARY

In the second part of our focus on thermal imaging

equipment, John Anderson looks at commercial projects

4 TC FEBRUARY 2020

REGULARS

20 AN INSPECTOR CALLS

The Inspector talks hip end failures and explains

how to avoid the dreaded slipped hip tiles

24 PERFECTLY PITCHED

Pitched roofing consultant John Mercer looks

back over some of the key changes in roofing

32 NFRC TECH TALK

This month we focus on solar installations and

the importance of effective roof coverings

59 QI COLUMN

A focus on ‘relevant buildings’ and complying

with upstand insulation board requirements

SECTIONS:

TOTAL

ROOFING

28

TOTAL

CLADDING

52

INDUSTRY NEWS

06 AWARDS SUPPORT

SIG Roofing has increased its support of the UK Roofing

Awards by developing a knowledge partnership with NFRC

08 PROTEUS ON BOARD

Proteus Waterproofing has been confirmed as the headline

sponsor for this year’s LRWA Dragon Boat Regatta

TOTAL

INSULATION

57

08

VEHICLES, TOOLS

& WORKWEAR

64

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 5

Industry News

HOUSEBUILDING NOT

MEETING TARGETS

The number of new build homes started

and completed continues to fall below

government targets, according to new

figures published by the Ministry of

Housing, Communities and Local

Government.

According to the Ministry of Housing,

Communities and Local Government, the

new build dwellings figures should be

regarded as a leading indicator of overall

housing supply.

The figures show that: Annual new build

dwelling starts totalled 157,550 in the year to

September 2019, a 7% decrease compared

to the year to September 2018. During the

same period, completions totalled 177,980,

an increase of 9% compared with last year.

On a quarterly basis, new build dwelling

starts in England were estimated at 39,510

(seasonally adjusted) in the latest quarter,a

2% increase compared to the previous 3

months and an 11% increase on a year

earlier. Completions were estimated at

46,000 (seasonally adjusted), a 2% increase

from the previous quarter and 11% higher

than a year ago.

Private enterprise new build dwelling starts

(seasonally adjusted) in the September

quarter 2019 are up by 3% on the previous

quarter, and completions are up by 5%.

Starts by housing associations are 4% lower

compared to the last quarter, and

completions down by 14%. Clive Docwra,

Managing Director of leading construction

consulting and design agency McBains, said:

“The government has set a target of

delivering a million homes in the next five

years, yet today’s figures show that the

construction industry is way off meeting

those rates on current trends.”

More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk

RANGE OF ‘HOT WORKS’ CAUSED 143 FIRES

Following a Freedom of Information request to

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to find out the

number of fires reported in the construction

industry caused by hot works, CE Safety, the

health and safety training provider, says the

figures showed there were 180 fires in the

construction industry in 2018/19, a staggering “However, no matter who does it, they must know

143 (79%) of which were the result of hot works. what kind of hazards hot work presents and how

to prevent it from causing harm.”

Hot works refer to any task that requires using

open flames or applying heat or friction which Ellis added: “The consequences of these hazards

may generate sparks or heat.

can be severe and costly for any business.

Injuries can result in workers taking time off work,

Fifty-one fires during this period were caused by

while a serious fire could damage a building

welding or cutting equipment, 22 by

irreparably. Both of these could even lead to legal

manufacturing equipment and 23 by kilns or

consequences under certain circumstances.

other services. These fires resulted in 21

Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to

casualties.

implement appropriate safety controls.”

Gary Ellis, from CE Safety, said: “A variety of

Due to the high-risk nature of hot works, the BS

industries – construction in particular – may

9999 and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

require hot work to be carried out in their

outline various safety procedures which

premises as part of routine work activities. It is

organisations must adhere to. Their aim is to

also frequently carried out as part of contractual

protect workers from dangerous aspects of hot

work, which is common in construction.

work and to prevent fires from breaking out.

SIG ROOFING EXTENDS AWARDS SUPPORT

SIG Roofing is continuing its investment in the is the most prestigious award in our industry, so

UK Roofing Awards by developing a knowledge we are delighted to be sponsors of it once again.”

partnership.

Amanda Brackey, head of marketing and

Hosted by the NFRC, the UK Roofing Awards communications at the NFRC, said: “We are

recognise and reward outstanding workmanship delighted to be growing the partnership with SIG

and technical excellence across the roofing Roofing. For over a decade they have been an

industry. In addition to developing a knowledge invaluable contributor to the success of the

partnership, SIG Roofing will once again sponsor awards, and it is a testament to their commitment

‘Roof of the Year Award’ and the ‘Local Hero at recognising great achievements within the

Award’ which recognises the amazing work the roofing community that enables the awards to

sector’s unsung roofing heroes do every day. continue.

Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager at SIG “By closely working with key partners like SIG

Roofing, said: “As Knowledge Partner and sponsor Roofing, we are able to celebrate best practice

of both ‘Roof of the Year Award’ and the ‘Local and innovation in roofing. We are also pleased to

Hero Award’, SIG Roofing is excited to build upon be hosting the Local Hero Award to draw attention

its active role in supporting the UK Roofing to the roofers who dedicate time and resources to

Awards. The Roof of the Year Award, in particular, their local community and to those in need.”

6 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Industry News


MORE REQUIRED TO TACKLE LATE PAYERS

Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck

cash flow due to the late payment of

Insurance Services has responded to

larger construction firms.

the new Bill to clamp down on late

“From our experience, those subcontractors

involved earlier on the in

payment in construction:

“Purbeck Insurance Services fully

construction process appear to be paid

Above: Todd Davison,

supports the new bill to clamp down on

more readily (e.g. groundworks) than

MD at Purbeck.

late payment in the construction sector

those at the end (e.g. electricians/fit out

which has such a negative impact on

providers). Clearly more action needs to be taken

subcontractors in this market. Our own survey of to protect the UK’s sub-contracting market and

the market has shown that 35% of small

we welcome strengthening of legislation to stop

businesses in the construction sector find poor payment practices of large businesses.”

managing late payment the hardest thing about

running their firm.

“As a provider of insurance to mitigate the risk of

personal guarantee backed loans, our biggest

customer base is small business owners in the

construction sector and this is largely due to the

increasing demand for finance to plug working

capital gaps caused by late payments.

“We see subcontractors struggling to manage

PROTEUS ONBOARD FOR LRWA REGATTA

Proteus Waterproofing

has been announced as

the headline sponsor for

the Liquid Roofing and

Waterproofing Association

(LRWA) Dragon Boat

Regatta, which will help raise money for

mental health charity, Mates in Mind, and will

take place on 14th May 2020 at the Crowne

Plaza Hotel in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Open to everyone in the roofing and waterproofing

industry, the LRWA’s Dragon Boat Regatta was first

launched in 2019. It saw a total of 10 teams race

each other in 30ft dragon boats and attracted

more than 100 people, including contractors and

manufacturers from across the UK.

Jordan Bailey, director of Proteus Waterproofing,

said: “As inaugural winners of the LRWA’s Dragon

Boat Regatta, we felt it was right for Proteus to

step up and lead the

sponsorship of this great

event.

“Last year’s Regatta was

brilliantly organised and

unique in that it gathered manufacturers,

contractors and other industry professionals to

help support the chosen charity as well as the

liquid roofing sector and the LRWA.

“In addition to sponsoring the event, we’re looking

forward to showing our support for Mates in Mind

and will be back in force to fiercely defend the

title we won last year!”

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, added: “We’re

really grateful to Proteus for supporting our

Dragon Boat Regatta which following last year’s

success will now be an annual LRWA event.”

For further info, visit: www.lrwa.org.uk

NARM GUIDE GETS

RIBA ACCREDITATION

The Glass Rooflights Specification Guide from NARM.

NARM, the National Association of

Rooflight Manufacturers, has published a

further new RIBA approved CPD

document, following approval by the

RIBA CPD Providers Network.

This approval takes the current total

number of RIBA accredited CPD

documents published by NARM to six, in

addition to the Association’s widely

referenced on-line CPD seminar, all of

which can be accessed via the RIBA CPD

website: www.ribacpd.com

NARM NTD14: ‘Glass Rooflights -

Specification Guide’, is a ten page

technical document covering all aspects

of the specification of glass rooflights for

all types of buildings across all sectors.

Topics covered in the guide include:

Common types of glazing; Safety for

building users; Non-fragility; Fire

regulations; Limiting excessive solar

gain; Light diffusion; Walk-on rooflights;

and Framed systems.

NARM NTD14 is listed under RIBA’s Core

curriculum subjects under the Design,

Construction and Technology section as a

document classified as ‘General

Awareness’.

All NARM technical documents can also

be downloaded free of charge from the

NARM website: www.narm.org.uk.

8 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Industry News


FMB: BUILDERS AWAIT ‘BORIS BOUNCE’ FOLLOWING SLOW Q4 ‘19

A survey from the Federation of Master

Builders (FMB) has stated that workloads for

small building companies fell in the final

quarter of 2019, but builders are more

optimistic for 2020.

The key results of the FMB’s State of Trade Survey

for Q4 are: In the three months to December

2019, builders workloads fell into negative

territory with around 21% of firms reporting lower

workloads, 5% higher than the previous quarter;

Expectations for the future rose with 37% of

builders predicting higher workloads over the

coming three months; Northern Ireland was the

only home nation to see an increase in workloads

and enquiries; Material and wage costs are likely

to rise over the coming six months; Employment

activity moved back into positive territory for the

first time since Q1 2019 with just under one in

five (19%) builders reporting an increase in

staffing levels.

Commenting on the results of the

example, employment levels amongst

survey, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of

SMEs have returned to positive ground

the FMB, said: “The end of 2019 was a

for the first time since the start of

very turbulent period in the UK, both

2019. This, of course, brings with it

politically and economically, with Brexit

concerns around skills shortages and

gridlock and a General Election. When

SMEs continue to struggle to hire key

you consider this – along with the bad

trades such as bricklayers and

Above: Brian Berry, FMB

weather we saw in October – it is not Chief Executive. carpenters”

surprising that the order books of small

Berry concluded: “With the Budget

and medium-sized construction firms took a hit.

due in early March, this provides a perfect

We know that many consumers were holding off

opportunity to restore some confidence back into

making important spending decisions until the

the construction industry. Builders will be

outcome of the General Election was known and

instrumental in delivering key government

this took its toll on workloads”

objectives such as 300,000 new homes by the

Berry continued: “Builders are more optimistic for mid-2020s and reaching Net Zero carbon

the future, however, with over a third of SMEs emissions by 2050. Radical policies will be

predicting higher workloads over the coming three needed to deliver these targets which should

months. We are yet to see if there has been a socalled

‘Boris bounce’ yet, following the election strategy to make our existing homes more energy

include reform of the planning system and a new

result, but there are some positive signs. For efficient.”

SIG ROOFING HELPS HOMELESS PROJECT

RECORD EARNINGS

Homeless people in a Cambridge suburb are

being provided with a roof over their heads,

with a little help from SIG Roofing.

A total of six modular homes are being built offsite

by social enterprise New Meaning as part of

a ‘Home First’ project, to be installed at Christ

the Redeemer Church in Barnwell. They will be

offered for rent to people who are homeless or

have been homeless.

SIG Roofing’s branch in St Ives, Cambridge, is

supporting the project by providing roofing

materials at a favourable discount. Branch

manager Karen Lilley also recommended a local

roofer to advise the not-for-profit organisation

on its installation.

Karen said: “Being homeless is stressful at any

time but particularly in the chilly temperatures of

winter. When New Meaning asked if we could

help, we had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’.

“We recommended FIX-R EPDM for the flat roofs

of the modular buildings as it is a sustainable

and long-lasting roofing solution that brings

watertight performance, durability and

dependability ensuring the roofs will be

protected whatever the weather and, with

training, they could do the installation

themselves.

“As with similar projects elsewhere, part of the

organisation’s ethos is to develop vocational

skills of the homeless. So, I was happy to

recommend a local roofer who has been helping

train the organisation’s workers, who in turn

have trained young former-homeless adults from

the YMCA.”

John Evans, Trustee Director of New Meaning,

said: "We are hugely grateful to Karen and SIG

Roofing for the excellent discount and for her

tremendous customer service. Her advice has

been invaluable to us."

Hudson Contract says earnings for freelance

tradespeople in construction increased by

3.5% last month.

Analysis of December payroll data for more than

2,200 construction companies in England and

Wales reveals a weekly average of £948 for

subcontractors. This is reportedly the highest

figure since Hudson Contract started analysing

subcontractor earnings in March 2008.

The regional breakdown shows the South East had

the strongest growth, with earnings up 6% to

£983, followed by Yorkshire and Humber, up 5.9%

to £885, and the East of England, up 5.6% to

£1,011. Ian Anfield, MD of Hudson Contract, said:

“2019 ended strongly for freelance tradespeople as

construction companies moved to finish projects

ahead of Christmas. With the general election out

of the way and a majority government in place,

businesses can plan ahead for the future with

more confidence.”

10 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Opinion: Competency in Roofing

THE CHANGING FACE OF

COMPETENCY WITHIN ROOFING

Jon Vanstone, Member of Building Regulations Advisory Committee, Chair of Competent

Person Forum and Strategic Engagement Director of RoofCERT, provides his thoughts on

the importance competency in roofing and gives an update on RoofCERT.

Tony Robbins, life and business strategist,

said that ‘By changing nothing, nothing

changes’, and for Roofing the complaints

against the competency of our installers had been

rising until the launch of the RoofCERT

programme two years ago.

Now we can point to a programme where the voices

of the collective have been heard when designing

the final product and its related processes.

From working on competency in a number of

construction sectors, I can say it is great to see a

programme and industry that looks to continually

improve the skills of the workers as well as how

competence is assessed.

Operational phase – critical mass

The RoofCERT journey is now at the stage where

so much of the set-up is complete and tested

with real candidates, that it has now moved into

the operational phase of delivering the critical

mass required. Funded places are being assigned

all around the UK and no matter whether you

work in Commercial or Residential, the

programme can benefit you and your business.

Above: “RoofCERT will become the vehicle for determining

the competence of an installer.”

Once the Metals discipline knowledge

tests are available in March, all

major areas will be covered and

accessible throughout the UK.

This has been thanks to the

number of specialist trade

associations within the market

who have stepped up.

The sign-up rate for the programme is

growing rapidly and as many tests were

undertaken in the last few months of 2019 as in

the rest of the year. The scene is set for a very big

2020 and RoofCERT’s prominence in roofing, as

well as throughout construction, will help

strengthen the position of our whole industry.

More than an accreditation

So much is happening in and around RoofCERT

that it has become so much more than a simple

focus on accreditation. RoofCERT is working with

bodies such as CSCS, Home Builders Federation

(HBF), Competent Roofer, several housing

associations, NHBC, all of whom will help drive the

public consciousness as regards the programme.

RoofCERT is about ensuring that we get work

done right first time with the health & safety of

our workers of paramount importance. We have

so many issues in our sector that we can tackle

by uniting around providing a competent

workforce in all areas of roofing.

Too often consumers do not understand the skills

required when working on their roofs, large

contractors are forever squeezing the margins of

our businesses whilst inspectors seemingly focus

far too much on the minor. New products are

entering our industry at a time when you have to

Left: Jon Vanstone is a Member of Building

Regulations Advisory Committee, Chair of

Competent Person Forum and Strategic

Engagement Director of RoofCERT.

be so incredibly careful about

substitution on work sites.

RoofCERT will become the vehicle

for determining the competence of an

installer whether it be for large commercial

contracts, house building, housing association

work and residential.

In 2020 we will see CSCS cards on-site with

RoofCERT logos, industry talks between NHBC

and RoofCERT aimed at raising the standards

achieved on new build sites throughout the UK.

RoofCERT will help deliver new Competence

Standards for the Competent Person Schemes for

the home repair and replacement market,

providing routes for both qualified and

experienced workers.

Effort and evolution

RoofCERT is certainly flying, yet its future

successful delivery for roofing will require

continual effort and evolution. We know the

changes in control of products and surrounding

the building regulations will put pressure on our

sector. However, if we can continually improve our

workforce on site and demonstrate to our clients

a greater success in getting it right first time, the

perception of roofing will continue to improve.

RoofCERT is certainly here to stay and I hope to

see all areas of our industry embrace a

programme that can serve a purpose to every

company no matter its size, disciplines or client

types they service.

12 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Total Talk: Institute of Roofing

A ‘CLEAR, STRUCTURED PATH’

TOWARDS A CAREER IN ROOFING

The New Year marks a new start for the IoR. Not only will it celebrate its 40th

anniversary in 2020, but it has a new CEO, Stuart Hicks. Matt Downs puts the

questions to Stuart on all things IoR including its role in today’s market, the plans for the

future, and what challenges lay ahead ...

MD: Can you tell us a bit about the

Institute of Roofing – what are its goals?

SH: The Institute has been established since

1980 with the fundamental aim of encouraging

and supporting continual learning and career

development for those with supervisory,

management and ownership roles within the

roofing industry – and that aim continues today.

Since my appointment last August, it quickly

became apparent that a really significant job for

me as CEO is to remind people how important the

IoR is for individuals in our industry.

We have some very clear goals for 2020 –

including a strategy to boost membership,

increase awareness of the Institute and its

benefits, and remind people that we have an

influential voice alongside other associations and

the wider roofing sector. These will all create a

strong foundation for our ambitious plans ahead.

MD: Who do you cater for and what sort of

courses do you offer?

SH: We are open to anyone in the roofing sector

from contractors to manufacturers, merchants

and distributors, to roof surveyors, consultants

and a wide range of support services. We offer

individual members a clear, structured path

towards management careers in roofing by

achieving industry recognised professional

qualifications. This is done by building on existing

knowledge, offering industry-specific courses and

CPDs. This ultimately delivers professional status

as an Associate member, or higher-level status of

the Institute of Roofing. We also offer certified

online training in health and safety

and business management

development. Our benefits

package provides access to

a host of online courses,

many of which are free to

members.

MD: Can you tell us a bit

about what membership

entails and what are the benefits

to the individual?

SH: Whether you’re an apprentice, someone new

to the industry still in training, or an established

manager or business owner, there are enormous

benefits to joining the IoR as we work to help

individuals achieve industry recognised

professional qualifications. Joining the IoR also

enables individuals to use the status of

membership with qualification after their name.

There are different levels of membership, but

ultimately members are in supervisory or

management roles – or higher – and have access

to quality training to help expand their skills and

knowledge, and further their career.

Our members are also eligible for a Professionally

Qualified Person CSCS Card, provided they have

passed the ‘Health, Safety and Environment Test

for Managers and Professionals’ within the last

two years.

MD: Is the training practical, online or a

mixture of both?

SH: There are a number of training and CPD

options offered by the IoR.

Stuart Hicks: CEO of the Institute of Roofing.

A new Associate Course has

been launched and its first

intake has already started.

The course is designed for

those considering a

professional career in roofing,

particularly with an eye to

moving into or occupying a

supervisory or management role. The newly

revised Associate Course has been updated and

moved to a dedicated online learning platform.

This entirely new and innovative course delivery

is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to

learn effectively with minimum disruption to

working patterns.

Group sessions, which are classroom based, will

be complemented by directed self-study, using

pre‐prepared online learning tools. The course

will be delivered over a five‐week period and is

split between one day per week in the classroom

and web‐based course content.

There is no formal exam following training.

Students will cover 200 learning criteria and

submit 60 tangible pieces of learning evidence for

assessment. The courses provided and being

developed by the IoR have the potential to be a

substantial source of revenue for the Institute.

We also have a number of online training courses

which can be accessed by anyone through the IoR

website, and also offer free CPDs during regional

meetings. We are also attending a number of

Direct Contact Exhibitions (DCE) events

14 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Total Talk: Institute of Roofing

providing CPD days and networking opportunities

to our regional members this year. All of these are

listed on our website.

MD: What sort of costs are involved - I

assume they vary?

SH: The Associate Course costs £850 +VAT per

delegate. CPDs are free to all members that

attend, and members also receive one free online

learning course a year, which cost £25 +VAT

each. These courses cover anything from manual

handling, asbestos awareness and working at

height, to data protection, conflict in the

workplace and LinkedIn for business training.

We have an online benefits portal of training and

e-learning options which can only be accessed by

members, and we encourage them to share the

information and knowledge using the tools from

the portal with colleagues, family and friends.

MD: You recently took over as CEO of the

IoR – what was your view of the IoR

previously and the progress it has made

over the years?

SH: Since my appointment, I have realised that

the IoR is really a sleeping giant. There is so

much that can be achieved, and it just needed

the catalyst and desire to get the wheels in

motion.

One area the Institute needs to progress, and one

I truly believe we can achieve, is gaining

Chartered status. As the leading professional

body in our field, we need to have an ambitious

long-term goal. Something that at this moment in

time isn’t possible, but with the right focus and

management is achievable over time.

MD: What will Chartered Status mean for

the IoR, its members and why is it so

important now?

SH: Everything we do as an organisation from this

point forward, needs to be in-line with and focus

on the goal to becoming Chartered. And why is

this so important now? Because it will allow us to

address the main issues we face and allocate the

available resources we have in the most time and

cost-effective way possible; in such a way that

“You need to be able to rely on your workforce –

and that can happen if they are treated well, with

respect, and are recognised for their skills”

we strengthen the Institute and provide a

sustainable long-term future.

MD: Now you’re settled in as CEO, what do

you feel is the biggest challenge for the

IoR?

SH: There’s a lot going on and it is a really busy

time for us. I think, ultimately, the IoR needs to

cement its place within the UK roofing industry,

and that will be one challenge to begin with.

We can do this by working with other training

providers, federations and sector associations,

and create a pathway to professional

qualifications to help and encourage participants

to achieve their highest level.

We also need to create, find and nurture the

opportunities that provide a reason for retaining

and raising the standing and influence of our

membership and attracting the next generation of

roofing professionals.

MD: We all know training is important for

the individual, but for it to have real

tangible value for them you need the

customer, employer or end user to be

willing to reward the individual who has

invested in themselves through paying

more etc. Is this happening or is the

market still driven by price?

SH: It makes more business sense to invest in

employees, as the reputation of the company is at

stake. But times are tough and job security is

better than no job at all. It is about maintaining

that level of quality employees and investing in

your people, which is sometimes vital to ensure

long-term business success. You need to be able

to rely on your workforce – and that can happen if

they are treated well, with respect, and are

recognised for their skills.

I think the lower ‘cash’ end of the domestic

market – where you get what you pay for – may

mean a so-called roofer that does not have the

correct qualifications or experience installing an

off-the-shelf roofing system. Domestic customers

still take that risk, especially with repair work.

MD: How important is it for the IoR to be

recognised by external stakeholders as a

badge of excellence for members to help

them win business, progress their careers

and really offer value to individuals?

SH: It is very important for the IoR to be

recognised by the wider industry. Anyone who

devotes their time into training and upskilling –

no matter what age or level they work at in their

career – should be regarded as an expert in their

field and therefore trusted to deliver that certain

level of performance. It is like gaining a badge of

16 TC FEBRUARY 2020

excellence that opens doors and helps individuals

progress in their career.

MD: How will you work to achieve this

awareness with external stakeholders?

SH: We are improving our marketing

communications, target media and social media

presence and updating the website, to ensure

people know they can come to the Institute for

professional qualifications, further learning

opportunities, guidance and information.

We are investing in our regions and providing

opportunities for professionals to talk to

professionals. Our DCE events this year will

encourage members and other professionals to

get together and talk to one another, network and

introduce the benefits of our membership to the

wider construction industry.

Whether it’s manufacturers, contractors or end

users, there’s always going to be a dark market

where price will be king and people will be willing

to cut corners.

MD: What would you say to those who

perhaps think paying for training and

investing in themselves can be difficult to

justify when margins are tight and you’re

up against the “cowboys”?

SH: Corner cutting can happen – and sometimes

a specification is set and operatives are told to

deliver the results regardless of whether it is the

best solution for that particular project, or even if

the right products are being used. Cutting corners

introduces risk and a project could fail, creating

problems and liability issues for employees and

individuals. So is it really worth it? Owners who

have invested in their business and employees

and deliver a quality service will want to distance

themselves from that part of the market and

provide solutions that meet the needs of the

client.

MD: Do you feel the roofing industry is

slowly changing the outdated perceptions

the public and in some cases clients /

building owners might have of it? Or are

we still some way off?

SH: I think there is still a long way to go –

stereotypes still remain and it is hard to break

those stereotypes when they are so intrinsically

linked to some professions. Rogue traders are still

out there, but for every horror story, there’s a

thousand great success stories and highly skilled

roofing contractors delivering real quality

workmanship. The roofing industry is trying hard

to professionalise itself and that is a really

positive news story for the construction sector.

‘Cowboys’ will find it increasingly hard to operate

as end-customer awareness of quality standards

and how to find skilled operatives develops.

MD: The big push currently within roofing

is for accredited roofers through the

RoofCERT accreditation programme; It

seems the IoR’s push for professionalism

through CPD, training etc. aligns nicely

with RoofCERT’s goals – how, if at all, do

you see the IoR working alongside the

RoofCERT programme?

SH: I think you have to consider the current scope

of roofing and what’s happening across the

board. The roofing industry has a plethora of

training, guidance and support mechanisms

available through its numerous associations, and

RoofCERT as a programme is one of many that

addresses the skills of the individual. A lot of

work is being done to professionalise the industry,

and RoofCERT is there to target individual

contractors and get them certified for the

practical skills they can demonstrate.

Our position as an Institute is to concentrate on

supervisory, management and business

ownership expertise and for people who are

looking to take the next step in their careers. The

IoR isn’t just for people working on the roof, but

covers the entire scope of the roofing industry.

Anyone from a manufacturer to distribution to

contractor can tap into the qualifications offered

by the Institute and carry their career forward. So,

I think for us, it’s not about roofing skills, but

knowledge and professionalism.

There is no umbrella organisation in roofing, so

we have to work together as an industry to ensure

“Everything we do as an

organisation from this

point forward needs to

be in-line with and

focus on the goal to

becoming Chartered”

we deliver the best possible guidance and

support for anyone working in this field. Trade

associations and federations are increasingly

working collaboratively to achieve this.

MD: You’ve mentioned a re-branding and

update to the logo, website etc. – what

sort of values and messages will this new

branding touch on and look to present?

SH: Improving our marketing and

communications is a key goal for 2020. We will

develop a new website and continue to increase

our presence and voice within the busy social

media sphere. We need to generate a buzz around

the Institute by developing an engagement

strategy that entices users to engage with us. But

most importantly, we need to remind people of

who we are, what we can do for them and how

we can help them achieve their professional

career ambitions.

Our branding needs to appeal to the new

generation of members that need to be targeted.

We need to become desirable, relevant and

promote a sense of professionalism and

credibility that has its place in the 21st century.

The graphic identity re design will not only give us

a new logo, but will give us what we need to

produce a new and more professionally presented

organisation.

Lookout for further comment and updates from

the IoR in upcoming issues of Total Contractor. If

you’re interested in becoming a member,

contact the IoR on the details below:

Contact the Institute of Roofing

020 7448 3858

www.instituteofroofing.org

@Official_IOR

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 17

SIG Roofing: Tech Talk

IS YOUR FLAT ROOF PROJECT

SAILING TOO CLOSE TO THE WIND?

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so ensuring you’re protected at all times is

vital. Ahead of the next stormy season, Chris Page, Flat Roofing Product Manager for SIG

Roofing, offers flat roofers some tips on minimising install failure due to not considering

the effects of wind uplift on a warm roof construction.

So, what is “wind uplift”?

Wind uplift occurs when the air pressure

under the roof is greater than the air

pressure above it. The potential for wind

uplift within a roof will depend on a number of

factors. These include the height and size of the

building, the shape of the roof and its relationship

to the town or cityscape around it.

Also important is the geographic location.

Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

all have much higher average wind speeds than

other parts of the UK. And that’s not to ignore

coastal and rural properties, and those at higher

elevations on hillsides where there is often little

or no protection from a building’s surroundings.

To mitigate against wind uplift, it must be properly

considered at the planning and design stage, with

the correct system build-up specified/selected

before a warm roof system is installed. This is

where wind load calculations come in. Do you

always need one? Most of the time it’s a good

idea; sometimes it’s essential. For example, for

any mechanically fixed roofing job (insulation

and/or membrane) you will need a wind load

report, which will tell you how many fixings you

will need to install in the corner, perimeter and

field zones of your roof. Without a report you

might not get a warranty. SIG Design & Technology

can advise you on wind uplift calculations for any

of their specification flat roofing products.

Also, for some bonded roofs in very exposed

locations it will be essential to check that both

the vapour barrier, primer, insulation and

adhesive is correctly selected and used to

successfully resist roof uplift. Indeed, additional

mechanical restraints may be needed

at the corners, where there is the

greatest negative effect. A

calculation will show if this is

necessary. And don’t forget, you

can have the best membrane in

the world but if the insulation

board facing pulls off at a low value,

then this will be the weakest link.

“The wind can

approach a building

from any direction”

So what causes wind uplift?

The wind can approach a building from any

direction. It will hit a side elevation, causing it to

be directed upwards and accelerated. Once it

reaches the top of the building it can return to its

normal course. However, it leaves a void before

settling back down over the roof.

This void is an area of negative pressure that has

the effect of trying to pull or suck the roof

coverings off the remaining structure. This uplift

effect is the same force as lifts the wings on an

aircraft.

It’s a sobering statistic that some 200,000

buildings in the UK are damaged by high winds

every year, with the impact of wind uplift causing

significant damage to a roof’s membrane and its

substrate. Of course, it goes without saying that

it’s not a good idea to be on a roof in windy

conditions!

And it’s worth remembering that wind uplift on

Left: Chris Page, Flat Roofing Manager,

SIG Roofing.

roofs is not only an issue for

roofing contractors, resulting in

costly repairs and maintenance,

it can also lead to a serious

threat of injury to workers and

members of the public.

Calculating wind load

So how do you do a wind loads calculation?

Simply put, wind load is the force, in pounds per

square foot, placed on the exterior of a structure

by wind.

To work out the load you can use a generic

calculation, but this will give you an

approximation only and is not good enough to

meet building regulations. While there are

calculators available online, it is still a

complicated equation and it is advisable to get

help from a knowledgeable supplier.

Your local SIG Roofing branch will be able to

provide further advice and put you in touch with

the right manufacturers to undertake wind load

calculations.

So, as we brace ourselves, for potentially a

number of storms in the year ahead, remember, if

you do your calculations correctly at the planning/

design stage, you’ll be able to avoid sailing too

close to the wind in terms of wind uplift.

Contact SIG Roofing

0845 612 4304

www.sigroofing.co.uk

@SIGRoofing

18 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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An Inspector Calls

TAKING CARE TO AVOID THE

DREADED SLIPPED HIP ENDS

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 avoid the common pitfalls that can often cost you both time and money and

achieve roofing success.

This month, the Inspector gets to grips

with hip end failures – what causes

them and the problems that arise.

The failure of a traditional mortar-bedded hip end

detail is an all too common sight. This hip

(pictured) may have been installed to what was

an acceptable standard, and the hip end tile was

supported by a hip iron in accordance with best

practice.

However, over time the detail has failed and the

hip tile has become dislodged from the roof,

closely followed by the adjacent hip tiles. And as

a result, the loss of hip tiles will start to allow

water ingress into the roof space and cause

further problems, leading to potentially costly

repairs.

The 2014 updates to Code of

Practice BS 5534: 2014

+A2: 2018 Slating and

Tiling for Pitched Roofs

and Vertical Cladding

introduced

recommendations to

address the reliability

issues with traditional

mortar-bedded ridges and

hips. It says that all mortarbedded

ridge and hip tiles should either

be accompanied by a mechanical fixing or

Above, slipped a hip: Dry fix stops hip damage, is quick and easy to repair and maintains a clean aesthetic.

replaced entirely by a dry fix

mortar crashing to the ground beneath which

solution.

would easily cause injury – and possibly a fatal

one at that.

With an appropriate

mechanical fix, the hip Dry fix takes the installation a step further both in

end tile would still be in terms of long-term performance and safety. Some

place, although cracked people are not that keen on the aesthetic of dry

mortar could still fall out fix, yet it’s nothing compared to the poor

if in poor condition. The appearance – and compromised product integrity

loss of the material is a – of crumbling, degraded mortar. In addition to

prime concern here as it is not keeping the property’s occupants and passers-by

only a question of roof

safe, dry fix is quick and easy to repair and

performance, but also one of safety. The risk maintains a clean aesthetic and professional

is not only of tiles, but also sections of heavy finish to the detail.

“The loss of the material is a prime concern here

as it is not only a question of roof performance,

but also one of safety”

Contact BMI National Training Centre

01285 863545

www.bmigroup.com/uk

@_Redland / @Icopal_UK

20 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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The Apex: Poor Payment

TIME’S UP FOR THE LATE, LATE SHOW!

Last month the shocking impact that poor payment practices have on small business

owners was revealed in a survey which found 92% of respondents facing problems as a

result. Jackie Biswell examines how late payment practices can be stamped out.

You have done the work, provided the service,

supplied the goods, but you’re still waiting

for the money to drop into your account.

Doesn’t sound fair, does it?

And yet a study in December by engineering

services trade bodies ECA and BESA found twothirds

of construction business owners were

regularly paid late with nearly half taking no

salary at all to make up for shortfalls.

According to the findings, one in four had to

cancel company training, one in five were unable

to replace broken equipment and one in three

struggled to pay business taxes.

Alarmingly, 7% of employers were forced to pay

their staff late and nine in 10 business owners

suffer from a range of mental health issues,

including anxiety and depression, as a direct

result of the stress of managing cash flow.

While the statistics paint a bleak picture, many of

us won’t be surprised in the slightest. After all,

we are all aware of the slow payer ethic which is

commonplace in our industry.

Why does it happen?

The problem often arises when big firms contract

smaller ones. All contractors would prefer to be

paid within a month of invoicing but, when dealing

with large companies, they are rarely able to argue

if they don’t like the terms on offer, lack the

resources to chase payments and are concerned

about a possible backlash if they complain.

Sadly, many large firms demand 60-day payment

terms. What’s worse, almost 20% of specialist

building contractors admit to paying between 60

and 90 days after invoices have been received

and some admit to pushing this beyond 120 days.

Protracted terms and delayed payments allow big

firms to use the money to improve their

own cash flow, bank-roll investments

or inflate balance sheets at yearend.

Some companies even pride

themselves on how long they can

delay settling bills, using internal KPIs to

track performance.

However, the result on contractors and subcontractors

– which represent the backbone of our

economy – can be catastrophic.

There have been many attempts to change the

status quo. In 2008 the Prompt Payment Code

was established to help small suppliers recover

the £30.2 billion owed to them by some of the

UK's largest companies.

But a decade on, while still in place, this is not the

resounding success it was supposed to be.

Currently, it is estimated that in the UK alone

around £13 billion is owed to small businesses in

overdue payments and up to 50,000 businesses

are at risk of insolvency every year because they

lack the reserves of larger organisations to cover

such delays.

This is an enormous problem which explains why

trade organisations representing smaller

businesses are liaising with each other all the time

to find new ways to combat problems.

Most recently, the Federation of Small Businesses

(FSB), a UK membership organisation

representing smaller firms, started to work with

the World Trade Organisation to ensure small

businesses were not adversely affected by bad

practice. And new rules designed to make sure

large government suppliers pay their bills to their

own suppliers on time – first announced by the

Cabinet Office in November 2018 – came into

Left: Jackie Biswell, Apex Roofing.

force on 1 September 2019.

As a result, big businesses

must now pay 95% of their

invoices in 60 days or run the risk

of being excluded from bidding for

major government deals. And this is starting to

make an impact on businesses who do not want to

be cut out of the most lucrative contracts.

A culture change

Under the Reporting on Payment Practices and

Performance Regulations 2017, large suppliers are

now required to publish their payment performance

data online every six months – with false reports a

criminal offence that could incur a fine.

But other practical measures that some companies

have started adopting include companies holding

money in things like ‘project bank accounts’ – used

in construction to receive payment in five days or

less from the due date. And many are also using

commercial bank cards to pay suppliers earlier than

agreed terms, while still improving working capital.

We are starting to make strides in the right direction

but whether large or small, we all play a role in

ensuring the abuse of retention payments within the

construction industry is stamped out.

After all, small and medium-sized businesses are

vital to the health of our economy, providing jobs

and prosperity to communities up and down the

country. We need them to flourish and have a duty

to ensure they do so.

Contact Apex Roofing

01502 537129

http://www.apexroofinguk.com

@ApexAnglia

22 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Reliability...

our strength

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At SR Timber, RELIABILITY means:

n Consistent quality from our managed sawmill to the roof

n ‘Full to size’ in all dimensions GOLD battens

n Our ranges are certified and compliant to British Standards

n Treatment with a waterbased, organic preservative, VACSOL Aqua (Vac-Vac)

n 60 Year lifetime warranty against insect attack and wood rotting fungi

(when installed above dpc level in buildings)

With decades of experience, our team is more

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TIMBER SPECIALISTS

TEL: 01623 446 800

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www.sr-timber.co.uk

Perfectly Pitched

HOW HAS THE SECTOR DEVELOPED?

Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer looks back over some of the key changes in roofing

throughout his 40+ year career.

In my 40+ years in the roofing industry I have

seen many advances, though I think it is fair

to say that the rate of progress doesn’t quite

match that of the car industry or mobile phone

technology etc!

Even so, quite a lot has changed. One of the biggest

drivers of domestic dwelling design was the energy

shortages in the 1970s. When energy was cheap

and houses were heated primarily using coal fires,

houses were naturally draughty to encourage the

fire to ‘draw’ up the chimney. Cold air was free to

move around under the floors, within the cavity

walls and into the roof space. Towards the end of

the 1970s, the thickness of loft insulation started to

increase and in the early 80s, houses began to be

constructed with closed cavities; cavity closures are

now routinely installed at the tops of cavity walls

and with air bricks. Unfortunately, this combination

of greater insulation and limited cold air movement

within the building structure created condensation

problems. Roof spaces were particularly prone to

condensation as warm, moist air past through the

ceiling into the colder loft space. The use of

roofspace ventilation and modern permeable

underlays, when correctly installed, has largely

eliminated condensation in the roofspace.

During the 1970s, two types of underlay were

mostly available: BS 747 type 1F and non-British

Standard. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cheaper, non-

British Standard type was the most popular, though

it tended to rot after a few years. These underlays,

being relatively heavy, tended to drape naturally

between rafters and, being bituminous, formed a

watertight seal around the nail holes where the tiles

battens were nailed into the rafters. The

disadvantage of these underlays was that they were

vapour impermeable and so provided no

contribution to the ventilation of the roof space.

The introduction of lightweight vapour-permeable

underlays, used extensively in Europe, marked a

sea-change in the control of roof

space condensation, though it has to

be said that even today there is still

sometimes confusion about how

these ‘breathable’ underlays should be

installed in combination with roof space

ventilation. In typical English roof construction, the

underlay takes a significant proportion of the total

wind load on the roof, therefore the wind load

resistance of lightweight breathable underlays

must now be determined using a test method

described in BS 5534.

In 2014, the publication of the latest version of

the British Standard for slating and tiling BS 5534

was another landmark in roofing. For the first

time, as a default and regardless of the

calculated wind loading on the roof, all single lap

roof tiles, ridge tiles and hip tiles must be fixed,

with perimeter tiles being twice fixed. The

Standard introduced higher theoretical wind

loads, which means that more fixings are

required. This has spurred roof tile manufacturers

on to develop faster and easier to use tile clips to

help the roofing contractor.

Eliminating the use of mortar

Dry fix systems have been available since the

1970s, though take-up was relatively slow.

Eventually though, designers and their clients

started to understand the benefits of a

maintenance-free roof. In eliminating the use of

mortar at ridge, hip and verges, dry fix systems

have great advantages for the installer too, such as

speed of installation and no concerns that rain or

frost will damage freshly laid mortar before it has

set. Though it was the requirement for mechanically

fixed ridge and hip tiles in the 2014 BS 5534

Standard that really fuelled a huge increase in their

use, ridge and hip tiles can still be mortar-bedded,

but the mortar must be supplemented with

mechanical fixings.

Left: John Mercer, pitched roofing consultant.

Until the publication in 2018 of the

BS 8612: British Standard for dry fix

ridge, hip and verge systems, the

manufacture and use of dry fix systems

had been largely unregulated. The Standard

deals with the materials the dry fix products are

made from, by stating the appropriate Standard

to test a material to, or, as in the case of plastics,

specifying the material properties that should be

declared. There are test methods in the Standard

covering the various functions of each system,

such as rain penetration resistance and wind

uplift security.

A tiled pitched roof has become to be regarded as

a system combined with the internal ceiling

construction, with importance attached to

underlay performance, ventilation, fixings and dry

fix systems. To improve the thermal performance

of buildings, not only has the thickness of

insulation increased but also there is now more

emphasis on the airtightness of buildings. This in

turn influences how other parts of a building are

constructed. For example, if a building has a

well-sealed ceiling as defined in BS 9250, the

roof space can be constructed with less

ventilation as less water vapour can escape from

the living space into the roof space.

Coming right up to date, changes in supply chain

are already happening; one online merchant saw

its customer base increase by 55% and revenue

increase by 75% in 2019.

Roofs may not look a great deal different from the

way they did 40 years ago, but there has been a

lot of development to improve the quality,

appearance and durability of our pitched roofs.

Contact John Mercer

@johnmercer3

24 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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for pitched roofs for over 20 years. Certified by the BBA, LABC and LABSS, Roofshield

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Self-Drilling Fasteners

WELL DRILLED: DON’T GET IN A FIX

WITH SELF-DRILLING FASTENERS

Total Contractor talks self-drilling fasteners, the importance of correct installation and

how to ensure a safe and secure fix with Jon Knaggs, Technical Advisor, EJOT Applitec.

TC: At Contractor’s Day 2019, you were

focusing on the issue of correct

installation of self-drilling fasteners. Why

is this such a big problem for the roofing

and cladding sectors?

JK: Correct installation of fasteners is key to

getting lifetime performance from your metal

panels. Installed correctly, technical fixing and

fastening products are building components that

have been engineered in their own right to provide

high-strength load performance, safe and secure

joints, environmental longevity and countless

other application benefits.

TC: So how do installations go wrong? I

take it it’s not as simple as just drilling

the fixing into the substrate…

JK: No, definitely not… With particular reference

to the deployment of technical roofing fasteners,

best practice also implies the need for roofing

contractors to see the entire installation process

through. Yet this can easily break down if

everyone actively involved in the chain is not fully

aware of the technical properties that a modern

roofing fastener is engineered or re-engineered to

deliver. It’s often down to the wrong choice of

tools. Choosing the wrong installation tool is an

easy mistake to make. Technical fasteners are

engineered to seal at the head, thread and the

sheet so a standard drill driver, for example, will

only give you 800 revolutions per minute which is

too low to properly drill the hole; in contrast a dry

lining gun can turn at over 4,000 revolutions and

will burn out the fastener’s drill point; impact

drivers use a hammer action – great for high

torque installation of anchors, but completely the

wrong tool for self-drilling fasteners.

TC: So, what’s the answer?

JK: The majority of the tools mentioned above

have no clutch mechanism to safeguard against

over-driving and whilst it may be possible to

achieve a correctly installed fastener using such

a device, it can be argued that at best the

installer is likely to be doing so by sensory

perception – which cannot be relied upon across

the installation of several thousand fasteners.

With this in mind, we use the FEIN AS CS 6.3

cordless screw gun but there are plenty of

comparable guns available in battery and 110V

format. They give the installer the ideal operating

speed of between 1500 and 2000 rpm needed for

specially engineered self-drilling fasteners to

create a safe and secure fix.

TC: Describe a ‘safe and secure fix’...

JK: A safe and secure fix means the correct

thread engagement into the metal thickness

you’re installing into and the correct washer

engagement to create a full seal. That means

setting the depth the right way, and this easy to

use nosepiece (see pic) will give you all the help

you need. The depth setting can be changed

appropriately to suit the material you are fixing

into and the fastener needs to be perpendicular to

the substrate. What you’re looking for is a

‘bulging’ compression of the EPDM without

forcing the washer to be flat, and providing you’re

using the right tools and following a few

important guidelines, installation the right way is

a straight-forward process.

Undersetting the nosepiece will result in little or

no compression of the washer and therefore no

seal, whilst oversetting the nosepiece can result

in the fastener stripping out its substrate – this

Above: Setting a screw gun nosepice.

means no seal and thread engagement is

dramatically reduced.

TC: Where can readers find further

information to assist them?

JK: Seeing first-hand evidence the varying levels

of awareness relating to fixings and fastenings,

we have produced the first in what is planned to

be a series of technical guides in video and

printed format in which our technical wing EJOT-

Applitec review best installation practices relating

to self-drilling fasteners. The Applitec guide also

illustrates how to achieve correct settings that

relate directly to the different type of the

materials being joined, the easiest way to achieve

successful application, and finally how to monitor

safe and correct installation throughout the

project’s schedule.

The information we are producing here shows

that we don’t just sell fastening products. We are

on many levels working alongside other genuine

manufacturers to develop well researched

technical information and to supplement with

greater depth the contributions we all make to

information circulated by recognised industry flag

bearers such as the NFRC and the MCRMA.

Contact EJOT UK

01977 687040

www.ejot.co.uk

@EJOTUK_Building

26 TC FEBRUARY 2020

There are many ways to drive a self-drilling fastener.

And then, there’s the right way!

Self-drilling fasteners don’t ‘just’ hold things together. They are specialist components designed and manufactured to

ensure the integrity and long-term performance of roofing and cladding systems. That’s why, from tools to technique,

up-to-date knowledge of correct installation is absolutely critical, industry-wide.

EJOT UK’s ‘How To’ video guide takes a few minutes to watch

and could make a long-term difference to Best Practice.

Visit our website, follow EJOT UK on YouTube or scan the QR code

here to watch on your smart phone.

EJOT® the quality connection

www.ejot.co.uk

Low Pitch Queries

PITCHING IT RIGHT: HOW

LOW CAN YOU GO?

Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley, answers

readers’ questions about low pitch roofs.

Since the relaxation in planning laws, well over a 100,000 single storey extensions have been

completed in the UK. This type of project often calls for a lower pitched roof due to the position of

first floor windows, yet homeowners tend to prefer the performance and aesthetic of a tiled roof,

rather than a flat roof. So it’s no surprise that our technical team are getting more and more queries

about low pitch roof installations.

Below, we answer some of the most frequent concerns that contractors have when creating low

pitch roofs:

1I’m doing an extension project and need

to match the original concrete roof tiles

– are there any low pitch options? We

are just about to launch a new, low pitch concrete

interlocking tile, Mendip 12.5, which has been

designed with low pitch extensions in mind. It has

the same double pan design as the original

Mendip tile, but has special weatherproofing

channels so that it can be used down to a very

low pitch of just 12.5 degrees. It will be available

in two colours – Smooth Grey and Smooth Brown.

We also offer three other low pitch concrete roof

tiles. Our large format Wessex and Mendip

concrete interlocking tiles can be used down to a

minimum 15 degrees pitch and our thin leading

edge, slate effect Edgemere interlocking tile has a

17.5 degree minimum pitch.

2What is the lowest minimum pitch for a

clay roof? When it comes to clay plain

tiles, some types of single camber tile can

be used on roof pitches as low as 30 degrees

(depending on the manufacturer) but most single

and double camber clay plain tiles can be used

down to 35 degree pitches.

However, there are some clay interlocking tiles

which allow you to achieve the traditional clay

look at a much lower pitch. For example, our

Melodie clay interlocking pantiles can be used on

pitches as low as 12.5 degrees. These tiles are

particularly good for extension projects and are

available in both Natural Red and Slate Grey

colours to give you more choice.

For a more rustic appearance, our Lincoln

interlocking pantile has a low minimum pitch of

17.5 degrees.

3What happens if I need to go below the

recommended minimum pitch? Laying a

product below its minimum pitch can

prove to be a costly mistake. As well as the risk

of invalidating warranties, the roof might not be

signed off by building control upon completion, so

it is always important to check with the

manufacturer.

If you do decide to install roof tiles below

recommended minimum pitch for aesthetic

reasons, then the tiles should not be relied upon

for performance. However, there may be

proprietary sub-roof systems on the market by

others to install beneath the tiles to provide this

necessary function. In these instances, checking

exposure is very important because the higher the

rainfall, then the riskier this approach is. Our

advice follows the BS 5534 recommendation that

‘a roof designed below the recommended roof

pitch should have a functional weatherproof subroof

system to remove any rainwater ingress

safely to the rain gutter’.

Graph: Marley’s Pitch Checker.

“It’s no surprise that

our technical team are

getting more queries

about low pitch roof

installations”

4Why can some tiles be used at a lower

pitch? The weather tightness of roof tiles

and slates decreases as the roof pitch gets

lower and rafter length increases because it takes

longer for water to drain from the roof. The reason

our tiles can achieve such a low minimum pitch

is because we put them through extreme testing

processes, which go above and beyond what a

normal roof tile would be exposed to. Many of the

tiles, like the Mendip 12.5, also incorporate

special features which allow them to be installed

at a lower pitch.

5Do I need to reduce the rafter length?

Each manufacturer will give

recommendations about what rafter length

can be used for the tile and pitch. Sometimes

tiles used at a lower pitch will have a lower

maximum rafter length. Always ensure that the

correct minimum headlap is used for the

particular tile, pitch and rafter length

combination. If there is any doubt, or if the rafter

length is in excess of 6m, you should contact

Marley’s free Technical Advisory Service for

further guidance.

Contact Marley

01283 722588

www.marley.co.uk

@MarleyLtd

28 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Contractor’s Qs

“IT’S HARD TO SWITCH OFF”

Josh Morrison (pictured right with a happy customer) is MD of JR Roofing Lancs, a Freefoam

Registered Installer and winner of the Which? Trader of the Month in December 2019. We caught up

with Josh to talk all things roofing, including his path to his current position, dealing with difficult

customers, the issues impacting on roofers in today’s market and balancing work with family time.

10

questions for Josh Morrison

TC: What was your path into roofing and

to your current position?

JM: I’ve been in the trade from a young age. After

I left school, I started labouring for the family

business and never looked back. I’ve always had

a drive to work in the building trade and expand

my knowledge. I also love working outdoors,

which is an obvious benefit!

I found my passion for roofing and established JR

Roofing around four years ago. Our aim was to

deliver quality, reliability and excellent customer

service. We’ve built our reputation on attention to

detail and giving real value to customers, so we

were overjoyed to win Which? Trader of the Month

in December.

We also try to give back to the local community

and help people in need. We’ve come to the

rescue of a few homeowners who’ve fallen prey to

‘cowboys’. One that stands out was an elderly

lady who paid rogue traders a significant deposit

but was left with a damaged, unsafe roof and a

terrible mess in her garden. They demanded full

payment and the homeowner was clearly

distressed so we stepped in to replace her roof

and undo all the bad work.

TC: If you had one piece of advice about

working and progressing in the roofing

sector, what would it be?

JM: Without a doubt, to get the backing of a

reputable organisation. JR Roofing is part of the

Confederation of Roofing contractors and we’re

also a Which? Trusted Trader. We went through a

detailed vetting process with Which?, but we

“Some people are more

demanding than others,

so we try to see things

from the customer’s

point of view”

knew it was the right move for the business. It

shows customers we’re serious about standards

and quality and gives us insurance-backed

guarantees, which gives further assurance to

homeowners.

We also choose suppliers who offer strong

product guarantees. We’re a Freefoam Registered

Installer and we’ve worked with them for over two

years, buying their products through CP Building

Plastics. We switched from another roofline

supplier because Freefoam’s guarantees are

unbeatable – 50 years on white roofline and 10

years on colour roofline. Freefoam’s products also

have a high quality finish, are easy to install and

their colour range is second-to-none.

My other piece of advice is to build a strong

online presence – this has been vital to our

success and we always keep our portfolio up-todate

with before and after pictures.

TC: Tell us about a current project you’re

working on…

JM: We’ve got a busy year ahead. We’re currently

working on a number of re-roofs and some

interesting Victorian properties. It’s going to be an

exciting year, stay tuned for details of future

projects!

TC: You must have worked on some

difficult projects over the years. Does one

in particular stand out?

JM: You’re right, we’ve worked on a number of

complex projects, but we enjoy the challenge! We

see a lot of problems where previous contractors

have applied foam insulation to the joists and

used it to bond roof tiles. It can make repairs very

difficult and in extreme cases it’s a health and

safety hazard, making it hard for homeowners to

sell their properties. We worked on one detached

house where all the joists had been back foamed.

It was in such a bad state we had to cut the foam

out from the inside and replace the whole roof.

TC: What about difficult customers, how

do you deal with them? Any situations that

stand out that you can tell us about?

JM: You get difficult customers in every industry,

but the key is how you approach them and deal

with their problems, and I’m proud to say we

have over 150 5-star reviews online.

Of course, some people are more demanding than

others, so we try to see things from the

customer’s point of view and work out the best

way of resolving their issues. We try to treat

customers fairly and keep the dialogue open

throughout the job. We take time to assess each

project so we can give accurate estimates and

avoid unexpected bills. If problems do crop up,

we make sure we explain them to customers. I

tell all my team to leave jobs clean and tidy at the

end of every day and keep customers updated on

progress.

30 TC FEBRUARY 2020

CERTIFICATE 12/4895

TC: What’s the most frustrating thing

about your job?

JM: Probably the struggle of balancing work with

family time. As anyone who runs their own

business knows, it’s hard to switch off and make

a clear distinction between work and time off with

the children. Saying that, I love my work and the

good outweighs the bad. I’m passionate about

roofing and learning new skills, and I thrive off

the buzz of this industry.

TC: And the most satisfying?

JM: I’m quite artistic and I enjoy creating

beautiful cast lead features for roofs. I’m

definitely a perfectionist so I get huge satisfaction

from seeing a finished project with quality

workmanship.

TC: What’s your most important asset as a

roofing contractor, either in the office or

on site?

“That’s the biggest

issue for us – traders

who ‘have a go’ at

something without the

right training and

experience”

JM: It has to be my partner, Danielle. She works

full time at JR Roofing and does everything from

managing the works schedules and looking after

the company’s accounts to sending out

quotations and liaising customers. She even

brings out spare tools to jobs when we’re stuck!

TC: What’s the biggest issue currently

affecting you as a roofer?

JM: It’s a competitive industry and new

companies seem to be setting up every week. A

lot of them try to win business by slashing prices,

but often they’re not experienced enough to cope

with complex jobs. That’s the biggest issue for us

– traders who ‘have a go’ at something without

the right training and experience. It causes more

problems and we end up spending more time

undoing the damage.

TC: How has 2019 been and are there

reasons to be positive for 2020?

JM: 2019 was a rollercoaster – we were

extremely busy, and winning Which? Trader of the

Month was the highlight of a fantastic year. We

were delighted to get recognition for our work and

put Blackpool on the map. JR Roofing is gradually

expanding and we see lots of reasons to be

positive in 2020. Consumer confidence has

picked up and we have a lot of projects in the

pipeline.

Contact JR Roofing Lancs

www.roofersinblackpool.co.uk

@jrroofinglancs

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FEBRUARY 2020 TC 31

NFRC Tech Talk

ROOFERS’ GUIDE TO SOLAR

INSTALLATIONS – PART 1

As solar installations continue to increase across the UK, the NFRC says ensuring the

effectiveness of roof coverings and their structural integrity has never been more important…

Last June, solar capacity in the UK increased

to 13,259 MW, bringing total solar

installations to over a million, continuing a

trend that made UK the third biggest solar energy

generator in the EU in 2018.

The increase is being helped by the government’s

Feed-in Tariff incentive scheme, which ended last

year and was replaced by smart export guarantee

(SEG) whereby electricity suppliers offer a tariff

and make payment to small-scale low-carbon

generators for electricity exported to the National

Grid.

Clearly then, there is a market that roofing

contractors can be tapping into. However, the

installation of solar panels should never

compromise the effectiveness and structural

integrity of the roof; that means careful planning

before an installation.

Condition of roof before installing

It should go without saying that the existing roof

should have an expected useful life span of no

less than the solar installation, which applies not

only to the waterproofing layer, but to all the

materials in the build-up of the roof. Therefore,

any repairs or re-roofing should take place before

the solar installation to avoid additional cost and

disruption when the roofing works become due.

The contractor also needs to consider whether an

existing roof covering can withstand the work

involved in installing the solar system; for

example, some old bituminous membranes can

become brittle and will tend to tear easily when

handled. Similarly, old roof tiles or slates may

break very easily and so they must be properly

protected to avoid damage when accessing over

the roof covering. The installer should ensure that

when making good a roof where re-covering is not

required, that they are able to source the

necessary materials before commencing work.

Weight, wind and other loads

The weight of the panel – including the wind

loads – should be considered when designing a

system and checking if the structure is suitable,

which would include the age of roof, its condition

and bearing sizes etc. This should be covered at

the design and survey stage, especially if some

structural work is required.

It should be noted that some traditional ‘cut’

roofs – i.e. those consisting of the standard

arrangement of rafters, purlins and ridge trees

etc, can already be at or near load capacity.

Wind loading should therefore be carefully

calculated in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4 to

ensure the solar installation will be able to maintain

the expected loads placed upon it and to ensure the

loads are not transferred to the roof covering.

Some manufacturers may be able to provide a

calculation service for wind loading or have

information already available as a result of

testing. Guidance on calculating wind loads on

solar panels is also given in BRE Digest 489 and

Annex A of the NHBC Foundation document NF30

Guide to installation of renewable energy systems

on roofs of residential buildings.

Installers working at height should also be aware

of the increased risks when handling solar

equipment, particularly in windy conditions and

should refer to Health and Safety Guidance

(HSG33), NFRC’s Health and Safety guidance

Roofing and Cladding in Windy Conditions and

Guidance Sheet P Handling Solar Collectors and

other large items on the Roof.

Where solar panels are integrated into pitched

roofs, they generally align with the pitch of the

roof and as such the overall wind load on the roof

is not increased. However, surface-mounted solar

systems may cause localised uplift forces and so

the surrounding tiles or slates must be suitably

fixed. Also, the uplift force on the panels will be

concentrated at the fixing points / brackets.

It is therefore important that the brackets are

securely fixed to the rafters rather than the

battens or counter battens. If necessary, the

rafters and rafter fixings should also be

strengthened. Further design guidance is given in

PD CEN/TR 16999 Solar energy systems for roofs

– Requirements for structural connections to

solar panels.

Where solar panels are fitted to a flat roof they

will usually be elevated at an angle to the roof.

The wind loading should be considered from all

directions to ensure the fixings or ballast used is

sufficient to withstand the uplift force.

Planning issues

Solar panels are normally considered to be

‘permitted development’ under planning law, so in

most cases there is no need to apply for planning

permission. However, for listed buildings or

buildings in Conservation Areas, planning consent

will be required, especially if the panels are to be

mounted on an elevation visible from the highway.

On pitched roofs, the panels are also not allowed

to extend above the ridge line or above the roof

surface by more than 200mm.

Contact the NFRC

020 7638 7663

www.nfrc.co.uk

@TheNFRC

32 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Whitesales: Rooflights

MAKING THE RIGHT ROOFLIGHT

SELECTION: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Kevin Wheeler, Senior Technical Estimator at Whitesales, discusses how due diligence when

selecting an appropriate daylighting solution is essential and explains the value of product

testing and certification.

The purpose of a rooflight seems simple

enough. Primarily its function is to allow

natural light into a building’s interior.

Designs consist of glazing panes (be that glass or

other material) set into a frame unit, usually PVC

or aluminium. So, it might seem product selection

would be a relatively straightforward process. Opt

for a good quality product from a reputable

manufacturer, ensure it is installed to the

manufacturer's instructions and “Bob’s your

uncle”; okay, we’re being deliberately simplistic.

Experienced trades and non-professionals alike

understand that rooflight specifications vary greatly.

‘Educated buyers’ recognise that comprehensive

research and due diligence needs to be performed

to ensure selection of the appropriate product. But

there’s a question that may be repeatedly asked

throughout this process: is the highest performing

specification really necessary?

As with all elements of construction, roof glazing

requires compliance with certain critical

performance standards to ensure that the

completed design is robust, durable and safe for

purpose. Building Regulations stipulate roof

glazing units must perform a similar function to

the building elements in which they are installed.

Other performance standards required may relate

to the structural loads imposed upon the glazing,

calculated U-value to assess how well it deals

with solar gain or heat loss, or even how much

sound is transmitted through the glass. Each

category of rooflight has a distinct classification

in terms of fragility, loading level, installation

method and surface coating. Understanding the

characteristics and criteria of the various

rooflight options, is critical to ensuring a

compliant and appropriate selection.

“There are a number of

circumstances

affecting impact

resilience – including

the installation method

used, and the coating

applied to the surface”

It’s important to consider the parameters of the

roof area to be glazed, and the implications of

future maintenance. For example, if the roof is to

be constructed above living accommodation, it

will require characteristics for noise and solar

control, as well as security. For commercial

structures other specification criteria may need to

be considered. For flat roof environments, use of

certain classifications of rooflights will result in

the area being designated as a “Fragile Roof”.

This means that if there is any possibility

whatsoever of persons stepping or falling on the

rooflight, it is the building owner’s responsibility

to ensure that safety barriers are installed to

prevent trips/falls onto the rooflight.

Consideration of all these factors is where

gaining a deeper understanding of the

performance spec of the product you are

considering comes in.

Understanding non-fragility

classification criteria

The term ‘non-fragile’ indicates that the surface of

the rooflight is durable and resilient. However, the

term is sometimes misinterpreted. Non-fragile

ratings apply to a broad range of rooflights, each

with significant variation in terms of their

resistance to impact. Non-fragile classifications

can be applied to polycarbonate, glass and GRP

rooflights. However, there are a number of

circumstances affecting impact resilience within

these categories, including the installation method

used and the coating applied to the surface.

A non-fragile classification is applied to rooflights

which are considered resistant to impacts from

falling objects (or people) and maintain an

equivalent level of impact resistance to that

maintained across the surface of the roof overall.

New rooflight installations should always be

designed as non-fragile, and be installed using

specified components and approved

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“New rooflight installations should always be

designed as non-fragile, and be installed using

specified components and approved

methodology”

methodology, to maximise the longevity of the

non-fragile classification.

CWCT testing for rooflights identifies a rating

(Class 1, 2 or 3), according to performance under

a standardised assessment. A specified weight is

released in a controlled fall under gravity, at

critical points, to monitor impact resistance.

Class 1 is categorised as suitable to walk on for

brief maintenance or cleaning. Class 2 is

unsuitable for walking upon, but resistant to

breakage in the event of surface impact. Class 3

is a ‘fragile’ classification, requiring additional

safety considerations. CWCT provides guidance

for appropriate installation of rooflights. The TN66

Technical Note relates to glass rooflights which is

not publicly accessible but may be accessed for

maintenance purposes. TN67 outlines the required

assessment process to ensure glass roofs are

compliant with CWCT classifications. TN92 details

the criteria required for glass used in Class 2 roofs

to achieve a ‘deemed to satisfy’ rating.

Safety performance and

glass classifications

The glass used in manufacture is a strong

indicator of safety performance. The ideal

specification should include a double-glazed unit

(at a minimum) with an outer toughened pane and

an inner panel of laminated glass. There are many

reasons why a combination of both toughened and

laminated glass is the preferable choice.

The process of crafting toughened glass creates

compressive and tensile stresses. These

counteracting stresses are what give toughened

glass its higher resistance to breakage and why it

‘crumbles’ into granular fragments when broken,

rather than shattering into jagged shards.

Although these small pieces may be less

dangerous they can still pose a problem. The

addition of an internal laminated glass layer

offers increased durability and protection (as well

as enhanced sound proofing qualities).

Laminated glass is made from an interlayer of

polymeric material sandwiched between two or

more layers of glass; it is produced through two

different methods. The most common method is

to use a combination of heat and pressure to

push a thin layer of PVB between the sheets.

Should damage occur, the interlayer holds any

fragments together preventing them from falling,

reducing injury risk. Rooflights manufactured

using both laminated and toughened glass

therefore provide the highest levels of safety.

Permeability and breathability in

glass rooflights

Air permeability can be categorised as the

physical property used to measure the

airtightness of the building fabric. It is defined as

an air leakage rate per hour, per square metre of

envelope area, at a test reference pressure

differential across the building envelope of 50

Pascal (50 N/m²). Regulations require that most

buildings that are not dwellings must be tested

for air tightness on completion of the building

structure, and the worst case acceptable value

(under Criterion 2) is 10m³/hr/m² at 50 Pa. Air

permeability and breathability qualities for glass

rooflights are subject to specific regulations. The

testing requirements to ensure regulatory

compliance are set out in BS EN 1026: 2000 2

and BS EN 12207: 2000. Similarly, water

permeability is regulated by the British Standards

EN 1027: 2000 and BS EN 12208: 2000, and

wind permeability/breathability in BS EN 12211:

2000 & BS EN 12210: 2000.

The National Association of Rooflight

Manufacturers (NARM) provides comprehensive

guidelines for assessing the permeability and

breathability of glass rooflight products. They

state that attention to the detail of the fixing

process is critical. In particular, the correct type,

size and positioning of sealants, and correct

compression of sealants by use of the correct

number, position, size and type of fasteners is vital.

Testing, certification and

performance standards

As we have covered at a very high level, rooflights

are tested and certified through a variety of means

including: CWCT standards, air permeability, water

ingress, impact and fire resistance, thermal

performance, life cycle and reliability to ensure that

each perform and function as expected. Other

performance standards required relate to the

structural loads imposed upon the glazing.

Overhead glazing is required to withstand the

stress and deflection created by wind loads. This

can constitute positive pressure, or (through wind

suction) negative pressure. Loads created as a

result of the formation of both ice and snow (and

standing water) also add additional load pressure

in conjunction with the weight of the glazed panel

itself.

In conclusion: is the highest performing

spec really necessary?

Necessary? well that’s a very open-ended

question. Preferable? Of course. Buildings can

present a great number of possible risks both

during construction phase and subsequent

operation over their lifecycle. There are many

duties placed on those commissioning, designing,

constructing and operating buildings to control

those risks. Ensuring premium specification

products are installed can help to mitigate risk.

Responsible manufacturers understand the value

of testing and certifying their products.

Manufacturers with a stringent approach to

quality assurance and a design ethos to produce

high-performance products are the ones to look

out for. When those manufacturers also

understand their customers’ need for budgetary

compliance – then it’s a win, win.

Contact Whitesales

01483 917580

www.whitesales.co.uk

@WhitesalesUK

36 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Green Roofs: Modular Solution

THE MODULAR APPROACH TO

GREEN ROOF INSTALLATIONS

Julian Thurbin, Director at Wallbarn, says you should go

modular for a slice of the green roof action...

Awell-executed green roof is the gift that

keeps on giving, bestowing improved air

quality, rainwater management, urban

cooling, great looks and a very positive

biodiversity kick upon its environment for years to

come – 75 years and counting for one

development in Germany.

Installing green roofs has traditionally been the

preserve of more specialist or sector-specific

roofing contractors but, thanks to product

developments and greater understanding of what

these roofs can achieve, the market has opened

up and presents a really good opportunity for more

contractors to add green roofs to their domestic

and commercial roofing portfolios.

And there’s no easier way than with a modular

solution, essentially a prefabricated system

prepared off-site and simply clicked into place

on-site to deliver an instant green roof suitable for

homes, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping

centres, offices, retail developments etc. Benefits

of this approach (for both end clients and

installers) are ease and speed of installation and

the ability to gain access to the roof deck if

required.

Croydon-based Wallbarn is a pioneer of modular

green roof systems in the UK and has seen how

simplifying the installation process can open up

the market for more people to enjoy the many

bene-fits of green roofs. We have invested heavily

in research and product development to ensure

our market-leading solution M-Tray delivers on

Above: The M-Tray from Wallbarn.

performance and looks. M-Tray’s success has

been achieved through the unique design of its

100mm deep cassettes – made of both recycled

and recyclable plastic – our scientifically superior

substrate and carefully selected sedum and

wildflower plants grown on our own farm in

Hampshire. We are roofing experts, nurserymen,

soil specialists and botanists all rolled into one,

ensuring that M-Tray delivers an easy-to-install

green roof system that is good looking and stands

the test of time.

See below for the key points to consider when entering the modular green roof market:

Load bearing: this is the first consideration

for any green roof, modular or roll-out. A

structural engineer can advise if the

structure it is to be installed upon can support its

weight. We find that M-Tray can be retrofitted onto

the vast majority of existing roofs (the system

weighs 100kg/m² sup-plied/120kg/m² saturated).

For new-build projects the required structural

integrity can be designed-in.

Ease of installation: Traditional roll-out

green roof systems generally require the

installation of a root barrier, drainage layer,

textile filter and growing medium. Modular

solution cassettes take on all of these functions in

clean and easily transportable pre-planted trays

installed on to geo-textile fleece which protects

the existing roof/membrane. The 500mm x

500mm cassettes can be carried by hand (and

38 TC FEBRUARY 2020

NEW

BIGGER

RANGE

DOMELIGHT COMPANY

“The market has opened up and

presents a really good opportunity

for more contractors”

passed through windows to reach hard to access roofs) then simply clicked

together to form an instant green roof. Cassettes can be lifted up at a future

date if access is required to the roof deck.

Technical considerations: Fire regulations require a hard border

between vegetation and building walls and around features such as

rooflights and fall arrest systems (consult the GRO Code for further

details). The roof also needs to be relatively level. M-Tray can accommodate

slopes of up to 15° but we do not recommend going above 10°.

Maintenance: Sedum plants are hardy and will tolerate extreme

conditions – there are green roofs worldwide thriving in a wide

variety of climactic conditions. In exceptionally dry conditions it

may be necessary to water the roof. Some clients choose to install an

irrigation system and apply slow-release fertiliser for best year-round

results.

Design: a good supplier will design a layout guide with estimates for

trays, geo-fleece and border pebbling and provide on-going technical

support, often vital for roofing contractors new to installing modular

green roofs.

Availability: Wallbarn offers year-round supply of its M-Tray system,

often next day delivery direct or through one of our merchant

partners.

Conclusion

By building all of this technology and expertise into its modular solution,

Wallbarn has effectively opened up an avenue for non-specialist contractors

to undertake green roof installations.

Contact Wallbarn

020 8916 2222

www.wallbarn.com

@wallbarn

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Top Tips: Liquid Applications

APPLYING LIQUIDS IN COLD

WEATHER: KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Mark Bruchez, Executive Director of Kemper System’s technical team, explains the dos and

don’ts when applying liquids in colder conditions.

The UK’s unpredictable weather causes

many challenges for those working in the

construction industry, and waterproofing

installers are no exception. Whether working on a

roof, podium deck, balcony, terrace or car park,

project deadlines and costs can be difficult for

contractors to manage when faced with the threat

of plummeting temperatures, as well as wet and

stormy weather.

Given the time pressures that usually go hand in

hand with waterproofing projects, delaying work

because it’s too wet or cold isn’t usually an

option. Contractors must therefore understand

the impact of cold weather on product installation

and what steps they can take to overcome the

potential challenges of these conditions.

Curing times

The curing of liquid waterproofing materials is

slower at lower temperatures. This is because the

chemical processes responsible for the transition

from liquid to a solid take place at a slower rate

when it is colder.

As a result, many liquid manufacturers offer

systems than enable additives to be mixed into

the waterproofing resin prior to use to speed-up

the chemical reaction. Alternatively, for some

products, the manufacturer may recommend an

increased percentage of catalyst. Both methods

will typically achieve a cure similar to that

experienced at normal temperatures, which is

around 20 degrees centigrade, providing optimum

working and curing times.

Most manufacturers’ product datasheets or

certifications will give recommendations

regarding the minimum temperature for

application, so contractors must read these

carefully before use.

Substrate conditions

Normally when working in colder conditions, an

installer needs to monitor air temperature,

substrate temperature and humidity, and

calculate the dew point to determine at what

substrate temperature moisture will begin to form

on its surface. This is important as moisture

present on the substrate could significantly affect

adhesion and compromise the quality of the

waterproofing. Moisture forming on the surface of

a primer or waterproof layer prior to cure can

affect inter-coat adhesion or the colour or

aesthetics of a completed coating.

It is also worth noting that water starts to freeze

at four degrees centigrade. If the substrate is

frozen but porous, it may look dry but have frozen

water in the pores, which means the

waterproofing primer will not be able to penetrate

the surface. This will reduce the adhesion of the

system and could lead to blisters and later

debonding of the installed system in warmer

conditions.

To avoid these risks, manufacturers often quote a

minimum recommended application temperature

of five degrees centigrade and a minimum

substrate temperature of three degrees

centigrade (and rising) above the calculated dew

point. However, even if a manufacturer’s

datasheet approves use below five degrees,

contractors should still consider the potential

influence of moisture and ice to avoid the risk of

the system not performing to the required

standard over the long term.

Suitable storage

Once it’s been established that a liquid system

can be installed at a low ambient temperature,

operatives should ensure the waterproofing

materials are stored in appropriate conditions.

Keeping them in a van or container overnight in

cold weather risks them not being at a suitable

working temperature the next day, which will

reduce the effectiveness of any cold working

additives used. Furthermore, liquid resins are

normally more viscous when cold and if they are

applied in this condition, this could lead to slower

installation and higher coverage rates.

Avoiding risks

Liquids offer one of the most robust and effective

waterproofing solutions, even in colder weather,

but contractors must do their homework before

installing a system when temperatures drop.

To avoid the potential risk of a project delay or

increased costs, operatives should make sure

they fully understand the characteristics of the

liquid product they are using and how it could be

suitably adapted to the application conditions.

They are also advised to consider both

application and curing temperatures and to take

advantage of any additives available from the

manufacturer.

Contact Kemper System

01925 445532

www.kempersystem.co.uk

@KemperSystemUK

40 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Sustainable Initiatives

GREEN MINDSET BROUGHT ABOUT

BY SUSTAINABLE CULTURE

Environmental considerations are no longer an afterthought when it comes to a roof’s

installation. Taking the green credentials of materials and installation processes into

consideration makes for a ‘cleaner’ installation, as does education. Janice Tyler,

Environmental and Supply Chain Manager at BriggsAmasco, highlights the training

initiatives introduced by the roofing company in order to establish a sustainable mindset

among employees.

Each year, poor design and site

management leads to approximately 13%

of all solid materials delivered to sites – an

estimated 10 million tonnes – being unused.

Inadequate storage and protection often leads to

production-related wastage on construction sites,

but lack of training in sustainable building

practice is another crucial factor. It’s an issue

that needs addressing to help eliminate waste

and sending it to landfill sites.

“Educating our

employees in the whys

and wherefores of

sustainable working is

a vital first step”

Environmental embrace

At BriggsAmasco, it is our policy to ensure each

roofing project is as notable for its

environmentally-responsible detail, as it is for the

quality of the installation. Educating our

employees in the whys and wherefores of

sustainable working is a vital first step to

reducing the company’s carbon footprint across

all of its activities. We believe that being

sustainable means embracing the three pillars of

sustainability: social, environmental and

economic. By integrating this culture into our

daily business, we fulfil the needs of clients,

suppliers, the community and employees. Having

been in business since 1865, establishing

BriggsAmasco as one of the UK’s

leading roofing companies,

we feel that adopting a

sustainable practice keeps

us in the real world and

maintains the business’s

viability.

Focus

Promotion of our sustainability culture

begins at our two-day new starter induction each

month. As well as covering crucial aspects such

as health and safety, it provides an interactive

and realistic introduction to sustainability issues.

The first task is for each individual to calculate

their own ecological footprint – this helps to focus

on why sustainability is important – followed by

what constitutes a sustainable company, and

specifics such as legal requirements, waste

management, timber, spillages, aspect/impact

assessments. The focus of the induction is

tailored to attendees’ particular needs. The

impetus of this initial awareness is maintained

with sustainability information and updates being

regularly circulated, via bulletins, throughout the

company.

Innovation

In regards to sustainable roof materials used by

BriggsAmasco, hot-melt scores highly. The

system can be reheated, which means there is no

waste and no packaging to dispose of. It also

makes for an ideal green roof specification. It’s

very durable and extremely resistant to impact,

Left: Janice Tyler, BriggsAmasco.

giving it a long life

expectancy. It means it

doesn’t need to be renewed

as quickly as other roof

types. The IKO roof system

contains an impressive

amount of recycled content (45%).

“Another sustainable

innovation in this

sphere is the use of

electric mixers, rather

than using LPG to heat

the melters”

Another sustainable innovation in this sphere is

the use of electric mixers, rather than using LPG

to heat the melters. This method not only saves

crane hook time, it reduces CO2 emissions by

about 65%.

Mastic asphalt is another roofing material with

environmental benefits and is carbon-zero.

BriggsAmasco has a finisher machine that allows

the asphalt to be laid to a precision thickness at

much lower temperatures than traditional laying.

Therefore, instead of applying a heating

temperature of 210°C to employ it, it is operable

at 160°C degrees.

42 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Target

Initiatives such as the mastic asphalt finisher,

coupled with in-house training given to staff in

order to raise their sustainable awareness, have

contributed to BriggsAmasco’s environmental

performance. In order to measure our

performance, the company sets a number of

sustainable key performance indicators which are

assessed and amended as needed, in line with

our continuous improvement philosophy.

One of these is CO2e emissions and having

achieved our initial target of reducing these over

three years (2014-2017), we set a new baseline

using 2017 results and a new target of an

average 5% reduction over the next three years

which takes us up to the end of 2020. This new

average target takes into account variances that

can occur yearly depending on location of works

and incorporates company cars, PCP cars and

commercial vehicles.

Another KPI is our gas and electricity usage. We

achieved our initial target of a 5% reduction and

are on our way to meeting our new target of a 5%

reduction by the end of 2020.

In terms of waste, we divert approximately 92%

of our waste away from landfill into either recycle

or recovery sites. We also measure our waste

arisings, and waste to landfill generated per

£100k of construction output (turnover). The

2018 figures set our baseline for this. A DEFRA

report, ‘UK Statistics for Waste’, showed that the

construction and demolition industry’s average

recovery for non-hazardous waste is 89.9%; far

above the government target for 70% by 2020.

Clean commitment

Working sustainably and sourcing renewable

materials is de rigueur for many constructionbased

companies. But the commitment to

‘cleaner’ working must prevail in order to sustain

environmental progress. BriggsAmasco has been

a gold member of the Supply Chain Sustainability

School since its inception in 2012. The school is a

collaboration between clients, contractors and

first-tier suppliers to help build, maintain and

operate more sustainable buildings, infrastructure

and homes. The scheme not only requires regular

assessment and action plans, it involves

interaction with the school. BriggsAmasco

attends various workshops and supplier days;

have a case study and video interview on the

website, and attends personal invitation

workshops – including identifying school values

and its future development.

Programmes such as this prove its participants

are paying more than lip service to bolster their

green credentials. It’s my opinion that the

construction industry should focus on setting

sustainable standards for other sectors to follow;

together we can build this.

Contact BriggsAmasco

0121 502 9600

www.briggsamasco.co.uk

@BriggsAmascoLtd

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FEBRUARY 2020 TC 43

Smoke Vents

SMOKE VENTS: TOP TIPS & ADVICE

With more than half of fire fatalities resulting from the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases,

we review the benefits of smoke vents in helping to prevent loss of life with Scott Couldrey,

Managing Director at the National Domelight Company (NDC).

Smoke is a killer! In the event of a building

fire, it’s the biggest threat to life: 53% of

fire fatalities are caused by asphyxiation

from the inhalation of smoke and toxic gas.

When a fire starts indoors, smoke can get

trapped, rapidly filling the space. These fumes

can quickly overwhelm anyone caught within the

building. Thankfully, smoke vents can help reduce

the accumulation of smoke. Within 60 seconds

the vent can be open, allowing cool air into the

building while letting hot air and smoke escape

thanks to automatic sensor controls. This reduces

the risk of inhalation while also improving

visibility to aid escape. Evacuation times are

decreased, and better visibility is provided for fire

fighters supporting rescue efforts.

In the absence of ventilation, smoke fills the room

and is drawn back down from the ceiling by

convection as temperatures rise, leading to

potential – and particularly dangerous –

‘flashover’. This is the stage of a fire whereby a

room or other confined area becomes so heated

that the flames flash over and through the

vapours being produced by heated combustible

contents in the space.

Recent disasters have made people increasingly

aware of the devastating impact of inhaling toxic

gases, but there is still more work to be done in

raising the awareness and use of smoke vents.

Adhering to regulations

Government legislation around smoke vents is

complex. To perform their potentially life-saving

task effectively, manufacturers must adhere to

strict testing, tracking and installation regulations.

These include: the BS EN1201-2 European

Standard that specifies requirements and test

methods for natural smoke and heat exhaust

ventilators; the Approved Document B2013 and

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety), which

provide further regulation and guidance for

buildings other than dwelling houses, while BS

9991 and BS 9999 provide assistance in more

complex buildings. It can be a regulatory minefield

and is therefore imperative that guidance is

sought from industry professionals that are

specialists in this area and are abreast of the

latest guidelines and legislation.

Key points include:

• Smoke vent opening for a lobby or stair vent

must project a minimum of 300mm above the roof

level, with no additional restrictions on location or

height of upstand.

• Smoke vent opening for a smoke vent shaft

must project a minimum of 500mm above the roof

level or any surrounding structure within 2.0m,

and must be 2.5m above the ceiling level of the

floor it serves.

• Single Leaf Smoke Vents must open to at least

140 degrees for compliance. However, 160-degree

units are also available and are a preferred

solution for many specifiers

• Aerodynamic Area (Aa) and Geometric Area

(Av) must be provided for ventilation units

• Every individual vent must have a CE

compliance label applied.

Selecting the right smoke vent

Smoke vents can be used in almost all buildings

and are typically found in large structures with

high occupancy, such as apartment blocks,

warehouses, high-rise buildings, offices,

universities, schools and student halls.

There are a variety of solutions available suited to

different applications: smoke vents, automatic

opening vents (AOVs), as well as smoke and heat

exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVs). Smoke lid

vents, for example, are most suited to smoke

shaft applications and rapidly expel toxic gases in

situations where no extra light is needed.

Options include but are not limited to:

• Industrial/commercial properties with large

roof areas: double leaf smoke vents can clear

vast quantities of smoke quickly, with each leaf

opening to approximately 90 degrees.

• High security properties: roof louvre smoke

vents offer high resistance to wind load and

added security. In addition, they provide a good

level of impact resistance in the open or closed

position. Situated at roof level, the vent disperses

both heat and smoke. These vents can also be

fitted on exterior walls, providing an air inlet to

replace exhausted air.

•Façade ventilation: window louvre smoke

vents installed in the façade increases natural

daylight while its wide operating parameter can

provide as much as 1.5m2 of air for ventilation.

This solution can be used in high wind

environments as well as normal conditions.

• Stairwells: a vital yet very dangerous area in

the event of a fire. With a smoke vent, stairwells

can provide a safer means of escape (MOE) and

essential access for the emergency services.

Essentially, the vents reduce smoke build up in

the stairway and corridors leading onto the stairs

for safe evacuation of large volumes of people.

The stairwell ventilators are controlled by clearly

visible manual switches at stairway entrances for

use in emergency situations. It’s recommended

44 TC FEBRUARY 2020

that a ‘break glass’ switch or firefighter override

switch is also fitted. An automatic opening

ventilation system can also significantly improve

safety in a fire as these will open when a detector

or switch on a smoke control panel is triggered.

There are different requirements for variations in

staircases and these will depend on the number

of stairs, levels and the travel distance to the

stairway.

• Corridors: In residential buildings and

apartment blocks, a corridor automatic opening

vent (AOV) utilises the external wall of the

building to expel smoke, particularly where buildup

is close to escape stairwells. Located high on

the external wall, corridor smoke vents support

the discharge of smoke as it naturally rises and

escapes through the vent.

• Smoke shaft vents: There are many smoke

ventilation solutions for ‘smoke shafts’ which

support ventilation of escape routes in tall

buildings. The ventilation options can be

integrated either at the roof level or on internal

floors of the building. An efficient control system

ensures that only the smoke vents on the affected

floor are activated to efficiently expel

accumulating smoke.

When choosing a smoke vent, its location, the

type of ventilator, and method of installation

within the fabric of the building must all be taken

into careful consideration. Expert advice should

be sought to ensure the correct product and

specification is used.

Form and function

Smoke vents come in a variety of guises to suit

all property styles. Additionally, alongside the

safety benefits, smoke vents can also support

day-to-day improvements in the environment,

such as adding ventilation and letting in natural

light.

Aesthetic options for smoke vents include:

• Polycarbonate: one of the most popular

options, it can be used to glaze a variety of smoke

vents, including automatic opening vents (AOVs)

Above: External Smoke Louvre. Right: Double Leaf Smoke Vent.

and Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems

(SHEVS). These solutions are fully certified to BS

EN 12101-2, are available in dome and pyramid

designs and can have double or triple skins for

optimal thermal performance and resistance to

condensation. Polycarbonate also offers excellent

light transference and clarity, so occupants can

see the sky above while benefitting from its

thermal properties.

• Glass: as a smoke vent glazing material, glass

offers both visual and performance-related

benefits and enhancements across the board.

The most obvious appeal is the flat glazed

appearance and the ability to have a lower profile

product at roof level. This helps keep the smoke

vent as attractive from both the roof level and

below the installed unit, which is important for

buildings where smoke vents are located on

communal roof garden areas.

When used in vertical applications (in facades

and external walls), glazed roof louvres are a

great way to introduce natural light within

commonly overlooked areas of a building,

assisting in the safe evacuation of occupants

during an emergency. Smoke vent mechanism

options include single leaf, double leaf and glazed

louvre vent.

• Solid lid Smoke Vents: Although there are

advantages in having a glazed solution to allow

natural light in to a building, this is not always

needed. A solid lid unit can be used in areas that

are positioned above or within a smoke shaft vent

where light is not required, or other sources of

light are available within the same zone. Several

types of mechanism are available: single leaf,

double leaf, roof louvre, solid blade and shaft

vent door.

Smoke vents can be supported by control panels.

These can be activated by and respond to various

accessories depending on the building’s

particular requirements. Single zone control

panels are designed to operate the electric

opening systems for both fire and comfort

ventilation, whilst dual zone control panels are

designed to control the operation of larger fire and

comfort ventilation electric opening systems.

Certified in accordance with EN 12101-10 2005

Class A, the control panels typically come in 24V

DC, 5 or 8 Amp output and have a 72-hour

battery back-up. They also incorporate a visual

LED indicator to alert when they’re activated,

along with ‘open’ and ‘close’ commands on the

front panel. They may be networked as part of a

building management system or may sit as a

complete standalone system.

Remember: fire burns but smoke kills! Ultimately,

whatever the appearance of the smoke vent, its

quality, performance and life-saving functionality

is critical. Always seek expert advice to ensure

the correct vent is selected for the application.

Smoke vents could help save lives and reduce the

shocking fatality statistics we have today.

Contact the National Domelight Company

01276 450630

www.smokevent.co.uk

@National_Domes

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 45

Mythbusters

THE FIVE MOST DANGEROUS

WORK AT HEIGHT MYTHS

Richard Dyson, General Manager at Safesite, discusses the most common and dangerous

working at height myths and explains how they can and should be challenged.

1‘I’ll only be up there for a couple of

minutes; I don’t need protection’: This is

one of the most common, and unfortunately

dangerous, myths in the industry: the idea that

short duration work does not require the same

working at height safety equipment as longer jobs.

Although Work at Height Regulations do not

specify a length of time after which fall protection

equipment becomes mandatory, the correct

equipment should be used from the moment you

are working at height.

Employers are legally required to provide

compliant fall protection equipment, and to

ensure that risk assessments and rescue plans

are in place prior to the work commencing.

Proper preparation is a vital part of working at

height, preventing injuries and saving lives. No

matter how long the work will take, you should

make sure you have everything you need.

2‘It’s too expensive’: Often, this is less a

myth than wilful ignorance on the part of

site owners or managers, and an excuse to

cut corners and save some money.

To a point, it is true: fall protection systems,

especially on larger roofs, can be a costly

investment, but it is worth remembering that this

is all relative. However, preventing accidents on

site should be number one priority, especially if

working at height is a common occurrence.

Investing in the correct equipment and PPE will

minimise the chances of an incident occurring and

absolve you of any legal consequences should one

occur. The equipment might be a high initial cost,

but when weighed against investigation fees, fines,

compensation and, most importantly, the human

cost, it is a small price to pay.

3‘It’s only a couple of metres, that’s not

high’: This myth comes from a basic

understanding of what constitutes working

at height. You do not have to be on a roof for the

term to apply, just working off the ground is enough

to put you ‘at height’ and therefore, at risk.

Most accidents logged as falls from height occur

from negligible distances. The official definition of

‘work at height’ according to the Health and Safety

Executive (HSE) is: ‘work in any place where, if

precautions were not taken, a person could fall a

distance liable to cause personal injury.’ If there is

any risk of falling from the position you are

working in, you are working at height, and you

need to put the correct measures in place.

4‘I checked my equipment last week. It’s

fine’: One of the most misunderstood

areas of working at height is the inspection

and maintenance of fall protection systems. Many

people are unaware of the legal requirements

around equipment inspection, and frighteningly, a

small number of workers rarely give their

equipment more than a glance.

Regulations state that you should carry out a

thorough inspection before each use. You should

ensure all labels are correct, d-rings and

attachments on harnesses are undamaged,

cables on lifelines are not worn or corroded, and

all sections of your equipment are in a visibly

good condition. If you do not think the system is

safe to use, it should be taken out of commission

immediately and replaced. Harnesses should also

be cut up and disposed of, not just put away.

Furthermore, the law states all working at height

equipment must be thoroughly inspected and

recertified by a competent, independent third

party every 12 months. If you are responsible for

site safety and cannot produce a valid certificate

after an incident occurs, you might find yourself

in hot water.

5‘It’s just common sense, isn’t it?’: No.

Far more goes into staying safe when

working at height than common sense.

Though it is hugely important, this must be

supported with the correct training, processes

and equipment. Common sense won’t do anyone

any good if they are forced to carry out work on a

roof without the correct equipment or risk

management processes in place. In fact, anyone

who claims to possess common sense would, in

this situation, refuse to carry out the work at all.

Before any work begins, all risk assessments,

working at height policies and rescue plans should

be clearly communicated with those accessing the

roof, and the correct equipment – recently

inspected and recertified – should be supplied to

them allowing them to safely carry out the work,

armed with more than their common sense.

The dangers of myths

Some people might feel pressured to agree with

these myths and carry out unsafe work, putting

their lives at risk. This is extremely dangerous,

and every worker should feel comfortable

challenging these beliefs where they encounter

them or seeking out support from management.

If you are responsible for site safety, you should

ensure that these myths do not take root amongst

your employees by providing the correct training

and hiring only competent workers.

Contact Safesite

01293 529977

www.safesite.co.uk

@SafesiteLimited

46 TC FEBRUARY 2020

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Roofing Updates

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk

A NEW SEAL OF APPROVAL

BMI UK & Ireland has revised and enhanced its portfolio of market-leading flat roofing technologies with the

introduction of BMI Sealoflex.

BMI Sealoflex is a liquid applied waterproofing range which offers building owners, designers and contractors a great choice

of high-performance system solutions for a host of requirements and applications. To provide ultimate specification and

installation peace of mind, the three systems in the range – Sealoflex Ultima, Sealoflex Prima and Sealoflex Endura – are all backed by the company’s marketleading

guarantees and six-step specification service to meet customer design and technical needs. Headlining the new collection is Sealoflex Ultima, a

lightweight, seamless and extremely versatile, single-component system. Being low odour and solvent and VOC-free, Ultima is 100% hazardless and a superb

choice in refurbishment applications where there may be environmental sensitivities The Sealoflex Endura system combines superior membrane durability

with fast application and rapid curing times. Where extra resistance to wear and traffic is required, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) filling fibres can be

added to the coating to make it super tough. With a fast curing time of around 30 minutes, it is also ideal for projects where speed of installation is important.

Completing the BMI Sealoflex collection is Prima: a 2K (two-part primer, two-part waterproofing coating) system applied as a complete roof overlay solution or

as part of a new warm roof build up. As with Sealoflex Ultima, Prima is also solvent and VOC-free. https://uk.bmisealoflex.com

BMI Sealoflex is BMI’s new liquid

applied waterproofing range.

A HEAVY RESEMBLANCE

CUPA PIZARRAS’ Heavy 3 slate has helped deliver the traditional look of Scottish slate for the

redevelopment and extension of the historic Kingshouse Hotel in the Scottish Highlands.

Above: The Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe: “Fundamental to

the concept for the redeveloped hotel was the selection

of a refined palette of traditional materials employed in a

contemporary idiom to compliment the design, and

establish a dialogue with the local vernacular.” Catherine

Cope, Covell Matthews Architects.

CUPA PIZARRAS’ Heavy 3 slate was chosen for its close resemblance to the traditional Ballachulish

slate, which was produced locally between 1693 and 1955 and was used on the roof of the original

Kingshouse. The dark grey, seven to eight millimetre thick CUPA PIZARRAS Heavy 3 slates closely

replicate the colour and thickness of the original Scottish slates, as well as the characteristic pyrite

crystals often visible on the surface. www.cupapizarras.com/uk

TA-25 USED AT RAF WADDINGTON

Langley Waterproofing Systems has supplied its TA-25 warm roof system to replace the existing roof at RAF

Waddington, Lincolnshire.

Langley’s TA-25 SBS

elastomeric membrane warm

roof system was used on the

roof at RAF Waddington.

This complex project required careful planning and collaboration with Amey Property Services, Langley’s Approved Contractor

Morello Services, and the end client to ensure that the live site could continue to operate during the roof refurbishment. The

existing roof at RAF Waddington had begun to experience issues including water ingress. Therefore, Langley completed a detailed

condition survey of the existing flat roof. Due to its age – and the issues caused as a result – Langley advised that the existing

roof system be replaced by Langley’s TA-25 system to cover the extensive 3,200m² roof area. www.langley.co.uk

THREE KEY PROJECTS FOR PRATER

Prater has recently won three major new contracts in London and will be applying its decades

of experience and technical knowledge to The Peninsula London, 80 Fenchurch Street and

Wood Wharf developments.

Above: Prater will deliver a number of different roofing

finishes, including an extensive hot melt inverted roof

system with elements of green and zinc roofing for the £600

million Peninsula London project.

Mike Goddard, Pre-Contracts Manager at Prater, commented: “We are proud to be part of creating

these new London landmarks that showcase the variety of new developments being built in the

capital. These contract wins demonstrate the strength of our experience and approach, as each

represents an ongoing or renewed relationship with the main contractors on the project.”

48 TC FEBRUARY 2020

TOP MARKS FOR JARVIS

Regularly using the CAD design services offered by ARP, long-term ARP customer Jarvis Roofing often have a few

projects on the go at any one time.

Having won a tender from Ashe Construction for the roofline and rainwater system on Clarborough School consisting of a new

Above: Clarborough School,

extension with bullnose fascia details, rainwater goods including a single ply membrane and aluminium standing seam roof, Richard Perrins from Jarvis knew

exactly who he needed to contact to get the aluminium bullnose fascia designed and drawn. The main challenge of this project was to match the architectural

features of the new extensions exactly to the existing bullnose. CAD drawings were created of the bullnose profile and then issued to the client for comment

and approval. Once the drawings had been approved, Jarvis got back in touch with ARP to place the order for materials. Having a good working relationship

with ARP which was built over the last 12 years, meant that both ARP and Jarvis worked together making sure that the fascia was easy to manufacture and

coat, but also easy to install, especially as all work had to be completed during the school shutdown. The products used on this project were Trueline

aluminium bullnose fascia with z plank soffit, along with Colonnade 101mm swaged square radius edge downpipes, all polyester powder coated in ARP’s inhouse

paint line to RAL 5019 gloss to match the existing aluminium architectural roofline elements, doors and windows. Richard Perrin of Jarvis Roofing said:

“Everyone involved in this project was pleased with the outcome and finish, ARP provide good quality workmanship, in a short lead time.” www.arp-ltd.com

GOING GREEN DOWN BY THE SEA

As part of the new extension of Tate St Ives, Eco Green Roofs designed and installed a bespoke

green roof system.

The new extension of Tate St Ives features a green roof

designed and installed by Eco Green Roofs.

Keith Hills, MD at Eco Green Roofs, explained: “This project was particularly challenging – not only

did we have to ensure that the architect’s vision could be achieved, we also had to contend with site

access issues and tight time schedules. Our team worked tirelessly to create a space that would

blend in with the surrounding landscape and we are incredibly proud of the end result.”

www.egr.co.uk

KEY AWARD FOR HENDERSON HOUSE

Henderson House, a prestigious CUPA PIZARRAS project, has won the Slate Roofing category at the recent

NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor Awards.

The judges said: “The Henderson House project was a

well-executed strip and re-slate to what has proved to

be a stunning refurbishment of an iconic building.”

Held at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow, the CUPA PIZARRAS project, submitted by roofing contractor Avonside

Roofing, won the Slate Roofing award for the refurbishment work carried out on Henderson House. In 2019 the

property got refurbished its former glory by Cala Homes. Part of this refurbishment included the renovation of the roof.

After establishing that the existing slates were not salvageable, Avonside Roofing recommended CUPA PIZARRAS’

Heavy 3 slate as the ideal replacement for the previous slate used on the property. www.cupapizarras.com/uk/

DAKEA FITS FOR LOFT CONVERSION

Four Dakea Ultima roof windows and blackout blinds have been installed as part of a loft conversion in the

home of Andy Moores, Contracts Manager at Kavanagh Roofing in Shaftsbury.

Self-installed, Andy selected the Ultima range of windows for their high-quality, cost efficiency and ease of

installation. Andy was looking for four roof windows in a pine finish to match the aesthetic of the previous windows

installed on the property. Having worked for Kavanagh Roofing, a roofing contractor and stockist of Dakea products

for over 30 years, Andy had recommended and installed hundreds of Dakea roof windows and was quick to use the

brand for his own property. www.dakea.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 49

Roofing Updates


EXPLOSIVE SUCCESS

A historic and archaeological treasure, the Royal Gunpowder Mills heritage site in Waltham Abbey, Essex,

has been given a new lease of life with a stunning and sympathetic roof refurbishment.

It attracts thousands of visitors every year, with exhibitions and a programme of hands-on activities for school groups.

With previous roof coverings across the site’s buildings close to derelict, a new roofing system was needed that would

both guarantee a durable solution and fit with the aesthetic of the heritage buildings. To meet those needs, Sika Sarnafil

G410-15EL FSA Lead Grey was specified alongside Sarnavap 1000E air and vapour control layer. The high-quality

roofing system was chosen after the project’s main contractors, Courtenay Builders were impressed with the results

from similar Sika Sarnafil projects. They also entrusted Contour Roofing with the specification and installation after seeing its award-winning track record with Sika

Sarnafil. As a site once home to tonnes of explosives and with visitors in throughout the refurbishment, the project proved challenging, requiring extensive attention to

health and safety. A strict ban on naked flames and hot works meant that the plywood boards had to be primed immediately after installation and before exposure to

any wet weather. The specification therefore considered this and the original system, which would have needed a completely dry substrate, was switched to a loose

laid polyethylene air and vapour control layer that was more equipped for a faster installation in the expected conditions. http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com

The Royal Gunpowder Mills: Roof ladders had to be

used to allow workers access to the complex angles

and to achieve a seamless finish.

SAFE ON SITE WITH EASI-DEC

Easi-Dec has supplied an 8m Roofline System to JAL Building Contractors for safe access on a project with multiple

rooftops in a housing development in Manchester.

“The service from Easi-Dec has been brilliant and we were very happy with the price,” said John Chester, Director of JAL Building

Contractors. “I was concerned we might not receive the system in time to start the project, but incredibly, the system was delivered

to us on site the next day. We then swiftly received training from Easi-Dec, which was professionally delivered on site and included

in the purchase price. The system is very well made and easy to use and transport. Our clients, Great Places Housing Group and

Knauf, have been very impressed with the system whilst we have been working on their properties.” www.easi-dec.co.uk

SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA...

CCL,has designed and supplied the acoustic bearings required to enable Brighton College to

locate a running track on the roof of its new School of Science and Sport.

The School of Science and Sport has been designed by

Dutch architects, OMA.

CCL was brought in to manage the potential impact of noise and vibration caused by the rooftop running

track. The team used data on the vertical loads and frequency for the running track to design the

bearings. In total, CCL provided 800 acoustic bearings, each of which has been precision engineered and

is just 90mm in diameter and 50mm high. These were installed in the floating floor structure during

construction to absorb noise and vibration between the track and the soffit above the lab.

NEW ADDITION FOR MARLEY ALUTEC

Marley Alutec has added a new member to its team of Area Sales Managers by appointing Steve Catterick to

cover South Wales and South West England.

Steve Catterick, Marley Alutec.

Steve has joined Marley Alutec with five years’ experience in the merchant sector, three years of which was working

for Wolseley as a Key Account Manager. Since 2015, Steve has fulfilled the role of an Area Sales Manager for both

Durapipe UK and, most recently, Pegler Yorkshire. In his new role, Steve will be utilising his wealth of merchant

sector and specification sales experience to maintain relationships with existing customers and drive new business

in his area. www.marleyalutec.co.uk

50 TC FEBRUARY 2020

By Wienerberger

Fibre Cement Facades

Project Focus

CRUCIAL TIMING AS SURECLAD

DELIVERS AT MARKET WALK

Total Contractor takes a look at a project in Chorley Town

Centre where Shackerley’s SureClad system helped deliver

the local authority’s vision.

Maintaining a bustling high street with a

mix of retail and leisure options for local

people is a challenge facing many UK

towns. In Chorley, Lancashire, the local authority

has met this challenge head-on by purchasing

and developing the main shopping destination,

Market Walk.

The local authority has since invested in a major

£17 million extension, which includes a new sixscreen

Reel Cinema, an M&S Food Hall, an

Escape Entertainment bowling and adventure golf

complex and a Loungers bar and restaurant,

along with public realm improvements.

The high calibre project has been designed to

offer a quality environment that enhances the

town centre both aesthetically and economically

and the specification of the SureClad Ceramic

Granite system from Shackerley supports both of

those goals. The SureClad system delivers a

high-end and resilient appearance for the

façades of the extension, while engaging a local

manufacturer, with Shackerley based just

minutes from the project.

Practical approach

The Market Walk project was designed by AEW

architects and uses materials that combine a

natural aesthetic with metallic, anodised

aluminium. Initially, the planning department

required the use of natural stone but the AEW

team suggested Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic

Granite system as a practical and attractive

alternative.

“We were concerned

that using stone would

involve longer lead

times, along with cost

and material handling

implications”

“Shackerley provided

both standard,

prefabricated largeformat

panels and

bespoke requirements

to site”

Bernard Lam from AEW Architects, explained:

“The planning department stipulated natural

stone to maintain consistency of materials with

other local landmark buildings, but we were

concerned that using stone would involve longer

lead times along with cost and material handling

implications. We had used Shackerley’s

lightweight SureClad Ceramic Granite system for a

previous retail project in Manchester and we knew

it would be an ideal solution.”

AEW suggested the use of Shackerley’s SureClad

Ceramic Granite in Lopar; a creamy beige

colourway which has natural variegation on each

panel to give a natural stone-like appearance.

The design team compared samples of the

ceramic granite with local churches to

demonstrate that it would offer an appearance

in-keeping with the local architectural context.

Each 1198 x 598mm panel was just 11mm thick,

making the SureClad elements of the façade

more lightweight, easier to handle and faster to

install than natural stone alternatives.

Bernard Lam continued: “The Shackerley

SureClad Ceramic Granite system provided cost

savings as compared to natural stone and,

52 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Market Walk: “The Shackerley system provided us with a pre-fabricated product which is simple and quick to install helping us to achieve the required on-site installation period.”

because it is non-porous, those cost advantages

will be felt throughout the lifespan of the building

because the façade will offer a low maintenance

solution. It will not discolour over time due to

weathering and offers resistance to both algae

growth and graffiti.”

Easier installation

The SureClad panels were manufactured in

Shackerley’s ISO9001-accredited factory and

delivered to site on a just-in-time basis and were

installed as part of a Kingspan Façades’

QuadCore Karrier Panel system. This innovative

external envelope solution brings together

Kingspan’s high performance structural insulating

QuadCore panels with the premium appearance

and longevity of Shackerley’s fully-prefabricated

ceramic granite cladding and the installation

benefits of Shackerley’s Queen’s Award-winning

and patented SureClad Access System.

The combined Shackerley and Kingspan system

enabled cladding contractor Axis Envelope

Solutions to make the building watertight with the

installation of the structural panels prior to

installation of the SureClad façade. The

completed hybrid system also delivers excellent

airtightness and low U-values post installation,

helping to ensure a high standard of comfort and

energy efficiency.

Paul Cox from Axis Envelope Solutions

commented: “The Shackerley system provided us

with a pre-fabricated product which is simple and

quick to install, helping us to achieve the required

on-site installation period. Shackerley provided

both standard, prefabricated large-format panels

and bespoke requirements to site, aligned to our

installation schedule. Projecting feature piers and

reveals into glazing and door reveals helped to

create crisp detailing at junctions, interfaces and

corners.”

“The combined Shackerley and Kingspan system

enabled Axis Envelope Solutions to make the

building watertight with the installation of the

structural panels prior to installation of the

SureClad façade”

“The result is a project

that has completed on

time with a high

quality, low

maintenance façade”

High quality, low maintenance

Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system

played a key role in delivering the aesthetic goals

of the project while providing buildability benefits.

The result is a project that has completed on time

with a high quality, low maintenance façade that

delivers the architect’s design intent within the

public sector budget.

Contact Shackerley

01257 273 114

www.shackerley.com

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 53

Advertorial

SPSENVIROWALL: SETTING THE

STANDARD ON CLADDING

With the news that its complete range of Cavity Systems has achieved Kiwa BDA Agrement

certification, SPSenvirowall explains what this means for the market and the benefits its

range of solutions can provide for the supply chain...

SPSenvirowall, once again demonstrating

its commitment to cladding certification

and safety, is pleased to announce its

whole range of innovative Cavity Systems has

successfully achieved Kiwa BDA agrement

certification.

Founded in 1948, Kiwa is a world top 20 leader

and independent third party in Testing, Inspection

and Certification, providing security and peace of

mind to the end user.

On behalf of construction product and system

manufacturers, Kiwa BDA independently verifies

products for suitability and fitness for use in

construction projects.

After undergoing rigorous testing, SPSenvirowall

has recently been awarded six Kiwa BDA

certifications, four for its new Cavity System and

two for its Wall System 1 solution.

Weatherproofed quickly

Extensively used on lightweight structures,

cavity systems provide a drainage channel

between the insulation and the sheathed

framed structure demanded by many building

warranty companies. The speed at which the

LSF and insulated cladding can be erected and

provide weather protection to the internal

trades is a great advantage to the builder,

removing the cladding from the critical

construction path. It brings forward the internal

trades and thereby shortening

the contract period, and

eliminating the problems

associated with brick and

blockwork construction.

Now benefitting from a Kiwa BDA

certification the new systems

from SPSenvirowall are compliant

with Approved Document B and

Technical Handbook Section 2

and have a minimum EuroClass

Reaction to Fire classification of

A2 –s1, d0 and is thereby

suitable for building up to and over 18m in height.

Following the changes in regulation surrounding

fire and addressing the challenges of the design

and supply of cladding systems, the importance

of an independent certification

demonstrates SPSenvirowall’s

commitment to quality, safety and

best practice.

Conclusion

Kevin Mangan, Innovation

Manager, explained: “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 an extremely

cost-effective solution to providing brick and

render finishes to lightweight fast track

construction up to and above 18 metres.”

“SPSenvirowall has recently been awarded six

Kiwa BDA certifications, four for its new Cavity

System and two for its Wall System 1 solution”

Contact SPSenvirowall

01535 661633

www.spsenvirowall.co.uk

@SPSenvirowall

54 TC FEBRUARY 2020

The ideal low maintenance,

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Cladding Updates


THE LATEST EDITION OF THE

BLUE BOOK LAUNCHED BY NFRC

The Fifth Edition of Profiled sheet roofing and

cladding – The NFRC guide to design and best

practice, otherwise known as the ‘Blue Book’,

has been updated with the latest technical

information and industry guidance.

The Blue Book provides readers with both an

accessible and practical guide to the application,

design and installation of profiled sheeting for

roofs and wall cladding. Broken down into

standard industry sub-categories, each section

reviewed by industry experts provides the most

up-to-date advice that reflects existing standards

and regulations.

Aimed at designers, estimators and installers, this

latest edition includes 52 detailed drawings plus

working calculations and has been revised by the

NFRC’s technical team, with the help of

contributing members of the NFRC Sheeting &

Cladding Technical Committee and other

stakeholders.

Bob Richardson, NFRC Head

of Technical, said: “This

comprehensive guide

reflects the mission of the

NFRC, which is to provide

standards and guidance to

our members that raises

confidence among

businesses and

householders, and promotes

Bob Richardson, Head of Technical at the NFRC.

roofing and cladding as a

skilled sector within the wider construction

industry. The result of the NFRC working with

members of its Sheeting & Cladding and Health &

Safety Technical Committees, and other experts, is

a book that continues to be the standard reference

point for the industry.”

This edition is available as a fully interactive PDF,

with links and bookmarks between sections for

easier navigation, which means that it can be

downloaded as a complete

book.

The new design and

functionality would not have

been possible without the

support of EJOT UK, which as

NFRC Industry Technical

Partner has sponsored the

Fifth Edition for the benefit of

NFRC members and the

wider industry.

Robert Hardstaff, EJOT UK Managing Director, said:

“EJOT UK shares the NFRC’s philosophy of quality

and excellence within the construction industry.

We are therefore delighted that as NFRC Industry

Technical Partner, our sponsorship will help to

support this industry-wide platform for best

practice.”

www.nfrc.co.uk / www.ejot.co.uk

CATNIC FRANCE OPENS NEW SITE

Catnic France has recently opened a new manufacturing facility near Paris in a strategic move

to support its expansion and customer focus and create jobs in the region.

Catnic’s new facility near Paris.

https://catnic.com/

Maxime Roussel, General Manager, Catnic France, said: “This is an exciting time for Catnic France. We

are delighted that our results have enabled us to grow, but aware that we must embrace expansion in an

intelligent and methodical manner. Our office relocation has allowed us to improve our processes and

facilities which means we can better service our customers. Our team is now positioned to adopt a more

targeted and tailored approach, to ensure that our customers’ needs can be met quickly and effectively.”

STRONG SALES REPORTED IN 2019

Vivalda Group plc has seen its income rise from £33.73m to £36.77m during 2019, despite the

continued gloom surrounding the UK construction sector that reportedly saw more than 22

contractors go out of business last year.

Vivalda’s Chairman Peter Johnson

Vivalda’s Chairman Peter Johnson said: “Sales have seen an increase across the UK and Ireland,

and while the wider construction market has been subdued, Vivalda Group is benefitting from a

trend towards higher quality products. We’re certainly seeing more specifiers and contractors turning

to us for certified cladding products they can rely upon.” www.vivalda.co.uk

56 TC FEBRUARY 2020

CORRECTING THE FALTERING STEPS

TOWARDS ZERO CARBON HOMES

By Simon Storer, Chief Executive of the IMA.

With the climate crisis once again one of

the main themes at the annual World

Economic Forum in Davos, it has only

served to remind us of the faltering steps the

construction industry is making towards zerocarbon

homes. Meeting the net-zero carbon

emissions target will not be easy when you

consider the built environment is responsible for

45% of UK carbon emissions. Without doubt,

good insulation that is correctly fitted is essential

if homes and buildings in the UK are to become

more energy efficient and sustainable, and offset

some of the increasing energy costs and

realise climate change ambitions the country

faces.

The challenge is to improve the energy

performance standards of new

homes and then actually

build to those standards,

as well as dramatically

improve all existing

houses and other

buildings through a

nationwide deepretrofit

programme.

Energy efficiency is at the

heart of the long-awaited

Future Homes Standard, currently

out for consultation, which is in line with

last year’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC)

report, “UK housing: fit for the future?” It has

proposals for improved and more stringent fabric

efficiency standards to be introduced by 2025,

with the first improvements coming in

this year, to minimise heat loss from

walls, windows, doors, floors and

roofs, as well as through far more

attention to detail at junctions.

Whilst many more affordable homes

need to be built to an overall higher

performance level to reduce costs and

emissions, homes also need to be delivered with

much better build quality. This will start to reduce

– and possibly eliminate – the ‘performance gap’

between design performance and what is built.

Key role

The role of PIR and PUR insulation in achieving

energy efficient buildings and a sustainable

future must not be underplayed.

By using a product with high

thermal efficiency, such

as PIR, it will make a

big difference between

a building’s success

or failure. The thermal

performance of a

building envelope

makes a significant

contribution to reducing the

overall building energy usage –

so tighter U-values in walls, floors and

roofs will help to deliver the standards required.

Furthermore, competency in installation is vital

because when a high performing product such as

PIR/PUR is not installed correctly, it could

“All contractors need to make sure that not only

the levels of site supervision are of a good

standard, but the manufacturer’s installation

instructions are followed”

Left: Simon Storer, Chief Executive at the

Insulation Manufacturers Association.

compromise that performance and

drastically reduce the thermal

performance. All contractors need to

make sure that not only the levels of

site supervision are of a good

standard, but the manufacturer’s

installation instructions are followed and

installation instructions around potential cold

thermal bridges and awkward details are

achieved. Once the high-quality building fabric

has been completed there should be no need to

worry about it.

If we are going to make our housing stock better

for the long-term then we must achieve more

thermally-efficient building envelopes, which in

turn will result in more comfortable buildings.

Getting the fabric of the building properly

insulated should always be the starting point and

this includes insulation such as highperformance

PIR. It is a fundamental step in

achieving the net-zero target as well as

compliance with the energy performance

requirements of the revised Building Regulations

Part L.

Sorting out housing is one part of the mammoth

task towards net-zero 2050. But equally the UK

will need to re-think how it generates energy and

rebuilds its energy systems to be more

sustainable. Only then will we be able to achieve

and make some headway to achieving our climate

change aims and address the global warming

challenge.

Contact the IMA

0161 672 7387

www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk

@IMA_Org

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 57

Project Focus

COLLEGE SOLUTION

Using a new solution to fix non-combustible insulation to a

steel frame structure, ROCKWOOL delivered on creating a fire

proof and thermally sound building for students in Norwich.

Pablo Fanque House is part of a

rejuvenation of Norwich’s city centre and

provides brand new state-of-the-art

accommodation to over 244 students. Prior to

construction, this site was home to the local

Mecca Bingo Hall, which stood vacant for more

than two years.

With the aim of regenerating the area, Alumno

Developments partnered with HG Construction to

design a building that stood out for its vibrancy

and would attract students. The main brief was to

create a building that would be future-proof,

structurally sound and fire safe for its occupants.

The architects, Carson and Partners, wanted to

use an SFS steel structure in conjunction with a

masonry façade, but this presented a challenge to

the developer and main contractor, as they were

required to create a non-combustible façade

without changing the predetermined cavities of

the building.

Traditionally, brick workers and main contractors

revert to foam insulation boards for this

construction type due to the requirement of using

channel ties, which have not been approved for

use with mineral wool. The alternative option —

frame cramps — are not easy to install and can

add unnecessary time and costs onto a build.

Push the boundaries

Wanting to reach the highest standard of fire

safety by using non-combustible insulation,

Alumno Developments and HG Construction were

determined to push the boundaries and

approached ROCKWOOL to see if the stone wool

manufacturer could provide a solution.

ROCKWOOL’s Technical Specification Manager,

Hedley Thompson, worked with structural building

components manufacturer ACS to develop a fully

Above and right: Pablo Fanque House, Norwich.

tested solution that would allow ROCKWOOL

RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB to be used in conjunction

with ACS ROCKWOOL Framefix.

“This is a solution that the industry has needed

for some time, and this project is the first site to

use the products together thanks to the ambitions

of Alumno Developments and HG Construction,

and the close partnership between ACS and

ROCKWOOL,” commented Hedley.

This new development allows a masonry wall to

be tied to a light steel frame or other structural

element through ROCKWOOL stone wool

insulation using a suitable fixing. Composite, high

compressive capacity sleeves are used at every

fixing position to provide a rigid, high capacity

fixing detail. The channel is fixed back to the

structure via the pre-punched holes in the

channel. Once fixed, ACS 25/15 4000 range ties

are positioned at any point along the channel to

suit the coursing of the masonry panel.

ROCKWOOL SP Firestop was installed alongside

125mm ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB.

Specifically designed for high rise buildings,

ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB is a dual

density insulation board that is manufactured

from volcanic rock and comprises of a robust

outer surface and a resilient inner face. By

compressing the primary fleece onto the top

15mm of the insulation, the product can be used

unprotected in conditions of severe climatic

exposure, including strong wind and rain as

experienced at high altitudes. ROCKWOOL

RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB complies with Approved

Document B, achieving the highest Euroclass

classification: A1.

Open state

ROCKWOOL SP Firestop is designed to form an

open-state cavity fire barrier within external

cladding systems that allow for ventilation and

drainage of the cavity under service conditions.

The SP Firestop VRB has been tested with

ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB to ASFP TGD

19: “Fire resistance test or ‘Open State’ cavity

barriers, used in the external fabric of buildings”.

The combination of non-combustible insulation

and an effective fire barrier supports fire safe

façade systems and aids the design of high-rise

buildings above 18m.

All parties on this project worked well together to

provide an innovative system that will now

change the way that masonry facades are

insulated in the future. This solution ensures

Pablo Fanque house provides the students and

business residents with a fire safe property.

Contact Rockwool

01656 862 621

www.rockwool.co.uk

@ROCKWOOLUK

58 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Image courtesy of Robson Buildi

THE HOME OF

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By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd)

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you do,

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upstand insulation boards?

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metres above ground level.

0800 644 44 26 www.rainclear.co.uk

STATUS

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Subbies – Protect your company

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knowing that should the main contractor fail; your

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If you supply, or supply & install to the construction

sector, then request our Free Guide – A sub-contractors

guide to protection against bad debt.

Retentions; Final accounts; Work done but not

certified; variations; design fees and much more

will be protected with our specialist credit construction

policy underwritten by a specialist construction

insurer with an AA rating.

If you want to have an informal chat, then call

Lance Attwell on 01342 302 566, email him on

lance.attwell@statuscreditinsurance.co.uk

or request our Free Guide by visiting our website.

www.roofingsubbiecreditinsurance.co.uk

Rockwool

and Foamglas

RockFace A2

Next month’s QI by QI – ‘WFRL and the importance of corr

rect

installation.’

FEBRUARY 2020 TC 59

Project Focus and Guide

ACTIS HONOURS SCOUT PROJECT

AStroud builder will be making life more

comfortable for his local scout troop

thanks to a donation from the insulation

specialist Actis.

Mike Nicholls, who runs a construction firm

specialising in period property refurbishments

including listed buildings, mill and barn

conversions, is a huge fan of the range. And when

his local scout group could cope no longer with

the damp, dingy, cold back room in their

converted farriers’ Cotswold stone building, he

offered to step in and help them out.

Mike, Partner of Days Mill Partnership, has been

vice chair of the Selsey Scout Group for five years

and will be overseeing the refurbishment. As an

enthusiastic user of insulation Hybris and

insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid, his

local Jewson branch asked whether Actis could

help out.

Step forward Actis regional Sales Director John

Buckley with five free rolls of one of Mike’s other

favourite products – insulating vapour control

layer HControl Hybrid.

Mike has been using Actis Hybrid products for six

years on all his developments across

Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Leicestershire –

predominantly Boost R Hybrid, which he installs

under the roof tiles, and Hybris, which he uses on

the warm side of the roof.

In fact, he loves Actis so much he said: “It should

become law to use as underfelt in ALL reroofing

and new house build projects! It is easy to use

and has good insulation properties.

“In this day and age it really is a no brainer when

reroofing. The material cost of Boost R is small

compared to all the other costs of reroofing, fixing

it takes marginally longer than standard

breathable membrane and the insulation value is

amazing.

“Add to this the fact that with a relatively thin

Left: Before shot of the scout

hut. Above: In progress shot

with HControl installed.

product you get an equivalent U-value to that

provided by thick PIR or mineral wool and it

seems daft anyone would NOT use it!

While the main room in the Selsey scout hut is

perfectly serviceable, Mike explained: “The back

room is damp, dark and cold with no insulation or

ventilation. We’re going to renovate it so it can be

used for scout groups and external local charities

and people for meetings, workshops and parties.”

The work, which will also involve digging up two

feet of floor, insulating with 10cm of PIR board,

slabbing with underfloor heating pipes and

installing Hybris on the exterior walls and ceiling,

is well under way. www.insulation-actis.com

Below is a basic step-by-step guide showing how to install Actis’ honeycomb structured insulation Hybris,

insulating vapour control layer HControl Hybrid, and insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid Roof:

Hybris

This must be installed with the embossed

copper colour film facing the inside of the

building and used in conjunction with a

breather membrane or roofing felt, and a vapour

control layer.

1 Measure between the rafters and cut to size,

adding 40mm to the width and 20mm to the

length.

2 Cut a 300mm long section and install at the

base of the roof with the internal structure

horizontally oriented.

3 Roll down Hybris between the rafters and tape

joints.

4 Repeat between all the rafters.

HControl Hybrid

This must be installed with the embossed copper

colour film facing the inside of the building. Install

horizontally or vertically on timber rafters or timber

frame wall studs and fix using corrosion-resistant

staples or nails.

1 Cut to required size and install across the face

of rafters in a continuous layer.

2 Staple to timbers every 50mm, keeping as taut

as possible and overlap adjacent layer by 50 to

100mm and seal joint. All finished edges should

be folded under by 50mm and battened.

3 Prepare for plasterboard by fixing horizontal or

vertical battens (50 x 50mm) nailing through the

HControl Hybrid to the rafter. Seal around

windows and doors, cable or pipe penetrations

and joints between walls and floors.

Boost R Hybrid Roof

1 With the copper film facing downwards, staple

along the first rafter.

2 Roll out and staple half way along.

3 Pull taut and staple at the end rafter.

4 Staple each rafter in between at 100mm

intervals.

5 Seal using built-in self-adhesive lap.

6 Fix 25mm counter battens in line with the

rafters before the tile battens.

7 Overlap with the next layer of product and seal

with adhesive strip.

8 Vertical joints should be overlapped by 100mm,

stapled and sealed with Actis tape before

counter-battening.

60 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Non-Combustible

Insulation for Flat Roofing Contractors

In an extremely fast moving market, where

supplying the right product for the right

application has never been more important,

you need to deal with a company you can

trust… a company that has the experience

to understand your requirements and supply

the appropriate, compliant flat roof insulation

solution.

QI partner with major insulation manufacturers

to provide Approved Document B compliant

non-combustible insulation for use with Single

Ply, Liquid Applied, Hot Melt or Reinforced

Bitumen Membrane waterproofing.

QI can meet your needs for non-combustible

upstand insulation boards, uniform thickness

or tapered roof insulation all backed by a

comprehensive support.

Rockwool – flat and tapered mineral wool

insulation solutions for flat roofs and upstands,

including Angle Fillets for use with bitumen

membranes.

Foamglas – flat and tapered cellular glass

insulation solutions that are lightweight, rigid

and non-combustible.

RockFace A2 – a Euroclass A2-s1, d0 certified

non-combustible upstand insulation board for

inverted roof applications.

For further information on QI’s range of non-combustible

tapered and uniform thickness insulation boards go to:

Insulation Updates


DUODUCT DOES THE JOB

ROCKWOOL has introduced DuoDuct – a non-combustible thermal insulation solution for rectangular

and square external ductwork to minimise the risk of fire spread in buildings.

“The future of insulation in the built environment has a clear focus on fire safety,” said Paul Barrett, Head of

Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK. “In the event of fire, metal ducts can act as significant heat

conductors. HVAC systems are commonly located within the area of roof systems, intaking or extracting air

from within the building. Since ductwork is normally produced from steel which conducts heat, it is

important to consider the materials we use to insulate it and, wherever possible, minimise the risk of heat

transfer and fire spread between the internal and external environment of the building. Incorporating noncombustible

insulation within the roof system itself will also further reduce the risk of fire spread.”

DuoDuct is a robust, dual-density stone wool slab

designed for operating service temperatures of up to

230ºC, with fire resilient stone wool at its core, DuoDuct is

capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of

1000°C.

By specifying and installing non-combustible DuoDuct Slab on external HVAC ductwork, users can support

efforts to reduce the fire load on the building envelope and also bring significant thermal and acoustic benefits to the occupants and owners of the

building itself. www.rockwool.co.uk

HYBRID HELPS THE HOMELESS

A former vicarage being converted to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people

in Ashford, Kent, is being insulated with Actis Hybrid products.

Christchurch Lodge, which is costing the council around

£930,000 to buy and refurbish, is the second home of its

type to be provided by Ashford Borough Council.

Christchurch Lodge, due to be opened in the spring, will be converted into eight homes capable of

accommodating 25 people at a time, offering a more stable and cost-effective alternative to B&B

accommodation for those without a roof over the heads. The 26-week refurbishment, which includes

providing a wheelchair accessible unit, will also see the addition of a communal kitchen, dining room

and laundry room. www.insulation-actis.com

UKGBC: BUILDING BETTER, BUILDING BEAUTIFUL

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has reacted to the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s final report.

Philip Box, Policy and Project and Coordinator at UKGBC, said: “We welcome the Commission’s final report, which comes at a pivotal moment. We have

seen recently from the National Housing Audit 2020 that the quality of design being delivered across England is not good enough, both in terms of

creating quality places for residents and addressing the environmental challenges we face. True sustainability and beauty are intertwined and we are

pleased to see the Commission echo our recommendations on the place of nature in good design. These recognise the need to promote environmental

stewardship, regreen our towns and cities, meet our climate change target, and deliver truly regenerative development. Likewise, we welcome the

central recommendation of the need to deepen community engagement, an area of work central to UKGBC’s Social Value Programme. www.ukgbc.org

ACTIS: ACT SWIFTLY ON PART L CONSULTATION

The imminent deadline for the government's consultation on revisions to Part L and Part F has prompted insulation specialist Actis to remind

fellow construction organisations to help influence how the industry will achieve the Future Homes Standard.

Actis has responded with its insight into the best ways to reduce heat loss through the building fabric. These include ensuring the thermal performance of

systems, eliminating thermal bridging, increasing airtightness and ensuring builders adopt a practical approach to build quality. And it is supporting a proposal

outlined in the consultation document to include practical, technical advice for builders on how to address the performance gap and reduce thermal bridging.

Actis hopes that sharing insights from its CPD on addressing the performance gap and its work with LABC on educating professionals on thermal compliance

will play a role in helping the MHCLG create a stringent energy efficiency blueprint which will shape the future of housebuilding. www.insulation-actis.com

62 TC FEBRUARY 2020

roofingawards.co.uk

roofingaards.co.uk

SPONSORED

Thermal

BY

Imaging

COMMERCIAL GAINS: COST EFFICIENT

MOISTURE METERING EQUIPMENT

In the second part of his focus on thermal cameras, John Anderson, Strategic Business

Development Manager, Emerging Markets at FLIR, explains how a stand-alone thermal

camera can assist roofers on commercial projects.

In contrast to the quick-drying steep-slope

roofs on houses, flat roofing for commercial

applications holds moisture much more

readily. Moisture does not run off these roofs as

well and any perforation of the roof membrane

gives water access to vast thermal

mass. So, for those seeking

moisture in commercial roofing,

thermal imaging from the exterior

offers great value.

While residential roofs are

comparatively thin, low-slope

commercial roofing includes a

number of layers, often with highly

absorbent properties. Essentially,

while finding and measuring

moisture in a domestic attic is a

largely two-dimensional exercise,

commercial roofs introduce the dimension of

depth to the task. Penetration becomes

necessary.

Commercial roofing

inspectors often cut a

small hole in the top

roofing membrane to insert

a finger and feel the

temperature and moisture

level of the layers beneath.

A moisture meter provides a

more accurate reading, for

which lengthy pin probes

offer access into the depths

of the roofing system, with a

smaller intrusion into the membrane. In addition

to measuring moisture levels, these probes

answer in which layer the moisture sits, which

can guide repair or remediation efforts. Even

without thermal imaging, commercial roofing

demands some specialised equipment, namely a

moisture meter. Of course, the destructive

process of measuring moisture with a

probe imposes a material cost to overmeasuring

a roof and blind insertion

of probes across a roof invites the

chance of missing some pools of

water.

Increasingly, roofing professionals

are turning to drone applications to

locate moisture in commercial roofing,

especially for larger roofs or when

performing large numbers of

inspections. Of course, IR-cameraequipped

drones bear a heftier price tag

than hand-held devices, but the convenience of

flight can provide excellent return on investment.

By taking an aerial photograph from a distance,

or taking several and splicing the images

together, a fifteen-minute flyover can locate

the most important zones on a

roof to attend to with a

moisture meter.

Once roofing contractors

complete a drone survey

and turn to their moisture

meters to measure the areas

identified by the flyover,

thermal imaging remains a

useful capability. Although

combined moisture meters

and thermal cameras lack the

resolution and sensitivity to provide efficient

imaging of a whole roof, having the ability to

“The ability to return to

a roof and examine it

with thermal imaging

allows a company to

confirm a quality

installation”

visualise the thermal profile of a water buildup

once close up offers much in terms of precision

and efficiency.

Cost-effective combined tools

Roofing professionals locating and measuring

moisture in residential and commercial roofing

may choose not to invest in pin probes or drones

depending on their application, but combined

thermal imaging and moisture metering tools

offer cost efficiency for most. In addition to

saving time by directing roofing professionals

quickly to moisture and creating visual evidence

for better customer interactions, an investment in

thermal imaging can limit other business

expenses. For roofers that back their projects with

a warranty, the ability to return to a roof and

examine it with thermal imaging allows a

company to confirm a quality installation – and if

there is a leak, fix it immediately. This practice

promises to improve a business’s profile with

customers by ensuring quality control, but also

protects against avoidable warranty

disbursements.

Contact FLIR Systems

01732 220 011

www.flir.com

@flir

64 TC FEBRUARY 2020

Celebrating 40 Years!

Bring the Trophy Home

in 2020!

HAVE FUN, REPRESENT YOUR COMPANY AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

DATE: 14 TH MAY 2020

• Buy a boat and enter a team

• Event is open to non-members

• Great opportunity to bring customers and clients who may be interested in supporting

this excellent cause

• Corporate sponsorship packages available to support the event

www.lrwa.org.uk

#LRWAdragonboatrace

SUPPORTING

Updates


DIRECT-LY MEETING YOUR NEEDS

Direct Line for Business has launched expanded coverage options for its tradesperson insurance and unveiled what it says is an enhanced sales

journey allowing tradespeople to pick and choose covers to meet their needs.

In response to customer demand, Direct Line for Business has launched an ‘Overnight Tools’ cover option, which insures its customers’ tools overnight when

kept in a locked vehicle. This will be invaluable for tradespeople who are often working at a client’s site and don’t have access to a locked building for storing

tools overnight. Other new cover options include 3rd party damage for cleaners and legal expenses.

Direct Line for Business has also migrated its tradesperson insurance to an enhanced online sales platform. The system is designed to give power back to the

customer and allows them to build a customised policy tailored to their specific insurance needs, with all the benefits of purchasing direct rather than through

a broker. It also means that policyholders will only pay for the insurance that they need.

Nandita Borkakoti, Product Manager for Tradesperson at Direct Line for Business, commented: “We are continually evolving our tradesperson insurance

product to meet the needs of our customers. Our enhanced customer journey and expanded cover options gives people working in trades the flexibility to build

a policy that is just right for them and allows us to provide customers with the product they need.”

https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/tradesman-insurance

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS ON SITE

Street-smart, stylish looks alongside GORE-TEX and 37.5 fabric technology make these FlexiWork

Insulated Jackets and Trousers from Snickers Workwear a must for winter on site.

The FlexiWork Insulated Jackets and

Trousers from Snickers Workwear.

You’ll stay warm and dry in this layered clothing that’s robust, waterproof and windproof too! The design and

fabric combinations will keep your body in the optimum comfort zone as the weather conditions change on site.

They’ve got all the features and functionality that you’d expect in Snickers Workwear Jackets and Trousers.

They’re great looking garments that will keep you feeling comfy wherever you are and whatever you’re doing at

work in cold weather. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

SITE AND SOUND!

Makita has launched the latest addition to its radio range, with the DMR115 Job Site Radio.

Makita’s DMR115 Job Site Radio.

With Bluetooth functionality and a light weight of 4.8-5.5kg, it is the perfect companion for

construction workers. The new DMR115 Job Site Radio is a robust and simple to use DAB/DAB+

radio. IP65 rated, it has a highly durable design with elastomer bumpers to protect against tough

jobsite conditions. The Job Site Radio has a powerful Bluetooth sensor to connect wirelessly for audio

streaming from mobile devices up to a range of 10 metres away, and includes two stereo speakers

and an additional subwoofer to produce high quality sound. www.makitauk.com

PACKED WITH PRODUCTS!

Screwfix’s 140th catalogue is here with DeWalt’s 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill new and

exclusive at the low price of £99.99 – the first ever DeWalt Brushless Combi under £100.

Screwfix’s new catalogue.

With a 2.0Ah Li-Ion battery and a TSTAK box, it has 15 torque settings and a second battery is available

for half price when bought with the drill at just £19.99. The new catalogue offers quality products, from

power tools and workwear to electrical and lighting. The ‘Trade Rated’ endorsement provides confidence

and reassurance, having been independently tried and tested by Screwfix customers.

www.screwfix.com

66 TC FEBRUARY 2020

The choice for your polycarbonate project

Whether it’s a carport or garden centre, we have the

polycarbonate product, machinery and expertise to

get the job done. Our large multiwall polycarbonate

sheet range is so versatile that there is sure to be

a product for your needs. We hold stock on all

associated accessories including glazing bars,

profiles and fixings, together with cutting facilities.

Our technical knowledge and advice are second to

none enabling our clients to feel confident when

quoting on projects. So, if it is a conservatory roof,

carport, north light replacement, school canopy,

covered play area or even a garden centre, why not

give us a call or visit our website to download our

product catalogue.

• large stock range cut to size

• technical knowledge and advice

• nationwide express delivery

• competitive rates

tel: 01922 743553

www.areco.co.uk

t: 01922 743553 e: sales@areco.co.uk

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

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Find out more about the new coastline ® lightweight

composite cladding range. Call us on:

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or visit: eurocell.co.uk/coastline

February 2020

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