March 2020

MARCH 2020

QI Column: WFRL

Contractor’s Qs

NFRC Tech Talk

FEATURES

• THE SILENT KILLER STILL AT LARGE:

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT AGAINST THE

DANGERS OF ASBESTOS ON SITE?

• TOP TECH UP TOP: HOW HAVE ADVANCES

IN ROOF TILE TECHNOLOGY IMPACTED ON

PRICES & PROJECTS?

• PAST PRECISION: ADVICE & GUIDANCE FOR

OVERCOMING SOME OF THE KEY

CHALLENGES ON HERITAGE PROJECTS

>>> • CHASING PAYMENT • PRODUCT UPDATES • ROOFLIGHTS • FIXINGS • >>>

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Editor’s Comment

MATT DOWNS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK

07963 330774

COVER PIC

COURTESY OF

AVONSIDE GROUP

Wild winds and wet weather over the last month or so have made for

frustrating conditions, with days and even weeks lost on projects

throughout the UK.

In any walk of life it’s never nice to be trying to make up for lost time and

mistakes can happen, but when that’s on a construction site or roof, those

mistakes – even a lapse in concentration for a split second – can have very

serious consequences for the project itself, or more importantly the health

and safety of individuals. With this in mind, the HSE recently reported on

another fall from height involving a young worker who fell over 3m through

an opening for a rooflight, and following two operations he has been told

he’ll likely never work in construction again (p12). Touching on this topic,

Richard Kendrick offers practical tips for staying safe and healthy on site on

p20. As Richard explains: “Should the unfortunate happen it will impact not

just on your business or workplace, there could also be implications for

your home or family life. So, anything you can do to safeguard against it is

especially important.”

Elsewhere in this issue the NFRC look at the installation issues when fixing

solar panels to slate and tile roofs (p14); Simon Ayers of Trustmark assesses

the carbon challenge for roofing (p18); the A Proctor Group talk membrane

technology (p34); William McDowell looks at rooflight refurbishment and the

opportunities it offers for roofers (p42); whilst Leighann Harris explores the

factors contractors need to consider when installing external cladding on

industrial buildings (p56).

Above: Workers from Avonside Group progressing a roofing project. We put the

questions to Marc Bell, Branch Manager at Avonside Edinburgh, on p26.

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Contents

COVER FEATURES

16 THE SILENT KILLER

Jonathan Rensink says whilst we all know the

risks of asbestos there are ways to better

protect ourselves and others on site

22 TECH UP TOP

John Mercer assesses how roof tile technology

has advanced over the last 40 years and what

it’s meant for pricing and projects

30 PAST PRECISION

Roofing Consultant Steve Hopkin offers advice

and guidance for overcoming some of the top

heritage roofing challenges

60

FEATURES

36 LIFE SKILLS

Sarah Spink discusses the liquid SAP and explains why

gaining a lifetime qualification is crucial

38 COMPETITIVE EDGE

Tutors explain why competitions such as the BMI

Apprentice of the Year are so important

50 INSTALLATION GUIDE

Total Contractor takes a look at the Forterra SureBrick

System and offers key installation advice

52 ENVELOPES THAT DELIVER

Vincent Matthews explores how the building envelope

can help to reduce energy usage and enhance its lifespan

52

60 THE ABC’S OF PART L & F

Jonathan Ducker explains what’s going on with Part L

and Part F of the Building Regs

64 MONEY TALKS

Todd Davison offers advice and guidance so roofers

can tackle late payment when the invoices pile up

4 TC MARCH 2020

REGULARS

14 NFRC TECH TALK

In Part 2 of our guide to solar installations, the

NFRC outlines the key considerations when

installing PV systems on slate and tile roofs

20 SIG ROOFING

Roofers need to stay fit and healthy to continue

working and getting paid; Richard Kendrick

offers tips on how to do this

26 CONTRACTOR’S QS

Marc Bell, of Avonside Edinburgh, answers our

questions and discusses his path into the

sector and key projects he’s been involved with

61 QI COLUMN

This month the experts at Quantum Insulation

look at WFRLs and the importance of correct

installation

INDUSTRY NEWS

08 FOCUS ON THERMAL IMAGING

The NFRC has joined calls for contractors to adopt thermal

imaging cameras when using hotworks

10 SKILLBUILD: ROOFING CHANGES

CITB and the NFRC have said the Roof Tiling and Slating

category will not take place at this year’s Skillbuild

SECTIONS:

TOTAL

ROOFING

26

TOTAL

CLADDING

50

TOTAL

INSULATION

60

VEHICLES, TOOLS

& WORKWEAR

08

66

MARCH 2020 TC 5

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

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® the quality connection

And then, there’s the right way.

EJOT UK’s ‘How To’ video guide takes a few minutes to watch and could make a longterm

difference to Best Practice. To support the film, we’ve now published a 12 page

brochure detailing the choice of screw-gun, correct nosepiece setting - through to best

installation techniques.

Visit ejot.co.uk for your printed Guide.

Follow EJOT UK on YouTube or just scan the

QR code here to watch the video on your

smart phone.

EJOT Customer Service: 01977 687040

Industry News

GRO MAKES MOVE TO

TRADE ASSOCIATION

At a recent Board meeting it was

announced that GRO, The Green Roof

Organisation, is in the final stages of its

transition to a Trade Association.

At the first meeting of the recently elected 12

person GRO Board, Mark Harris was elected

Chairman, with Chris Bridgman Vice Chair

and Chris Roddick Secretary/Treasurer.

This is an exciting time for GRO, and whilst

the process has taken longer than

anticipated, the newly elected Board say they

are fully behind proactively driving GRO

forward and making up for lost time.

Chairman Mark Harris explained: “This is an

exciting time for the green roof sector and we

recognise that as a Trade Association we are

in a stronger position to further progress the

needs of the sector, our members and the

supply chain.

“Phase one of Green Roof training is

currently available with Phase two to be

launched this month. Combined these two

phases facilitate the achievement of a CSCS

card in green roofing.”

“To further strengthen the green roof industry

we are working on an update to the GRO

Code which will include Blue Roofs and Bio

Solar Roofs, with an ambition to launch

around World Green Roof Day on 6th June

2020.

GRO are inviting applications for

membership in their Manufacturer,

Contractor, Supplier and Associate

categories. For more information e-mail

Dusty Gedge of Livingroofs.org

(dusty@dustygedge.co.uk).

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

NFRC JOINS CALLS FOR THERMAL IMAGING

Alongside leading insurer Zurich, the

safety and within this guidance we

NFRC is calling on contractors to

recommend the use of thermal

adopt thermal imaging

cameras, which are relatively

cameras to help cut the

cheap compared to the cost

number of fires sparked by hot

associated with fire, and the

work.

dangers posed to contractors

and the general public.”

Hot work – such as grinding,

welding and torching – is a major

Home Office data obtained by

cause of blazes on construction

Zurich under Freedom of

and refurbishment sites, leading

Information shows that between

to millions of pounds worth of

January 2015 and March 2019,

damage each year.

fire crews in England attended

1,587 construction fires – of

But the insurer says handheld

Above top: Gary Walpole NFRC: Above which 28%** were caused by

thermal imaging devices, costing

and below: Images courtesy of FLIR . hot work, or other sources of

as little as £400, could help

heat.

tackle the problem and is urging contractors on all

non-domestic construction, refurbishment and

Zurich’s own claims data shows that 15%

maintenance projects involving hot

of the total cost of all UK fires in

work to consider adopting them as

commercial and industrial properties

standard.

involve hot work. The last three

years has seen the cost of damage

Kumu Kumar, Director of Risk

spike to £250m.

Engineering for Zurich UK, said:

“Fires caused by hot work have a

Zurich is also calling for contractors

devastating impact on lives,

to adopt a voluntary licensing system

businesses and communities. The

that would see contractors complete

construction industry already has

a training course before carrying out

robust hot work controls in place but

or supervising hot work.

with fires continuing to break out,

A similar ‘passporting’ approach has

additional measures are urgently

been in place in Scandinavian countries

needed. Thermal cameras could further

since the 1980s, where it has significantly

strengthen the industry’s existing safeguards and

reduced hot work fires to less than 5% of fire

help to detect more hot spots before they ignite.

losses over the last decade. Contractors complete

The devices can also be used to take timestamped

photos to demonstrate fire watches have

a one-day training course giving them a licence

valid for five years.

been carried out. Although there is no single

solution for preventing hot work fires, this is a Kumu continued: “As lessons from Scandinavia

relatively cheap and simple measure that could show, better training and awareness around prework

assessments and post-work fire watch

have a far-reaching impact, especially if the

cameras are adopted as standard.”

periods could help to dramatically reduce the

frequency of fires sparked by hot work. A

Gary Walpole, Safety, Health & Environmental

passporting scheme also encourages best

Officer, for the National Federation of Roofing

practice and provides peace of mind to

Contractors, said: “The NFRC encourages the use

businesses when choosing contractors.”

of any technology that improves health and

8 TC MARCH 2020

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Industry News


NEW TRAINING FACILITY FOR SHARMANS

Supporting contractors with fully accredited

training has long been a priority for

Sharmans.

The company, which has been instrumental in

helping to raise gutter and roofing standards since

1985, sees advanced training provision as a

cornerstone of its commitment to making life easier

for hardworking contractors. This thinking has led

directly to the launch of a brand new, state of-theart

training facility at its Head Office on 2nd April.

The new facility will provide contractors with

dedicated training on their gutter refurbishment

and roof coating systems. Cutting the ceremonial

ribbon will be Sarah Spink, CEO of the Liquid

Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LWRA),

while Sharmans technical experts will be on hand

to share their “flow know-how”.

Working on the principle that better informed is

better installed, the new facility will enable

contractors to immerse themselves in the

practice of making gutter and roofing systems

perfect. Each installer will receive a complete

grounding in the company’s advanced systems,

prior to qualifying as Certified Training

Contractors.

The fully interactive one-day programmes will

bring contractors up to speed with system

components and the latest installation methods.

Centre stage will be purpose built demonstration

rigs, giving contractors a hi-tech view of practical

application skills of hot air gutter welding and roof

coating techniques. Installers will also benefit

from a deep-dive review of key surveying and

preparation skills, plus digital support tools.

There will also be an official Open Day on 2nd

April, featuring training demonstrations which will

be broadcast live on the Sharmans social media

channels, with technical experts on hand to

answer any questions.

If you would like to attend the Open Day or find

out more, contact info@hdsharman.co.uk

SKILLBUILD: PITCHED CATEGORY CANCELLED

It has been announced that the Roof Tiling and

Slating category will not take place at this year’s

SkillBuild competition as the competition’s

criteria and procedures are to be reviewed.

The NFRC and CITB say the goal will be to

establish a reinvigorated competition for 2021

that will better reflect the needs of the industry

and competitors.

The decision comes after consultation and

HD Sharmans’ new training facility will be opened by Sarah

Spink, CEO of the LRWA on April 2nd.

agreement between the category’s joint backers,

the National Federation of Roofing Contractors

(NFRC), the Construction Industry Training Board

(CITB) and WorldSkills UK.

Both the NFRC and CITB say they remain

committed to the training of the next generation of

roofers and supporting skills competitions, and

the NFRC will be backing Team GB in the

international IFD Young Roofer Championships

later this year.

EASY ACCESS WITH

RAVATHERM APP

Ravago Building Solutions has launched

Ravatherm App, a new, free digital tool

for architects, specifiers and members of

the construction industry.

The app

provides

quick and

easy access

to product

information

about

Ravatherm XPS X, the company’s market

leading range of thermal insulation. App

users can also find essential technical

data, gain an understanding of how to

place and receive product orders, and

perform initial U-value calculations for

inverted flat roof and flooring

applications.

Chris Gimson, Commercial Director – UK

and Ireland at Ravago Building Solutions,

said: “We have been exploring launching

an app for a long time, speaking with

customers to ensure that Ravatherm App

would feature the information and tools

they need. This follows our decision last

year to invest in a new packaging line to

make it easier to receive, offload and

unpack our products. We are continually

looking for new ways to support our

customers and are keen to learn how we

can improve Ravatherm App to make it a

must-have tool for everyone in the

construction sector.

“Ravatherm App makes it easier than

ever to specify our market leading

Ravatherm XPS X products.”

Ravatherm App is designed to work on a

wide range of modern computers and

mobile devices, and can be accessed at:

https://ravathermapp.com.

10 TC MARCH 2020

Handrails:- EasyGuard

free-standing Guardrails

*CurveyGuard – an aesthetically pleasing curved rail.

*EasyGuard – raked or straight legs dependant on

application. *FoldGuard – folding handrail.

Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with

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

centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.

Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm

bonded to the base plates.

Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For

leading edge protection HSE/SR 15, September 1988.

Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material

quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk

Ladders:- Easy Fit

Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 –

To comply with the standards for

permanent ladders all mild steel then hot

dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461.

All typical ladders bespoke – email

info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk for a

survey check sheet.

Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy

to assembly; in manageable parts Easy to

handle and install.

Rest Platforms and ladders with special

fixing requirements; solutions provided by

Safetyworks in house.

(All components for British Standard

compliant ladders require steel components

with timber and aluminium recommended

for temporary use only)

HANDRAILS

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Industry News

BIG FINE FOR “LIFE

CHANGING” FALL

A construction firm has been fined after a

17-year-old worker fell more than three

metres through an opening for a rooflight.

Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard that,

on 20 August 2018, an employee of Mark

Holland Group fell through a sheet of

insulation covering a skylight when walking

across an unmarked and unguarded area on

the first floor of a construction site in

Southgate Street, Gloucester. He suffered

multiple broken bones in his right leg and foot

and, after two operations, was advised it was

unlikely he could work in construction again.

An investigation by the Health and Safety

Executive (HSE) found that the inexperienced

young employee was not supervised properly

and was unaware of the risks on site. There

were no physical warnings that there was a

hole or a fragile surface, and no verbal

warning had been circulated to workers on

site. There were also no physical barriers to

stop anyone walking from the scaffold onto

the flat roof. The company failed to ensure

that work at height was properly planned and

appropriately supervised. Despite this

incident, the company continued to fail to

ensure work at height was planned and

managed on site. Numerous failings were

identified by HSE during later visits to the

construction site.

Mark Holland Group Limited of Cheltenham

pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1)

of the Construction (Design and

Management) Regulations 2015 and has

been fined £55,620.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector

Laura Banks said: “This worker’s injuries

were life changing and he could have easily

been killed. This serious incident and

devastation could have been avoided if basic

safeguards had been put in place.”


BMI APPRENTICE AWARDS: ENTRIES OPEN!

The BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020

competition officially opened on 2nd March,

and entries are encouraged from all those

recognised as an apprentice by their employer,

or those working towards qualified status.

Two prestigious titles of pitched and flat roofing

BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 are up for the

taking. The awards naturally come with a trophy

and prize package, not to mention ongoing support

from the team at the BMI Academy.

This year’s theme is ‘influence’. Those wishing to

enter will be asked three questions:

• How do you feel you influence your peers or

team members as part of your apprenticeship?

• If you won the BMI Apprentice of the Year, how

would you influence others?

• Can you tell us about someone in your life who

has had a positive influence on your work and

studies?

Entry is via a written submission or video which

can be submitted online at either:

https://redland.co.uk/young-roofers/apprenticeof-the-year-2020

or

Everlast, a Leeds-based roofing and cladding

group that provides specialist services across

the construction, property and rail sectors, is

celebrating 20 years in business.

Founded by Chief Executive Terry Deighton in

2000, in the last 12 months the firm has created

20 new jobs with further hires planned for 2020.

http://www.icopal.co.uk/Support/Roofers/youngroofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020.aspx

Supporting material can be uploaded, or emailed

to AOY@BMIGroup.com.

The closing date for entries is 4th May. Entrants

will then be selected for the final, which takes

place on 1st and 2nd July 2020 at the BMI

Academy in Gloucestershire. Finalists will receive

professional coaching on a range of topics

including presentation skills, health and safety

and making technical assessments.

Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager,

explained: “These awards are part of our

commitment to recognise and reward those

coming into the sector. BMI UK & Ireland wants to

raise the appeal of roofing and motivate more

school-leavers and career-changers to get

involved.” More on BMI Awards p38

EVERLAST CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

From left: Everlast Directors Scott Deighton, Damian

Maclean, Jason Cross, Terry Deighton, Mike Hunter.

With divisions including roofing and cladding, rail

infrastructure works, scaffolding, facilities

management and specialist surveys, Everlast

carried out more than 1,500 projects ranging from

£500 to £3m across the UK and Europe in 2019.

Michael Hunter, Everlast Group MD, added: “The

last two decades have seen the firm go from

strength to strength as we have diversified into new

areas such as schools and colleges, where we have

carried out several re-roofing projects. Everlast are

all about improving buildings, and using innovative

solutions to make them safer and more comfortable

places to live and work in. It’s a testament to our

team of professional and dedicated staff that we

continue to grow, with some exciting and high profile

projects lined up for the year ahead.”

12 TC MARCH 2020

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Another new product from Kestrel Aluminium Systems.

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fabrication of shopfronts, commercial doors, curtain walling, windows and glazed roofs.

We have a great new system we’d like to show you, look out for details in the press and

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WINDOWS DOORS ROOFING SHOPFRONT CURTAIN WALL

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NFRC Tech Talk

A ROOFER’S GUIDE TO SOLAR

INSTALLATIONS – PART 2

In this second instalment, the NFRC examines some key things to consider when installing

solar panels on slate and tile roofs.

The solar panel market is one that’s ripe for roofing contractors to tap into, but the installation of

solar panels should never compromise the effectiveness and structural integrity of a roof. Here are

some common issues that roofers should be aware of when installing solar panels on a tiled or

slated pitched roof:

Reducing gaps in slate and

tile roofs

Most brackets used for

bolt-on systems on

pitched roofs are

around 5mm

thick and so will

lift the tiles or

slates by the

same amount.

This can increase

the risk of driving

rain ingress and wind

uplift and so the gap must

be reduced.

• For tiles and slates with thick leading edges,

remove a notch on the underside of the roof tile

matching the thickness and width of the

bracket.

which may become dislodged

over time.

• If edge tiles need

to be cut and this

results in the

removal of the

nail hole, then

drill another

hole, avoiding

the solar system

flashings.

Sealing penetrations

in the underlay

• Minimise penetrations in the

underlay and use components that take pipes and

sensor cables through the roof covering, in

conjunction with collars, tapes and/or

conventional methods of sealing penetrations.

“Most brackets used

for bolt-on systems on

pitched roofs are

around 5mm thick, so

will lift the tiles or

slates by the same

amount”

• Note the rafter width and screw diameter of the

panel fixing product, checking that testing has

been carried out to show that it is suitable for the

rafter size.

• Where possible, use a maximum screw size of

6mm. Where no test evidence is available,

installations into rafters narrower than 9 times

the screw diameter should not proceed until

approval has been obtained from the

manufacturer.

• Drill pilot holes for all screws to

manufacturer’s instructions, irrespective of the

screw diameter.

• For tiles and slates with thinner leading edges,

as well as double-lap tiles, cut around the

bracket and seal the area with a suitable flashing

detail.

Dealing with small cuts next to some

integrated systems on pitched roofs

• Use double-width slates and tiles to avoid

small cuts to the sides of integrated systems

• Any cuts in the underlay should be made neatly

with a minimal sized star-shape cut and the

sides folded up to face outwards around the

penetration.

Fixing to rafters

• Check the condition of the rafters to ensure

there are no issues before starting the

installation.

• If advised by the manufacturer, then ensure

noggins are securely fixed to the side/s before

screwing into the rafter.

This information is a summary of the newly

revised Technical Bulletin (TB41) Solar

Installations on Roofs and TG01 Fixing solar

panels to timber rafters and battens (pitched

roofs).

“Any cuts in the underlay should be made neatly

with a minimal sized star shape cut and the sides

folded up to face outwards around the

penetration”

Contact the NFRC

020 7638 7663

www.nfrc.co.uk

@TheNFRC

14 TC MARCH 2020

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Asbestos

THE SILENT KILLER STILL AT LARGE

We all know the dangers of asbestos, and yet it remains one of the biggest causes of

construction work-related deaths in the UK – with roofers being particularly at risk.

Below, Jonathan Rensink, Head of Health and Safety at leading safety and training

providers DCP Safety and Training, part of the Daniel Connal Partnership, explores what

we need to know about this silent killer to better protect ourselves and others.

Asbestos kills around of 5,000 people each

year in the UK, while deaths on our roads

average 1,700. By 2050, in the UK alone

it’s estimated that around 91,000 people will

have lost their lives to conditions associated with

this deadly fibre.

We’ve known for a very long time just how

dangerous it can be – and yet, along with falls

from height, asbestos remains a potential killer

for roofers, and will be for many years to come.

It pays to remind ourselves regularly about why

we need to be careful – and how we can best

protect ourselves.

What do we know?

Not enough it seems. Research by IOSH (the

Institute for Occupational Safety & Health),

carried out a couple of years ago revealed that a

third of construction workers do not even check

for an asbestos register before commencing site

work.

With around 1.5 million site-based construction

staff employed in the UK – of which almost

48,000 are roofers – that amounts to a huge

number of workers who are at risk from avoidable

asbestos exposure on the job.

The Health and Safety Executive provide valuable

guidance on the subject. Firstly, they advise we

avoid working with asbestos wherever possible. If

there is any uncertainty about the presence of

asbestos, work should stop while a competent

specialist is consulted.

The rest of the guidance includes:

• If you’re not sure whether asbestos is present,

don’t start work. Your boss or the

customer should determine

whether asbestos is present

before you start work.

• Don’t work if the asbestos

material present is a sprayed

coating, board, or lagging on pipes

and boilers – only a licensed contractor

should work on these.

• Where asbestos is present, you can only

continue to work if you’ve had asbestos training

and you’re using the right equipment.

• To minimise asbestos dust, use hand tools

instead of power tools, and keep materials damp

but not wet. Clean up as you go, using a special

(Class H) vacuum cleaner not a brush.

• Always double-bag asbestos waste and label

the bags properly.

• When working with asbestos, always wear a

specially produced mask for this task, ordinary

dust masks are not suitable.

Why should we worry?

Due to its fantastic thermal and fire-retardant

qualities, it is not surprising that asbestos was

used extensively in roofing and insulation in the

20th century. But blue asbestos was banned as a

material in 1985 and white asbestos in 1999 –

so why do we need to worry?

The simple fact is that asbestos can be present in

any building built or refurbished before the year

2000, and in buildings built before 1985 asbestos

is most often found in the roof. Cement sheets

are one of the most commonly used roofing

Left: John Rensink, DCP Safety and Training.

products in which asbestos is

found. Problems with the roof

sheets arise as they

deteriorate with age and

consequently become more

brittle. This increases the chances

of the asbestos fibres becoming exposed

and loose which puts people at much greater

risk.

This is not a problem if the asbestos is left

undisturbed. But once asbestos is disturbed, if

proper control measures are not in place it can

cause breathing problems, lung damage and in

serious cases can lead to fatal cancer.

A final word

Before any roofing work is undertaken on

buildings more than 20 years old, it is good

practice that an asbestos survey be carried out. It

is the law to have an asbestos survey on a

building constructed before the year 2000. An

asbestos survey should only be carried out by an

accredited or certificated surveyor.

For workers, being informed is key. DCP Safety

and Training offers both classroom-based and

online asbestos awareness courses covering the

risks, how to avoid them, different types of

asbestos and relevant legislation with a

certificate at the end for passing.

Contact DCP Safety and Training

01206 890558

www.dcpsafetyandtraining.co.uk

@DCPTraining

16 TC MARCH 2020

Complete Building

Envelope Solutions

featuring Kingspan RW

Pitched Roof System

Superior build

speed

Options for PV

integration

Precision extruded

daylighting

LPCB-approved membranelined

insulated gutters

Height safety and

fall arrest systems

Specialist support from

Kingspan Technical Services

Bespoke flashings and

fabrications for design flexibility

Kingspan’s own complete range

of structural steel products

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

component system for very fast installation.

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

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

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

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

value and performance.

The system can be protected by the Kingspan Warranty.

Kingspan Insulated Panels

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

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

Energy Efficiency: Opinion

CHANGE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, looks at the carbon challenge and how this fits with

the roofing sector and wider construction supply chain.

The Government’s target of being carbon

neutral by 2050 is a welcome one as

climate change has now become the

climate crisis. But there is no doubt that it is a

massive challenge. Some evidence suggests we

won’t hit that target and some evidence says that

we don’t actually have until 2050 to make

significant changes.

Whether we hit the target or not – and I sincerely

hope we do hit it – it will mean significant

changes for the construction industry, including

the roofing sector. New regulations and a greater

emphasis on making our housing stock – both

new and existing properties – more energy

efficient and reducing their carbon outputs means

nearly all organisations, from big house-building

corporations to small independent businesses,

will need to adapt.

New requirements

Some small but positive steps are already being

made – new technology is being developed to

move towards electrification and hydrogenation.

As the market develops, the roofing industry will

see new requirements enter their sector. The

requirement for full or partial solar roofs,

adaptation for solar generation and rainwater

harvesting, are expected to become regular

demands from consumers and end users.

However, there is a recognised shortage of skilled

traders and technicians to deliver both existing

and new technologies as they come to the

market; this needs urgent attention. Work to

improve our nation’s homes is not starting quick

enough and we need to start now. To make a

positive impact we need to be improving about

17,000 homes per week if we are to hit the

Government’s target.

This is an opportunity; housing efficiency is one of

the major ways to reduce carbon, give us the best

possible chance of meeting carbon reduction

targets and help us reduce fuel poverty and make

healthier homes. The roofing sector is integral to

the success of this.

The opportunity to develop and install new

products within the Government’s energy savings

plans has never been greater. The time for

innovation and development is with us.

Consumers are becoming more aware of their

carbon output – climate change is a daily news

topic – and so the demand for new technology

using renewable energy will inevitably rise.

Supply chain for delivery

The roofing sector needs to be prepared for the

demand of new and innovative technologies.

Every week new products are coming to market

which require quality tradespeople to deliver

them. These markets will grow and be worth

billions of pounds per year and we need the

supply chains for the delivery of these projects to

grow and build their capability.

ECO (the Government’s Energy Company

Obligation) has been introduced to tackle fuel

poverty and deliver quality and high standards of

workmanship, which consumers can rely on. It is

mainly focused on retrofitting a property to

improve the insulation areas around fuel poverty,

and bringing a vast amount of property to better

levels of warmth through its delivery. It works on

the basis of a ‘fabric first’ principle to ensure that

any property that is being treated is done so in a

logical and practical manner. New Government

initiatives that are being planned and expected to

commence this year will see grants and funding

becoming available to the wider demographics of

property owners to invest into their assets and

deliver cost effective wins. When retrofitting a

property, the new PAS 2030/19 and PAS

Simon Ayers, CEO TrustMark.

2035:2019 standards, which will come into force

through a transition process for ECO3, will

encourage us to look at the complete property

instead of a single measure. How many times has

a boiler been replaced in a property that has a

poor-quality roof that needs to be addressed

before other measures can be installed?

Looking at the entire fabric of the house – from

the heating systems, to the electrical usage to

insulation – will see the biggest energy efficiency

improvements for the property. The introduction of

Retrofit Assessors and Retrofit Coordinators will

be key in evaluating a property as a whole and

deciding on the work that is needed and working

with the property owner and the installer to

ensure the highest standard of technical

standards and professionalism.

Work together

The key is to work together as an industry to ensure

all sectors remain busy, train new tradespeople

and upskill existing personnel to provide the

highest quality of service for the consumer. Only by

embracing the carbon challenge and improving

the energy efficiency of our nation’s homes will

we see the biggest reductions in carbon

emissions, and this will give us the best chance

of meeting the Government’s 2050 target.

Contact TrustMark

www.trustmark.org.uk

@TrustMarkUK

18 TC MARCH 2020

SMART AND

SUSTAINABLE

ROOFING SOLUTIONS

Visit us at

RCI SHOW 2020

25-26 MARCH

Ricoh Arena,

Coventry

Protan BlueProof

Protan BlueProof extends the function of the roof

and makes it possible to drain water gradually and

under control into the sewer, so that the excess water

pressure that causes floods and flood damage is

reduced.

Protan Prefabricated

Protan Prefabricated Sheets system is the best and

fastest solution in wind-exposed areas, so it is ideal

when the roof has to be covered quickly. Large areas

of roof can be covered quickly with minimal welding

work on site.

Protan Vacuum Roof

Protan Vacuum Roofing is a unique system that does

not require fasteners or adhesives to be used on the

roof surface. The wind forces create a vacuum effect

that sucks the membrane firmly onto the roof structure.

The windier it is, the better the system works.

Protan UK Ltd, 256 Europa Boulevard, Warrington, WA5 7TN

Tel: 01925 658 001

Email: sales@protan.co.uk

protan.co.uk

SIG Roofing: Safety Talk

ROOFERS: STAYING ON TOP BY

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

As a roofer you have the benefit of an outdoor life, with plenty of fresh air to help keep

you healthy. It won’t make you immune from everyday illnesses but on a good day it can

leave you feeling on top of the world. As with any job though, there are risks; from lifting

heavy items to exposure to dangerous materials. Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager

of SIG Roofing, offers some practical tips on staying healthy and staying safe.

There can’t be many industries more heavily

focused on health and safety than

construction – and for good reason.

Whether that’s falling from a height, falling over

things or something falling on you; should the

unfortunate happen it will impact not just on your

business or workplace, there could also be

implications for your home or family life. So,

anything you can do to safeguard against it is

especially important.

By purchasing from a reputable supplier, roofers

today can be confident the products available

have been manufactured to modern high

standards and are safe to use. However, it’s quite

possible that over time, particularly when

replacing roofs on factories and other old

buildings, you will encounter less safe materials.

They were produced to the guidelines of the past

but advances in technology and

greater insight mean they are no

longer deemed fit for purpose.

They could even be deadly!

Asbestos aware

Asbestos and asbestos dust

cause around 5,000 work-related

deaths each year in the UK and should be

handled with the utmost care. Some higher risk

work with asbestos can only be carried out by a

contractor licensed by the Health and Safety

Executive (HSE), while work of a lower risk can be

taken on without the requirement for a licence.

Before starting any job you should check what

form of asbestos is present. Blue and brown

asbestos were banned by law in 1985, and the

manufacture and supply of all forms of asbestos

was banned in 1999.

The HSE has produced Asbestos

essentials, a guide for

employers, managers and sole

traders on the safe handling of

asbestos, with task sheets for work

that does not need a licence.

Silica dust

Left: Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager at

SIG Roofing.

Silica dust is another health risk with the

potential to cause lung disease. More than 500

construction workers die each year from exposure

to silica dust, so it’s essential to eliminate or

reduce it. Wet working, avoiding high pressure

spraying and wearing masks all help. A good

place for advice is the HSE leaflet Control of

exposure to silica dust, for guidance on limits

view the Control of Substances Hazardous to

Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Manual handling

It’s fundamental to a roofer’s work that he will

have to pick up and carry items such as roof tiles

or timbers. There is no actual ‘safe’ weight legal

requirements for manual handling, so it’s

important to refer to the Manual Handling

Operations Regulations (MHOR) for guidelines on

lifting, lowering and pushing and pulling.

Noise and vibration

Next, I’d like to look at noise and vibration. Where

possible you should remove people from a noisy

area and select quieter equipment. However,

20 TC MARCH 2020

“As these are common tools for roofers,

try choosing equipment that reduces exposure

to vibration and have them checked/calibrated

regularly”

where this can’t be avoided, hearing protection

and / or hearing protection zones are required by

law. Use of hand-held vibrating tools such as

breakers, hammer drills and combi-hammers can

lead to illnesses such as Hand-Arm Vibration

Syndrome. As these are common tools for

roofers, try choosing equipment that reduces

exposure to vibration and have them

checked/calibrated regularly. Also, don’t forget

you can try job rotation within the team to reduce

impact.

Vapours

Talking of making the right choices, solvents or

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) within paints

and coatings can create a serious immediate risk

as they give off vapours. Always select paints and

coatings with low VOC content and carefully

follow the application instructions, and ensure

there’s plenty of ventilation.

When the sun shines

Sunshine is a major cause of skin problems for

us all. Keeping covered, wearing a hat, staying in

the shade whenever possible and using a high

factor sunscreen of SPF30 will help protect you

against the harmful effects of the sun. In hot

weather we are all vulnerable to dehydration due

to extreme temperatures. The HSE recommends

that we drink around 250ml (half a pint) of water

every 15 minutes.

Cleanliness

Finally, did you know it is a legal requirement for

all sites to have adequate washing facilities and

all must include a sink large enough to wash your

hands, face and forearms?

At SIG Roofing we have a policy of Zero Harm, our

goal is to provide excellence in health and safety

as we care about the safety of everyone who

comes in to contact with our business, whether

they are customers, visitors or staff.

All of the above is intended as general guidance,

however, for formal legal advice please refer to

the HSE. For the HSE guides on asbestos, silicon

dust, manual handling and noise, visit its website

at www.hse.gov.uk.

Contact SIG Roofing

0845 612 4304


@SIGRoofing

Tel: 01257 793113 Website: www.geniusroofsolutions.com

Email: info@geniusroofsolutions.com

Slate Repair Hook

A permanent, secret and fail safe device that should be used when replacing a broken slate

The patented Hallhook can be used for general repair, after solar panel bracket mounting, after roof/window installation

and after installing slate vents. On a heritage or listed building a repair doesnt need to involve a re-roof or invasive repair.

“Some Imported slates

are brittle... for those

there are Hallhooks”

A Hallclip product

Patent No. GB2473637

MARCH 2020 TC 21

Perfectly Pitched

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer assesses how roof tile technology has advanced

over the last 40 years and what this has meant for pricing and projects.

Here is an interesting fact for you; in 1985,

the average trade price of large format

flat interlocking tiles was around £520 to

£550 per 1000. With the rate of inflation since

then, the same tiles in 2020 should cost around

£1,590. In reality, the average trade price today is

somewhere below £800. The clay tile industry

can tell a similar story. So, how do we account for

such a relatively lower price range, when

adjusted for inflation? After all, wages and

materials have generally risen in line with

inflation; energy costs have risen above inflation.

The answer, to a large extent, lies in technology.

For concrete tile production, a significant

proportion of the cost is in the material content,

i.e. the heavier the tile, the greater its production

cost. Roof tiles must be designed

and produced to comply with

certain performance standards,

such as minimum strength

characteristics. The industry

turned to sophisticated 3D

modelling software to help optimise

the weight to strength ratio of roof tiles. In

doing so, excess material is removed from areas

of tiles and redistributed in areas where strength

is important. This way, it has been possible to

reduce overall weights, whilst improving the

strength of tiles.

Manufacturers have also improved the way tiles

‘seat’ on the roof and interlock with each other to

avoid point contacts and minimise breakage

“In 1985, the average trade price of large format

flat interlocking tiles was around £520 to £550

per 1000 – with the rate of inflation since then,

the same tiles in 2020 should cost around

£1,590”

Left: John Mercer, pitched roofing consultant.

during transporting, handling and

installation. It must be said that

roof tiles are not designed to

withstand foot traffic and

installers must always take

precautions to avoid walking or

standing directly on tiles, to prevent damage to

the laid roof and for safety reasons.

Clay tile manufacturers also use modelling

software to reduce material content whilst

maintaining strength and performance. For clay

tile production, removing material content

reduces firing times, which is an extremely

important consideration for energy consumption

and overall environmental impact.

Manufacturing equipment

Advances in roof tile manufacturing equipment

have also contributed to the relative reduction in

tile costs. In both clay and concrete tile

production, materials pass through the whole

manufacturing process without any human

contact or handling, from the mixing and

preparation of raw materials, to forming the tile

shapes, to drying, curing (concrete), firing (clay),

through to packaging. In concrete production, the

speed of production is around two tiles per

second. In a modern clay factory, tiles can be

dried and fired in less than 24 hours. When I

came into the industry, it used to take around

seven days to dry and fire clay tiles. Modern

drying and firing kilns are far more closely

controlled, reducing the risk of distortion of the

clay tiles and ensuring tiles are properly and

evenly fired throughout the kiln.

Lowering tile weight is also an important step in

reducing handling and transport costs, as more

tiles can be transported on a single wagon.

22 TC MARCH 2020

Specialist flat roofing and waterproofing components

• Professional roofing adhesive for

attachment of insulation boards to

a variety of substrates on flat roofs

• Cold applied system that is quick

and easy to use

• Fast adhesion within 20-45 minutes

• Also available in 750ml handy size

for smaller commercial/residential

roofs.

• 5 x 750ml INSTA-STIK

Roofing adhesive

• 1 x 500ml INSTA-STIK

Gun Cleaner and

FREE applicator

• Covers up to 70m 2

per pack.

• Forms a total vapour barrier

• Waterproof & self-adhesive

• Cold applied without use of flames

• High tear resistance and tensile strength

• Self-sealing, fast installation

• Can be applied to various substrates;

concrete, metal, timber.

• Compatible with most substrates

• High levels of adhesion

• Flexible, tough and durable, impact resistant

• Cold liquid applied – no risk of fire during

application

• Exceptionally fast curing even at

low temperatures.

For more details please visit: www.instar-uk.co.uk

or contact T: + 44 (0)1858 456949 E-mail: info@instar-uk.co.uk

Perfectly Pitched

This page and previous, clay roof tiles.

By reducing the thickness and weight of tiles, the

overall weight of material on a roof can be

significantly reduced. There are now many great

single lapped tile designs that closely resemble

traditional plain tiles and slates, meaning less

tiles are required, which in turn means less tile

battens are required, so the cost of materials and

installation times are significantly reduced.

Greater accuracy

The performance of roof tiles in resisting winddriven

rain has also vastly improved because of

greater accuracy within production and design

developments through wind tunnel testing,

particularly significant for roof tiles intended for

use at low roof pitches. A European wind-driven

rain test method was developed and, although it

has not been published as a British or European

Standard, it has been widely adopted as the way

to establish the weathertightness of roof tiles and

associated products such as ventilators. A

simplified method was also developed for testing

“The old ‘prescriptive’ tile fixing patterns for

single lap tiles have now generally been

abandoned in favour of more scientifically

accurate calculated fixing specifications”

dry ridge systems and this has been published in

the Dry fix Standard BS 8612.

Lastly, but just as important, improved

meteorological data, better understanding of

weather conditions and the way roof tiles react to

high wind loads has resulted in advances in tile

fixing methods. Standards are reviewed every five

years, with the latest weather data and new

understanding of weather patterns being

incorporated into roof tile fixing requirements.

This is particularly relevant with the weather

events we have experienced in recent years and

which are predicted to worsen and become more

frequent in coming years. The old ‘prescriptive’

tile fixing patterns for single lap tiles have now

generally been abandoned in favour of more

scientifically accurate calculated fixing

specifications, with all tiles fixed being a

minimum requirement. Roof tile clip technology

has improved also, with clips being more reliable,

easier to use and stronger in resisting the wind

uplift loads on the roof tiles.

In summary, much has changed in our traditional

clay and concrete roof tiles, though most of it is

unseen at a casual glance at the roof. However,

we still prefer our traditional roof tile shapes,

such as plain tiles, slates, pantiles and Roman.

Contact John Mercer

@johnmercer3

24 TC MARCH 2020

Contractor’s Qs

“IT IS VITAL TO BUILD TRUST”

Marc Bell is Branch Manager at Avonside Edinburgh. We put the questions to Marc on all things

roofing, including his path into the sector, the tools he couldn’t do without and the issues that

are affecting the sector today...

10

questions for Marc Bell:

TC: What was your path into roofing and

to your current position?

MB: My path into roofing began just before my

16th birthday; an older friend had begun an

apprenticeship earlier that year with a wellestablished

national roofing contractor and a

further job was available to start immediately. I

had always wanted a career within the housebuilding

industry and agreed with my parents that

if/when an opportunity presented itself that I

would take it. Following some informal discussion

and brief interview, I started the following

Monday, four days after my 16th birthday. After a

move to Southwest Roofing one year later, I

“Listen, learn and soak

up as much knowledge

from the experienced

people around you, as

this will come in useful

one day”

quickly settled and went on to complete my

apprenticeship. I began running my own sites as

a tradesman for a few years, still learning,

developing knowledge and understanding of the

role every day, then took the opportunity to

become a Supervisor firstly with Southwest

“The most satisfying part of my job is always

looking at the finished product, especially where

the project has either been technically

demanding or labour intensive”

L-R: NFRC President Steve Revell, Marc Bell, Chris McLean,

Avonside Group Scotland Area Director, and Carol Smillie at

the NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor Awards 2019.

Roofing, before moving on to Avonside Roofing

Edinburgh to further my career. I worked in a

Supervisory role for approximately one further

year before being promoted to Contract Manager

and eventually further promoted to Branch

Manager (designate) five years later.

TC: If you had one piece of advice about

working and progressing in the roofing

sector, what would it be?

MB: My one piece of advice to younger people

starting out in the roofing industry is that every

day is a school day. Listen, learn and soak up as

much knowledge from the experienced people

around you, as this will come in useful one day.

TC: Tell us about a current project you’re

working on…

Henderson House

MB: One of my current projects is for Cala Homes

(East) at Marine Rise in Gullane. This is a mixture

of new build housing, flats and the refurbishment

of an existing building (previous Marine Hotel and

Scottish Fire Training College). This project stands

out to me as we recently won the NFRC Scottish

Award for Roof Slating 2019 for our work on it.

TC: You must have worked on some

difficult projects over the years. Does one

in particular stand out?

MB: There have been a few challenging projects

26 TC MARCH 2020

“It is important to

remember that our

customers are the

most important thing in

our business and

without them we’d have

nothing”

over the years for lots of different reasons. In

recent years the project that stands out would be

Dalbeattie Learning Campus. This was a very

challenging build with lots of intricate detailing,

pitched roofing, vertical cladding, single ply,

rainwater and leadworks – all on a massive scale

and to a very tight programme. Although difficult,

this project was also very rewarding, following

completion we won the NFRC Scottish Award for

Roof Slating 2018.

TC: What about difficult customers, how

do you deal with them? Any situations that

stand out that you can tell us about?!

MB: In my area of work every customer can be

difficult at times; their need is always greater

than that of their peers, however it is important to

remember that our customers are the most

important thing in our business and without them

we’d have nothing. It is vital to build longstanding

relationships and trust with customers,

this really does help if/when difficulties arise.

TC: What’s the most frustrating thing

about your job?

MB: The most frustrating part of my job is the

lack of young talent entering the roofing industry

at present. The skilled labour pool throughout the

UK is diminishing every year and without

replacing the skills learned through time by our

more experienced workers, these will be lost to

future generations. In my opinion, it is imperative

that apprentices and trainees are brought into the

industry to ensure future growth and ongoing

development to the overall trade.

Avonside roofers on projects: “it is imperative that apprentices and trainees are brought into the industry to ensure future

growth and ongoing development to the overall trade.”

TC: And the most satisfying?

MB: The most satisfying part of my job is always

looking at the finished product, especially where

the project has either been technically demanding

or labour intensive. Winning then retaining the

NFRC Slating Award in 2018/2019 were a

particular high point for both myself and my

team.

TC: What’s your most important tool as a

roofing contractor, either in the office or

on site?

MB: If you ask any roofer what the most

important tool is they’d say either Stihl Saw, Nail

Gun or a good hammer, however in my opinion

the most important tool as a roofing contractor at

any level is communication. You must be able to

communicate with your workmates, site team,

staff, clients and suppliers. Great communication

can make any roofing contractor’s job a lot easier.

TC: What’s the biggest issue currently

affecting you as a roofer?

MB: As it is February and I live in Scotland I’d

love to say the weather, however this question

leads me back to a previous answer where there

is the lack of skilled workers, training and

development in the roofing industry. As the

business grows there is a need to both train,

develop and recruit more staff every year,

something that we have done quite successfully

to date but this is a constant challenge.

TC: How was 2019 and are there reasons

to be positive for 2020?

MB: 2019 was a challenging but rewarding year.

It presented a few difficulties along the way such

as staff illness, labour shortages and even

uncertainty regarding Brexit, but we still managed

to finish the year in a strong position. 2020 has

already started very positively for me personally

due to my very recent promotion to Branch

Manager at Avonside Roofing Edinburgh. It’s a

massive step for me but it’s a challenge that I’m

really looking forward to facing and as I already

have the right team in place to support my role, I

know this will be another successful year.

Contact Avonside Group

www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

@AvonsideGroup

MARCH 2020 TC 27

Advertorial: Project Focus

PLANUM ROOFING TILES ENDORSED

Experienced roofing manager Geoff Caulfield, from East Yorkshire Roofing Services, rubber

stamps working with Crest Nelskamp *Planum high quality micro concrete roofing tiles.

Barley Folde is a development of two, three

and four-bedroom family homes in the

historic market town of Pocklington, East

Yorkshire. Crest were delighted to supply the

building products to Mulgrave Properties, an

award-winning house builder specialising in

developing unique, high quality, design-led

residential properties in desirable locations

throughout Yorkshire.

Crest provided two different brick types, Cortes –

a grey base colour brick with dark and light

shades and Flemish Antique – a superb red multi

brick, both perfect for this development. To

complement the bricks, the Crest Nelskamp

Planum concrete interlocking flat tile in Onyx

Black was the preferred choice for the pitched

roofs.

East Yorkshire Roofing Services are a pitched and

flat roofing contractor that has been established

for nearly 20 years and were the chosen company

to fit the roofing tiles of these bespoke

contemporary properties. The project involves the

installation of new roofing materials to newly built

homes. All new roofs at the site are specified to

be maintenance-free and include dry ridge, verge

and valley system.

Geoff Caulfield, Managing Director of East

Yorkshire Roofing Services, said: “We had not laid

Graphic shows: Crest’s revolutionary

protective Top Longlife Finish.

*PLANUM

FINISH

TOP

this product before but found it to be very strong,

easy to lay with variable gauge, good coverage

and robust interlocks and, as the finish was high

sheen and the concrete structure of the tile very

dense, the completed look was exceptional,

outshining many other roof tile products of a

similar size and coverage which exist in the

marketplace.”

Although the roofing contractors are based in

Yorkshire, they regularly carry out roofing projects

throughout the whole of the UK and have also

used Crest’s clay roofing products within the

LONGLIFE

Two nail holes

Finished top coat acrylic colour

coating & polymers,

enhances the attractive

surface and edges

Base undercoat of colour and

micro mortar applied under high

pressure to seal the pores

Comprehensively

structured through colour

with refined materials

Crest’s Planum micro concrete interlocking roof tiles finished in Onyx Black at the Barley Folde Development.

“As the finish was high

sheen and the

concrete structure of

the tile very dense, the

completed look was

exceptional”

*PLANUM DUO

*As per European trademark Nr.7287956, filed on 2nd October 2008, the Trademark PLANUM belongs to La Escandella. It is

Dachziegelwerke Nelskamp as authorized licensee of the owner allowed to use the mark PLANUM for its concrete product.

Nelskamp range and also find their quality and

finish of a very high standard, enhancing the

modern developments they are used on.

Crest Nelskamp roof tiles are recognised for their

use of high-quality robust materials and proven

manufacturing techniques. With the most modern

production facilities and special preparation

treatments, they ensure consistency and longlasting

quality. The Top Longlife revolutionary

protective finish comes as standard on the

Planum concrete range, with its ultra-smooth flat

finish, acrylic colour coating and polymers sealing

the tile giving “Pore Free” edges. The selfcleaning

Longlife coating has a distinctive pore

seal and ensures no absorption of moisture and

dirt. The tile also offers colour resistance and

protection against UV degradation.

All Crest Nelskamp concrete tiles are guaranteed

for 30 years, available in six striking colours and

are designed to complement and enhance any

type of build.

For further details contact Rodney Hogg, Crest

National Roofing Manager on 01430 432667, or

email rodney.hogg@crest-bst.co.uk

Contact Crest

01430 432 667

www.crest-bst.co.uk

@CrestBuildProd

28 TC MARCH 2020

•

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MARCH 2020 TC 29

Heritage Focus

SKILL, PATIENCE AND PRECISION:

MAKING THE MOST OF THE PAST

From the need for traditional methods and materials, to understanding the importance of

professional guidance and skilled workers, Steve Hopkin, Roofing Consultant at leading

South West firm DFR Roofing, offers his advice for overcoming some of the top heritage

roofing challenges; whether it’s a regeneration, retrofit or a simple repair.

The UK is home to some of the world’s finest historic architecture, with the estimated 5.5 million

traditional buildings helping to bolster the country’s cultural and heritage status. Alongside

increasing pressures to maintain and protect historic building stock, regeneration schemes are

continuing to gather pace as town and cities face a future of change; with the integration and

enhancement of their heritage assets bringing benefits for the community and local economy.

However, and despite their attraction, historic structures often present some of the industry’s most

complex roofing challenges, and as well as offering vital protection to the basic fabric of the building,

historic roofs are often a crucial element in helping to define a structure’s architectural style. Below, I’ll

talk through some of the main heritage roofing challenges and key considerations for contractors:

“Historic homes were

built to last and when it

comes to heritage

roofing, be prepared to

understand that

nothing is a fiveminute

job”

Materials matter

Understanding the composition of an historic roof,

including its material build up, is essential to the

success of a heritage roofing project, working to

retain the character of the build while enabling a

seamless integration within its existing fabric.

Often dictated by strict regulations, extensive

research will need to be conducted in to the

materials required to determine the future impact

on the structure, from lifespan and maintenance

requirements, to long-term sustainability and

durability.

Traditional roof designs and materials used were

often in response to local conditions, with

materials such as clay tiles, natural stone and

slate proving popular choices for their aesthetic

and durability qualities.

For example, in the West Country – a region

which commonly experiences high rainfall levels

–slates were often narrowed to prevent water

ingress as well as being triple lapped, and in

more exposed locations were bedded in lime

mortar to improve wind resistance.

A methodical approach to the

roofing project is

essential, and

professionals must

fully understand

the use of

traditional

material

installation

methods,

undertaking

appropriate analysis and

consultation to remain faithful

to the build. This often includes opting

for manual methods and tools to not only

replicate the original roofing structure, but also to

protect undisturbed building areas.

Talk to the experts

The UK’s heritage assets are priceless

statements of the country’s historic record, and

as such bring with them a unique set of

development, conservation,

planning and

construction issues. If

expertise in any of

these areas is

lacking, then a

project is

ultimately subject

to failure, making

project partnerships

essential to ensure

success.

With this in mind, heritage projects

often have to meet Listed Building Regulations,

and organisations such as Historic England and

National Trust, may be required to give approval

over all works, as well as being crucial decision

makers within the initial tendering process. Early

consultation with these organisations, as well as

evidence of success in similar projects, will

provide all those involved in the project with a

“Small details matter when it comes to

undertaking an historical roofing project”

30 TC MARCH 2020

Examples of DFR’s work including a church and cottage roof.

clear understanding of a project’s viability and

objectives, as well as giving roofing professionals

direct access to expert advice.

Devil is in the detail

Historic homes were built to last and when it

comes to heritage roofing, be prepared to

understand that nothing is a five-minute job.

Most listed buildings incorporate extensive

bespoke decorative lead or copper detailing,

often ranging from code six up to code nine,

meaning roofing professionals often have to

take on the role of designer to return these

custom architectural features back to their

former glory; this requires skill, patience and

precision.

Unsurprisingly most historic buildings don’t

conform to today’s build dimensions, and if

carrying out work over a large area it is likely that

an onsite ‘design-build’ approach will be required

to meet the structure’s unique specifications. The

small details matter, and in order to achieve the

high-quality natural product finish desired, handcutting

each slate isn’t uncommon, while copper

nails and stainless steel clips are often the only

preferred methods of fixing.

Small details matter when it comes to

undertaking an historical roofing project, and no

matter how small, materials should be reclaimed,

reused or replaced like-for-like wherever possible

to retain the build’s character. While often the

most complex and challenging jobs, heritage

projects are also the most rewarding, with roofing

professionals playing a valued role in helping to

preserve and protect some of the country’s most

important historic buildings for future

generations.

“No matter how small,

materials should be

reclaimed, reused or

replaced like-for-like

wherever possible to

retain the build’s

character”

Contact DFR Roofing

01752 255616

https://dfrroofing.co.uk/

@dfrroofing

MARCH 2020 TC 31

Battens

SUSTAINABILITY TIPS - BATTENS

Jenni Forrest, Quality Manager for JB Red at Marley, gives advice on choosing sustainable

roofing battens and how to reduce timber waste on site.

There is no doubt that one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry this decade is how

to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of building projects. Action needs to be taken at all

levels to choose more sustainable building materials, cut waste and emissions and increase recycling.

The timber sector has been at the forefront of responsible sourcing and it is widely recognised as one of

the most sustainable building materials. However, to be a sustainable product, timber must be sourced

from well managed forests with responsible replanting schemes.

So, when it comes to timber roofing battens, how can you be certain you are making sustainable

choices? There are a number of things to look out for:

• PEFC or FSC certification

Any roofing battens you use should have either

FSC or PEFC certification listed on the

documentation. This proves the timber is sourced

sustainably, from well managed forests with

excellent replanting programmes. All of our roofing

battens carry either FSC or PEFC certification.

• Third party accreditation

To meet BS 5534 requirements, all roofing

battens should be stamped to demonstrate

compliance with the British Standard. However,

there are concerns that not all battens stamped

as BS 5534 compliant actually meet the grading

standards. For peace of mind you should also

check for third party assurance of batten quality

and sustainability.

Our JB Red battens are covered by a BBA

Agrément certificate and are stamped to prove

that not only are they compliant with BS 5534,

but also that they are responsibly sourced with

high manufacturing standards.

• Manufacturer recycling

If you want further proof, check the

manufacturer’s own recycling practices. One of

the benefits of our manufacturing process is that

we don’t waste any of the timber and none of it is

sent to landfill. All timber that is left over from

manufacture, whether off cuts, sawdust or

shavings, is used to manufacture a number of

products including chipboard, wood pellets,

animal bedding and biomass wood chip.

Although timber is a sustainable material, it is

still important to minimise waste where possible

and make sure that it is recycled or re-used. As

well as reducing your environmental impact, this

will also cut the cost of materials and disposal.

There are several ways to minimise timber

waste on site:

• Buy quality battens from a trusted

manufacturer

Buying a quality roofing batten will save a

significant amount of waste. Our JB Red battens

are manufactured using kiln dried, side-board

timber which gives a straighter, stronger batten.

All our battens are machine graded with the

state-of-the-art Goldeneye laser scanner, this

minimises waste because all battens are

compliant and suitable for use. An inferior batten

can contain non-compliant defects, which leads

to more waste on site during the fixing process as

these defects need to be cut out. Our battens are

also delivered with minimal packaging, so there is

little waste for contractors to dispose of on site.

• Order the right amount of batten, in the

right length, for the project

When installing roof battens to comply with

BS8000-6, the joints should be staggered up the

length of the rafter, so it is advisable to purchase

a variety of different lengths to minimise cutting

and waste. JB Red battens are available in a

number of lengths to suit your project, minimising

the amount of cutting that you need to do. Your

merchant should have a selection of different

length battens for you to choose from. From

minimum 3.6m to maximum 5.4m, increasing in

0.3m increments.

Get a new specification for every project and plan

the roof layout in advance to make sure you are

ordering the right amount of batten. You can use

the free specification tool on our website

www.marley.co.uk/specritetool

• Store battens properly

If you aren’t using battens immediately, store

them securely to avoid wasting product.

Store battens and counter battens on sufficient

bearers to prevent sagging or twisting. Battens

should also be protected from the elements whilst

still maintaining air flow around the timber.

• Set up re-use or recycling areas

If timber battens need to be cut to length on site,

then set up a recycling or re-use area to ensure

any waste is being disposed of sustainably.

Contact Marley

01283 722588

www.marley.co.uk/batten

@MarleyLtd

32 TC MARCH 2020

Specify

responsibly

Wraptite ®

Construction membranes may be hidden after the project is complete, but their role in

ensuring proper heat, air and moisture movement through the building envelope and

safeguarding the health of the building and occupants is essential.

Wraptite is a unique BBA-certified external airtightness solution. This membrane not only

provides airtightness and vapour-permeability, its self-adhering installation method reduces

programme length, installation costs and material waste.

Specify responsibly:

It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

01250 872261

www.proctorgroup.com

Membranes

TECH DESK EXPLAINER: MEMBRANES

The experts at A Proctor Group explain how a membrane can be both airtight AND vapour

permeable...

Construction membranes have become a

staple item on the builder’s shopping list.

Membranes help to regulate the natural

process of heat, air and moisture movement

through the building envelope and, in doing so,

protect the structural integrity of buildings and the

health of its occupants. In terms of a building’s

long-term performance, membranes are arguably

as important as the structure they protect.

Because all membranes have some degree of

liquid water resistance, construction membranes

are differentiated more by their air and water

vapour permeability. Membrane specifications

generally ask for combinations of these two

factors – sometimes these combinations make

sense, but other times they are less intuitive.

VCLs

Vapour Control Layers (VCLs) are fairly straightforward.

Their job is to block moisture from

entering the construction from the warm side of

the insulation, so they are air and vapour tight.

VCLs are typically made from varying thicknesses

of polyethylene +/- aluminium foils, and don’t

have pores to maximise their protective effect.

There are different grades of VCL depending on

the application and level of interior moisture they

have to contend with. Low risk applications,

including warehouses and industrial units will

typically only require VCLs with a vapour

resistance of 125-250 MNs/g, while higher risk

applications like indoor swimming pools may

“In terms of a

building’s long-term

performance,

membranes are

arguably as important

as the structure they

protect”

require resistances of 7,000 MNs/g or greater.

Variable permeability VCLs also exist but they

won’t be covered in this article.

On the other end of the permeability spectrum are

roofing underlays like Roofshield which are air and

vapour permeable. Their job is to enable moisture

that is created inside the building to ventilate safely

to the exterior, and to prevent interstitial

condensation from forming. BS5250 states that

breather membranes must have a vapour

resistance of below 0.6 MNs/g and, if they are being

used for roof applications, they must be even more

vapour permeable at 0.25 MNs/g or less i.e. LR

underlays. The NHBC has recognised that if vapour

permeable roofing underlays are also air permeable,

the addition of roof vents may not be necessary.

Roofshield’s air and vapour permeability is not

the result of holes in the membrane. Roofshield is

a laminated SMS membrane comprised of a

meltblown polypropylene core sandwiched

between two layers of spunbond polypropylene

(SMS = spunbond-meltblown-spunbond). The

Roofshield was used at Denmylme Farm, Newburgh.

fibres that make up the core are many times

smaller than a human hair and their microscopic

spider web form is what gives Roofshield its

unique air and vapour permeability.

Vapour permeable and airtight?

Where things get interesting are when membranes

are specified to be vapour permeable but also

airtight – how is this possible? The secret to

combining these properties starts with a triple-layer

construction similar to that of an SMS membrane,

but in place of a meltblown polypropylene core is a

microporous film. This film allows moisture vapour

to pass through it but it blocks both air and liquid

water. The material properties of the core mean that

film laminate membranes offer greater water

resistance than air permeable membranes but

slightly less vapour permeability.

The Wraptite external air barrier system is the

only airtight and vapour permeable film laminate

membrane that is also self-adhering and certified

by the BBA. External air barriers have been

shown to save on labour and material costs,

speed up the work progression on site, and can

reduce the amount of insulation required to

achieve thermal performance targets.

Graphics show the Roofshield (left) and Wraptite membranes from A. Proctor Group.

Contact A. Proctor Group

01250 872261

www.proctorgroup.com

@proctorgroup

34 TC MARCH 2020

LRWA Skills Focus

SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME

Sarah Spink, CEO of the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), explains the

benefits of the liquid Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP), and why gaining a lifetime

qualification is important for operatives new to the roofing sector.

Our industry has experienced a force of

change in recent months, especially

following Dame Judith Hackitt’s

Independent Review of Building Regulations and

Fire Safety, post-Grenfell. This stringent overhaul

has resulted in a requirement to prove

competency in all disciplines and for all types of

roofing projects, regardless of their size or sector

– and liquid waterproofing is no exception.

Roofing contractors need to ensure they have the

right skills, and achieving a nationally-recognised

qualification is the most effective way for roofers

to prove their knowledge and technical abilities.

Industry bodies such as the LRWA can offer

advice on the most appropriate training route,

including easily accessible and grant-funded

programmes such as the SAP.

Why is gaining specialist skills important?

Now installation competency is being more

closely scrutinised, the best way for an operative

to demonstrate specialist roofing skills is to gain

an NVQ Level 2. Nationally recognised across the

whole of the UK, an NVQ is a lifetime qualification

for an individual in a specific discipline.

It is the Level 2 qualification that ultimately also

enables roofers to apply for a Construction Skills

Certification Scheme (CSCS) blue ‘Skilled Worker’

card, allowing access to site on new build and

refurbishment projects. The CSCS plays a vital

role in the construction sector as its cards prove

that individuals working on construction sites

have the appropriate training and qualifications

for the job they do on site.

There are several routes available for contractors

to achieve an NVQ Level 2 in liquid waterproofing.

One of the most effective is the LRWA’s SAP –

which is the only accredited training course in the

UK that covers all the major liquid

chemistries and is aimed at new

entrants to the industry.

What is a SAP?

The SAP is designed for operatives

with less than two years’ experience and

involves two consecutive days of

training every month for a year,

covering 24 modules relating to the

sector. The programme is delivered

by qualified trainers and approved

LRWA manufacturer members. This

means contractors learn and experience

first-hand the practicalities of each of the

different liquid roofing systems and chemistries.

At the end of the SAP, individuals are assessed

for six months on site to achieve their NVQ Level

2 Diploma qualification in Liquid Applied

Membrane Waterproofing Systems after which

they can apply for a Blue Skills CSCS card.

What are SAP learning outcomes?

Training is split into theory and practical sessions

and covers many topics. For example, each of the

liquid technologies are demonstrated in detail by

the appropriate manufacturer member whilst other

modules include project planning and preparation,

sustainability and waste management.

Alternative roof structures and varying substrate

applications are also explained such as green roofs,

balconies and podiums, and participants can learn

how to use the correct calculations for insulation.

Why should I invest in training?

With the quality of all construction projects

coming under closer inspection, the importance

of training can’t be underestimated. Although

there are many examples of outstanding

Left: Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA;

Below: the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card.

workmanship across the liquid

roofing and waterproofing sector,

we can’t be complacent.

Some smaller roofing contractors may

not have the capacity or budget to

finance formal qualifications, yet

without this investment, operatives

are less likely to be installing a

system properly, and it’s worth

considering the long-term benefits of

quality training for the team.

Many different flat roofing systems are emerging

into the market every year – requiring varying

levels of application subject to the chemistry type

– so it’s important that contractors have the

skills in place to provide a sound waterproofing

system for the end user.

How can I access SAP training?

There are currently six CITB-approved training

centres offering the SAP right across the UK,

including sites in Birmingham, Sunderland,

Ipswich, Hertfordshire, Caerphilly in Wales and

Rayleigh, Essex.

A maximum of six learners can take part in each

programme. Employers can also benefit from

significant CITB funding which covers the

majority of the cost.

The LRWA is still recruiting for 2020 SAP training

across the UK. See below for further details.

Contact the LRWA

0333 987 4581

www.lrwa.org.uk

@LRWAssociation

36 TC MARCH 2020

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Skills Competitions

TUTORS BACK BMI APPRENTICE

OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

With this year’s BMI Apprentice of the Year competition having launched in early March,

tutors from building colleges and training centres nationwide explain why they feel

competitions such as SkillBuild and the BMI Apprentice of the Year are so important to

competitors, employers and the industry itself.

Motivation, pride in yourself and your

work, plus the chance to measure

yourself against your contemporaries;

those are just some of the benefits that the

country’s roofing tutors see their apprentices

gaining by taking part in the industry’s major

competitions – such as BMI’s Apprentice of the

Year – the 2020 competition having launched on

March 2nd. They also believe that the

competitions are a showcase for roofing to

potential new recruits.

Employers benefit too, according to South Devon

College’s Steve Dowell: “We find that companies

are really interested when their trainees make it

to the national finals of SkillBuild and, when the

bosses attend the local or regional heat, they see

these young roofers demonstrating

craft skills they (the bosses)

didn’t know they had,

because there isn’t the

opportunity to show

these off at work.”

Steve is among the

tutors who makes sure

his students know about

these competitions right from

the start. “We can teach people to

work at a high standard, whether they have a

natural affinity for the job or not, if they’re

engaged,” he explained.

“Competitions give youngsters something to

aspire to and makes them realise the knowledge

and skills that they have”

“A lot of our learners are very motivated when

they join us and the competitions

make them super-engaged.

They demonstrate that if you

work hard you can make

it.” To make his point he

singles out South

Devon’s two finalists in

SkillBuild as proof.

Competitions are key

Over at Leeds College of

Building, competitions are taken

seriously from the very start. “We see

competitions within the sector as a measure of

how well we’re doing as a college as well as

giving our students an incentive to do well,”

explained Chris Messenger, lecturer in roof slating

and tiling. He holds competitions in college from

the first year onwards to give his students the

experience of working under pressure. And it pays

off: his apprentices have won a total of 15

SkillBuild/WorldSkills medals (six gold, two silver,

and seven bronze) under his coaching.

In the South West, Alan Lander at RoofTrain is a

big believer in the value that competitions bring

to both the individual and the industry.

“Competitions give youngsters something to

aspire to and makes them realise the knowledge

and skills that they have,” he explained.

He encourages his trainees to enter, even though

he only teaches them for some 23 days, rather

than over the course of two years. As a result

Left: Alan Lander of RoofTrain. Above: Chris Messenger,

lecturer in roof slating and tiling at Leeds College of Building.

38 TC MARCH 2020

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ROOFING TILES

Skills Competitions

Alan does not have the time, like

some building colleges, to run

practice competitions.

“These competitions are

good for the industry as

a whole because they

confirm the skills,

knowledge and experience

that our workforce possesses,

which can be overlooked. It’s also

good for the tutors – it makes you feel

good about the skills that you’re passing on.”

Other skills

Tutors agree, though, that the BMI Apprentice of

the Year competition looks at the other qualities

that an apprentice will need if they are to move

beyond the tools. In their view, this scheme

measures not simply whether an apprentice

knows how to install a roof correctly but also soft

skills like communication, marketing and

customer service.

“SkillBuild and Apprentice of the Year are at

Left: Alan King of National Construction

College – South. Below: Dave Mallory,

roofing lecturer at Leeds.

totally opposite ends of

the scale,” observed

Steve Dowell. “SkillBuild

is completely practical

whereas Apprentice of the

Year looks at skills such as

diagnosing issues in roofs and

presentation skills.”

Dave Mallory, roofing lecturer at Leeds, added:

“Out of my students around 90% will be selfemployed

at some point in their career and the

Apprentice of the Year competition develops the

social skills they will need to make a success of

that.”

The feature that every tutor likes about the

Apprentice of the Year is that the experience itself

is both good fun and educational. Taking part in

the two-day final at the BMI Academy near

Cirencester broadens the horizons of those taking

part.

“Out of my students around 90% will be

self-employed at some point in their career

and the Apprentice of the Year competition

develops the social skills they will need to

make a success of that”

“Every apprentice I’ve

ever had who got into

the final really enjoyed

Apprentice of the Year

even though it took

them right outside

their comfort zone and

made them think”

Alan King, roofing lecturer at National

Construction College – South, based in Erith,

Kent, explained: “Every apprentice I’ve ever had

who got into the final really enjoyed Apprentice of

the Year even though it took them right outside

their comfort zone and made them think. You can

turn an apprentice into a SkillBuild ninja through

practice, practice and practice, but that isn’t the

case with Apprentice of the Year.

“There is a reward for everyone, even those that

don’t win. They meet people from all parts of the

industry, people who have started their own

businesses and become successful and they also

meet other roofers at the same stage in their

career.”

From this point of view these competitions for

young roofers are a bit like the Olympic Games –

“The most important thing is not winning but

taking part” to quote the founder, Pierre de

Coubertin.

The BMI Apprentice of the Year competition is now

open for entries and can be found at

https://redland.co.uk/young-roofers/apprenticeof-the-year-2020

and

http://www.icopal.co.uk/Support/Roofers/youngroofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020.

Don’t

hesitate to enter – or enter your apprentices, via

their training centres – now!

Contact BMI National Training Centre

01285 863545

www.bmigroup.com/uk

@_Redland / @Icopal_UK

40 TC MARCH 2020

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t: 01543 687300

e: sales@filon.co.uk

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

www.filon.co.uk

Rooflight Refurbs

ROOFLIGHT REFURBISHMENT –

CONSIDER THE CARBON IMPACT

By William Mcdowell, National Business Development Manager – Rooflights for Hambleside

Danelaw.

Think about it: rooflight refurbishment is a

huge opportunity for roofing contractors.

According to the Chartered Institute of Building

(CIOB), 70% of the buildings currently standing

will still be here in 2050 – the target date set by

Government to reduce carbon emissions by

100% of 1990 levels.

The highest quality current GRP rooflight offers a

lifespan of approximately 30 years (NARM

NTD09) thanks to improvements in technology.

However, older industrial buildings will need to be

refurbished to gain benefits such as optimal

daylighting, enhanced thermal performance and

improved service life.

Overlooked

Often, rooflights are overlooked by the building

owners and occupiers – largely, because the

rooflights they have are so discoloured and/or

dirty, they do not perhaps even realise the

rooflights are there.

As a contractor, you face three

options to pitch to the client:

re-sheeting, overcladding or

just rooflight replacement.

With each, there is the further

consideration of straight like for like,

upgrade, and/or increase of the rooflight area.

Each will depend on project aims and objectives,

budgets, and site considerations such as

timeframes, whether the building operation will

continue during the contract.

“As a contractor, you

face three options to

pitch to the client: resheeting,

overcladding

or just rooflight

replacement”

William McDowell, Hambleside Danelaw.

Carbon impact

The carbon impact of buildings

is inevitably going to play a

bigger and bigger part. We all

know the benefits of rooflights in

terms of BREEAM – their provision of

natural daylight within, their potential

contribution towards energy consumption within

if insulating versions are incorporated. Note, a

useful point to bring into specification is that it

costs four times more to heat a building than to

light it, and there is an argument to increase the

rooflight area.

The misconception surrounding the ratio between

rooflight to roof area is being brought to light.

Historically the accepted lore was that 10% of

the roof should comprise rooflights.

Independent research commissioned by the

National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers

(NARM) now challenges that. The research used

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) to quantify

CO2 emissions for the notional building with varying

rooflight area. The conclusion was that, at 12%

rooflight area, it passed the target within Building

Regulations Approved Document Part L.

A rooflight area of 15-20% achieved savings in

running costs of £5.92/m²/yr (at prices current

when the report was compiled), and reduced

emissions by 28.7kgCO2e/m²/yr. Note, the cost

of energy in £ and CO2 required to light a building

artificially is accepted to be far greater than any

potential heat loss through rooflights.

Any small incremental increase in the cost of

upgrading to a higher specification i.e. a double

skin in place of single skin, is more than offset by

42 TC MARCH 2020

the savings in running costs. A double skinned

GRP rooflight with an outer weather sheet,

internal liner panel, and a transparent insulating

core can attain a U-value as low as 0.9W/m²K.

There are new elements to bring into the

BREEAM/carbon argument, which, don’t forget,

does not just apply to new build. There are

BREEAM schemes for refurbishment and fit-out.

The Zenon brand of GRP rooflight is the only one of

its kind in the UK to have achieved an

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from the

BRE. The EPD brings with it a tangible contribution

of 1.5 points towards BREEAM classification when

used as part of a metal roof system (BREEAM

category Materials Mat 02).

Zenon brings additional unique benefits to the

carbon argument. Evolution has 40% less

embodied carbon than conventionallymanufactured

GRP rooflight sheet. Zenon Insulator

is manufactured from honeycomb cellulose acetate

which offers lower embodied carbon than the

alternative multiwall polycarbonate, and can be

composted at end of life.

The value of refurbishing rooflights is something all

responsible professionals are aware of. However,

human nature is such that because we know

something, we assume everyone else knows it too.

Highlighting the benefits of refurbishing rooflights

can open customers’ eyes. It makes them aware

of a small change that can have a big impact on

their building operating costs. It makes

customers – architects, main contractors,

building operators – aware that you don’t just

look at the financial benefits of an order to your

business, but how your work can benefit them.

It’s a new take on customer care.

Contact Hambleside Danelaw

01327 701 900

www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk/

@HambDane

Lead and Hard Metal

courses run every month

NCTS delivers professional and progressive

course programmes to inspire and train

Leadworkers and Hard Metal Workers.

BOOK

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Book now for the following courses and qualifi cations:

• Basic Bossing and Welding

• Basic Hard Metals

• NVQ Level 2

• NVQ Heritage Level 3

• On-Site Assessment & Training (OSAT) for experienced

Leadworkers and Hard Metals Workers

• Estimating

CITB-funded training for registered companies.

How can I book?

Booking is simple. You can book your course through the NCTS website www.ncts.org.uk or you can

contact us directly on 01992 801914 or email training@ncts.org.uk.

NCTS - Delivering Training across the Roofing Industry

MARCH 2020 TC 43

An Inspector Calls

MAKE WIND LOADING A BREEZE

In An Inspector Calls, our regular monthly column, Total Contractor has teamed up

with the experts at BMI UK & Ireland to help you avoid the common pitfalls that can

often cost you both time and money and achieve roofing success.

After storms Dennis and Ciara wreaked

havoc on the UK, the Inspector talks

wind loadings this month and why they

are a crucial factor when designing a roof so

it will not be damaged.

Wind speeds and loading vary all over the UK but

there are particular circumstances that you need to

bear in mind when designing a roof or, more

particularly, deciding how to fix it in place.

Most tile failures on a pitched roof occur due to the

lack of a fixing specification or a failure to properly

follow the specification provided. BS 5534, the

standard for slating and tiling on pitched roofs,

strongly urges the use of a manufacturer’s fixing

specification for your roof.

Location

When putting together a specification the main

factor we consider is location – where the building

is and what surrounds it. For instance, is the

building next to open terrain, such as the sea or a

plain? Wind speed over flat surfaces is a lot faster

than when it’s been disrupted by contours.

Similarly, wind gains speed as it moves uphill: the

steeper the slope, the greater the wind uplift. So,

buildings at the crest of a hill will need different

fixing specifications to those at the bottom. As a

rule of thumb we add hills into our calculations

when a slope is more than 10% and when the

building is more than halfway up.

Altitude is another important aspect of location

because every metre above sea level affects the

calculation of the fixing specification. Each town

and city has its own unique altitude and wind

speed, which is detailed in BS 5534, though care is

required when dealing with areas of varying heights,

where we then revert to contour lines on the

Ordnance Survey maps.

Heartbreak ridge: damage from wind uplift can be extensive.

The same is true of the built environment, which

can act to slow down the wind speed in the same

way as contours. That is why you need to take care

when working on the edge of towns when they

might border a wide, open space for some time.

Even on a new development, where a house may

eventually be surrounded by similar buildings, you

must take this into account as the roof will be

vulnerable to wind uplift while those buildings are

being built.

Smaller buildings can provide some shelter to a

taller building, when we would need to look at the

‘effective’ height. This is when a tall building is

down wind, and the small building can give shelter

to the first few storeys. But when the taller building

is upwind, it causes turbulence in the air flow to the

smaller buildings in its wake and this can drag

down some of the fast-moving wind from higher up.

These external factors may affect the roof design so

that the wind loadings are kept to a minimum – or

they can be made worse, and you will have to

specify the roof fixings to mitigate. The shape of the

building determines the wind uplift around it, as

does the pitch and height.

The basic rule is that mono pitch roofs have the

strongest wind uplift, whatever their pitch but,

generally, the lower the roof pitch, the more wind

uplift there is acting upon it. Steeper roof pitches

give some shelter to their leeside (negative) while

lower pitches give less protection to their leeside, as

well as exposing their leading edge. On complex

roofs, services such as chimneys and dormers may

cause turbulent vortices at the perimeters.

In common with a lot of construction components,

the important elements of roofing are unseen.

Fixings and underlay play an immense role in

maintaining the integrity of a building’s roof but are

as visible as its foundations.

Research shows that a roof fitted without underlay

is five times more likely to sustain damage than a

roof with underlay. This is because the underlay

keeps the internal and external pressures separate.

Internally, uplift forces act upon the roof underlay

whenever air can move within the building to the

underside of the roof covering. Instead of this uplift

load affecting the underside of the roof, its full

impact is taken by the underlay.

Fixing specs: No one size fits all

Every tile or fitting we put onto our roof must be

fixed, using either a nail, a screw or a specially

designed clip. Research shows that the most secure

fixing is a combination of both nail and clip, which

has a resistance of more than 200 Newtons/m², or

more than seven times secure than a single nail or

twice as strong as a fully clipped. Just which fixing

specification is needed for the roof in question can

be answered by your tile manufacturer, as they will

all supply one, normally free-of-charge. It is

important you get one for each job, and each tile

type because the specification may vary between

manufacturers. You must not assume that a ‘one

size fits all’ fixing specification will be sufficient

because, as we have seen, every specification is

tailored to the needs of each site and location.

Contact BMI National Training Centre

01285 863545

www.bmigroup.com/uk

@_Redland / @Icopal_UK

44 TC MARCH 2020

GEMINI ®

THE ROOFING TILE

THAT HAS CAUSED

A REVOLUTION

PROJECT SHOWN IN IMAGE:

Broadbridge Park Care Home

CLIENT:

Halebourne Care Group

CONTRACTORS:

Lawrence Baker and Bracknell

Roofing Contractors

PRODUCT:

40,000 Gemini ® roof tiles in Ember Blend

Gemini is a true innovation in roof tile design. With its ‘double

cambered’ design, this interlocking concrete tile gives the

appearance of traditional plain tiles when laid.

Because of Gemini’s design, fewer tiles are required to cover

the same area as a conventional double lapped plain tile. This

innovative product assists in reducing the build cost, and helps

to reduce the environmental impact by reducing the amount of

quarried aggregate used and haulage movement per laid m².

Call 01525 244900 or visit

www.forticrete.co.uk to find out more.

www.forticrete.co.uk

Roofing Updates

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

NEW DIAMOND GRP SYSTEM

Permavent has expanded its extensive range of innovative roofing products with the release of a new,

advanced GRP roofing system, that provides the perfect solution to the construction industry for flat roofs.

The ‘Diamond GRP System’ offers exceptional quality for flat roofing as it has been specially formulated solely for

roofing applications. Traditionally GRP systems were designed for marine use, such as boats and aquatic tanks.

When applied to a roof the finished result was often very brittle and unforgiving, lacking the durability and flexibility

required. This, in turn, decreases the overall life expectancy.

Above: The Diamond GRP System includes base

resins, topcoats, matting, trims and accessories.

Diamond GRP eliminates these issues with its formula specifically designed for roofing and delivers enhanced benefits including:

Longevity: Advanced bonding characteristics and superior flexibility improves the roof’s performance and is supported with a 25-year materials guarantee;

Robust and Durable: Excellent strength, versatility and waterproofing makes it ideal for extreme weather conditions and frequent footfall, where it can be

specified for use on walkways and balconies; Intuitive installation: Quick and easy to apply all year round, with excellent UV resistance; Seamless Improved

Aesthetics: No seams, joints or welds are required and creates an attractive finish. This also reduces labour time for the contractor and removes potential

points of water ingress. For more information visit www.permavent.co.uk or email enquiries@permavent.co.uk.

GET THE EDGE WITH PROTECTION

Roof Edge has installed a hard-wearing safety solution on Scottish Natural Heritage’s HQ roof in Inverness.

After years of improving the Scottish countryside, they decided to focus their efforts on improving their head office’s

rooftop safety with the help of Roof Edge. After a thorough site survey, it was determined that a Kee Walk with

Guardrail system would be the most effective solution, incorporating a Kee Gate into the system for added security.

“Ensuring the safety of our staff is the main priority for us and Roof Edge’s solutions have given us the peace of

mind we needed. I am confident now that people working on our roofs are protected. To say we’re happy with the

outcome is an understatement,” explained Lesley Fraser, GGH Building Manager. www.roofedge.co.uk

MARLEY PROVIDES THE LOWDOWN

Marley has launched a new concrete interlocking tile, which can be used down to a minimum pitch of 12.5 degrees.

The Mendip 12.5 from Marley.

The new Mendip 12.5 has the same double pan design as the original concrete tile, but includes some innovative features

to ensure it can be used at a lower pitch. Designed with single storey extension projects in mind, the Mendip 12.5 has four

weatherproofing channels at the face of the tile to prevent water ingress from wind driven rain. To make it even more

watertight, the tile has no nail hole and is instead installed with its own Mendip clip. As well as the original Mendip tile,

which can be used down to pitches of 15 degrees, the range now features the Mendip 12.5 in two colours – Smooth Grey

and Smooth Brown – giving contractors more choice on low pitch projects. www.marley.co.uk/lowpitchmendip

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION FOR AH+

SIG Design & Technology has produced a series of instructional videos on the new and

improved Hydrostop AH+ liquid waterproofing system wet-on-wet, cold applied product.

For further information on Hydrostop AH+ liquid

waterproofing systems visit: www.singleply.co.uk

The videos were filmed at SIG Design & Technology’s Training Academy with Danny Meadows,

leading trainer and area field technician, demonstrating the correct techniques for application. The

videos walk you through every step of the application from surface preparation and priming, applying

reinforced fabric and more difficult detailing such as outlets and pipe penetrations. The videos are

available to view at http://bit.ly/HydrostopAHplusvideos

46 TC MARCH 2020

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#VoiceofSinglePlyRoofing

MARCH 2020 TC 47

Roofing Updates


MADE TO ORDER RADIUS GUTTERS

Sometimes you need to replace a radius gutter (guttering that follows the shape of a circular roofline) on a

conservation or renovation project and it needs to be ‘like for like’.

The original pattern for ‘sand casting’ of that specific Cast Iron radius gutter may be long gone, but Rainclear can

use the pieces you still have to create new ‘patterns’ and cast new matching radius gutters for you. This is known

as a ‘True Cast’ Radius Gutter. Cast Iron gutters are available in 4 traditional profiles and primed for onsite

painting in almost any colour or factory pre-painted in 7 traditional colours. It should last over 100 years with

proper maintenance which includes repainting every 5 year. In another case you may be allowed to replace the original cast Iron radius gutters with Cast

Aluminium – Aluminium is less expensive, lighter to install and does not need to be painted regularly to last 25-40 years environment dependent. In this case

Rainclear can arrange for a new pattern to be made from the pieces that need to be replaced and/or from measurements and calculations from plans of the

current roofline. Rainclear can also cast new replacement Aluminium radius gutters for you. Cast Aluminium Gutters are available in 3 profiles and in 26

standard RAL colours. Even if your project is a new build project, we can use either of the above processes or, if the project calls for a more contemporary style

of gutter, the team can cut and mitre lengths of extruded or pressed aluminium gutter to create the curve necessary for your roofline. www.rainclear.co.uk

A 1ST CLASS ROOFING PACKAGE

Prater has been appointed by Blue Sky Building (on behalf of Royal Mail) to undertake

extension and refurbishment works at the Royal Mail Mount Pleasant sorting centre.

Above: The Royal Mail Mount Pleasant.

Prater has been appointed to deliver the roofing package to include a new canopied area that will cover

the through route from the road to the loading area, which will be an inverted roofing solution. In addition,

Prater will be delivering refurbishment works to the existing loading bay at the building with a single ply

warm roof solution. Karl Moxon, Prater, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with BlueSky Building on

this important phase of the overall development for such a prestigious end client.” www.prater.co.uk

THE NATURAL SOLUTION FOR SMITHY

Smithy Cottage, an unusual, cruciform shaped new-build property in Warrington, has recently been constructed

using CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA 2 natural slates.

Above: Smithy Cottage.

Selected for uniformity, longevity and aesthetics which is in-keeping with the surrounding properties, the CUPA 2 slates were

used for the roof of the property which unusually incorporated atrium glazing and inlaid solar panels. “We chose to introduce

materials associated with other ‘traditional’ large houses in the local area, one of which was slate,” commented Ian Scullion,

Associate at Fasciato Architects. “As a result, we decided to use a natural slate for the roofing material to achieve a balance

with the brief whilst also making the house feel homely and appropriate to its context.” www.cupapizarras.com

GEMINI: CARE AND ATTENTION

Forticrete has supplied more than 40,000 Gemini roof tiles for the construction of Halebourne

Care Group’s latest luxury development for independent living in Broadbridge Heath.

The retirement village offers the highest standards of

residential, nursing and dementia care.

Freddie Wade, Contracts Manager for Bracknell Roofing, commented: “We initially started on the

construction of the retirement village in 2018, following our appointment by specialist care

contractor, Lawrence Baker. With tight deadlines in mind, we worked together to specify a roofing

material, which could offer savings in both time and labour. With this in mind, we turned to

Forticrete’s Gemini tile”. www.forticrete.co.uk

48 TC MARCH 2020

SLATE FOR ROOFING

Comprehensive product range

30 to 75 year market-leading warranties available

Reproduction & Fibre Cement ranges

Tailored ranges in stock in your area

Full support & guidance

Natural Slate Ranges

Excellence

Commercial

Classic

www.sigaslate.co.uk

Installation Advice

SUREBRICK INSTALLATION GUIDE

Total Contractor takes a look at the Forterra SureBrick system.

Forterra has launched SureBrick, a cutting-edge brick slip system consisting of coated and

stainless steel rails for the mechanical retention of brick slips. The system is ideal for use in a

range of construction and architectural projects.

Among the system’s advantages is its ease of installation, meaning complex and aesthetically appealing

façades can be created without the input of highly trained bricklayers. Below, the company has put

together a handy step-by-step guide to help ensure a hassle-free installation process for contractors

and installers.

Above: Design shows Surebrick build-up.

1. SureBrick Rails

• SureBrick is fixed to a secondary supporting

structure (sub-frame) spaced at no greater than

600mm centres.

• Initially, the datum points for the position of the

first SureBrick Rail should be set carefully, taking

into account the final position of the brick slip

when installed.

• The rail should be positioned horizontally on

the datum point, with the aid of a spirit or laser

level.

• It must then be fixed to the sub-frame using

A2 stainless-steel fixings through the prepunched

holes in the rail. Fixings must be

positioned at a maximum horizontal spacing of

650mm.

* No two (vertical) joints in adjacent rails should

occur in the same bay.

* SureBrick Rails can be stacked a maximum of

five courses high before fixings need to be

inserted, provided that they are self-supporting

and weather conditions permit this. Alternatively,

fixings can be inserted as each rail is interlocked

into position.

* At changes in direction, SureBrick Rails must

be butt jointed; every alternate SureBrick Rail is

bent around the return and fixed to both

elevations to provide rigidity, creating any angle

of corner.

* In order to achieve architectural detailing –

solider courses and bonded effects, for example

– SureBrick Rails can be installed vertically to

allow a maximum height of

675mm.

2. Brick slips

• The groove in the

top of the brick

slip must be

slotted carefully

into the rail’s

upper tab, and the

slip rotated so that the

bottom rests against the

rail’s lower tab.

• Once fully clipped in, the bottom arise of the

brick slip must be hit at a 45 degree angle in one

single upward and backward motion with a

rubber pallet.

• The brick slip can be moved horizontally within

the rail if required, by carefully tapping the

perpend arise of the brick slip with a rubber

mallet.

• External corner pistols are slotted into the rails.

3. Pointing

• Joints must be fully filled with the traditional

mortar blend. If the brick slips have a high-water

absorption of more than 10%, joints should be

wetted down prior to pointing.

• The mortar should be tooled off after it has

formed a semi-dry surface skin and lost its initial

sheen. The time this takes is dependent on the

absorbency of the brick slips and the weather.

* Pointing should only take place between the

temperatures of 5 and 35°C and

should not be conducted during

rain, or if rain has been

forecast.

* Pointing should be

installed in

accordance with the

Certificate holder’s

recommendations.

4. Finishing

• The top of the system must

be protected by an adequate

overhang (minimum 40mm with drip), or by an

adequately sealed, purpose-made flashing or

trim.

Richard Willetts, Head of Design, Technical

Services and MMC at Forterra, concludes:

“SureBrick has been comprehensively researched

with the input of architects, specifiers, clients

and installers, enabling us to develop a brick slip

system fully in line with the requirements of the

construction sector today.

“Alongside the system itself, we provide a

dedicated support service from conception to

completion, encompassing design assistance,

installation training ahead of the build date,

delivery and a contact for onsite advice.”

Find out more about Surebrick and Forterra

www.forterra.co.uk/surebrick

www.forterra.co.uk

50 TC MARCH 2020

Flush-fitting, with a simple, elegant beauty,

Cedral Click brings a low-maintenance modernity

to any commercial or residential application

Easy to install

UV resistant

Low maintenance

Factory applied colour

Water resistant

External Envelope

SECURING FUTURES THROUGH

THE BUILDING ENVELOPE

As the pressure mounts on the construction industry to achieve zero-carbon buildings,

Vincent Matthews, Head of UK Marketing at SFS, explores how the building envelope can

help to reduce energy usage and enhance a building’s lifespan.

Arguably, the built environment is at its

most critical juncture in its history. Data

from the EU Energy Centre (EEC) shows

that residential and commercial buildings use

roughly 40% of global energy and emit of all

greenhouse gases. The EEC warns that if nothing

is done, greenhouse gas emissions from buildings

will more than double in the next 20 years.

Clearly, there is an onus on every player in the

build chain to ensure that buildings are as energy

efficient as they can be. Contractors and

installers particularly must be wise to how they

can help, given that they are often at the forefront

of project planning, construction, and materials

and component selection.

The building envelope is one such example. With

good planning and preparation, along with the

right mix of components, energy consumption and

carbon footprint can be minimised. Lowering

carbon emissions starts from construction

through to when the building is in use, and even

in maximising the lifespan of the building itself.

The role of the building envelope

Put simply, a building envelope is the exterior of a

building which repels the elements – the roof,

subfloor, exterior walls, exterior doors and

windows. Although simple in principle, the

building envelope is a complex piece of

engineering, with different elements that must

work together to ensure the integrity of the

building. Responsible for moisture

control, temperature control, and

air boundaries, the building

envelope can make a huge

difference to the energy

efficiency of a building – reducing

energy lost and protecting the indoor

environment.

The roof of a building is one of its main energy

efficiency blackspots, accounting for 25-30% of

all heat lost through the envelope. To maximise

the thermal qualities and reduce energy loss from

any roof, it is vital that there is no break in the

insulation which can compromise its integrity.

Known as thermal bridges, these weak spots are

commonly caused by breaks in the insulation,

protruding joists, wall ties and bad workmanship.

One weak spot often overlooked is the fasteners

themselves. A typical roof installation uses

thousands of fasteners, each one a potential

thermal bridge. Flat roofing solutions such as the

isotak thermally broken sleeve and fastener from

SFS will ensure that cladding is properly secured,

avoiding thermal bridges and decreasing energy

loss. The two-part fastener sits inside a sleeve

which penetrates below the surface of the

insulation, providing a barrier between the

fastener head and the external atmospheric

conditions. The stainless-steel construction of

the fastener conducts heat at a slower pace than

carbon steel, further improving the thermal

“As with any part of the building envelope, the

correct specification and fitting of these layered

cladding systems is vital”

Left: Vincent Matthews, Head of Marketing

at SFS.

efficiency of the envelope, as

well as offering the improved

corrosion-resistance required to

ensure a longer lifespan.

The right component mix for

rainscreen cladding systems

The façade of a building also represents a key

blackspot for energy efficiency. Rainscreen

cladding is one way to keep the rain out, while

also offering an inner layer of thermal insulation,

preventing excessive air leakage and protecting

against wind. However, as with any part of the

building envelope, the correct specification and

fitting of these layered cladding systems is vital.

“By sourcing different

components from

different suppliers, the

system may not

necessarily be as

energy efficient as it

can be”

Rainscreen systems are typically designed to

meet mechanical and thermal needs – using

components from a range of suppliers to create a

full system. However, by sourcing different

components from different suppliers, the system

may not necessarily be as energy efficient as it

can be.

SFS’ NVELOPE Project Builder overcomes this

challenge. This unique specification tool can

52 TC MARCH 2020

The Loft Modular Home - Tingdene Homes

Modular Homes

Do you want a robust, flexible, versatile roof for your modular home? Then look no

further than TapcoSlate Classic

With its outstanding, natural looks, low waste and unbreakable qualities, Classic Slate is perfect for modular construction. It can

withstand the movement of being transported over distance where other roofing products crack and break. Classic Slate is easy to

install, easy to cut and shape, and with its 40-year warranty is easy to love. Its 16 different tile moulds make sure that your roof has a

natural, non-repeated look, just like natural slate, but at a quarter of the weight – saving costs on materials and installation times.

Lightweight – as low as 12kg per m 2 Built-in camber for tighter fit No sorting, clipping or drilling

Authentic slate appearance – combines

the beauty of slate with modern

technology

BBA approved on roof pitches of 14°

and upwards on both felt & batten and

fully-boarded applications

Easily cut with a fine-toothed saw or

sharp utility blade

Easy to install with pre-marked nailing

and exposure guides, plus horizontal

spacers

BRE testing for wind-driven rain found

TapoSlate Classic to perform much

stronger than all equivalent materials tested

Random Edges and patterns with

constant colour throughout

A Choice of Amazing Stocked Colours

Fully tested to BBA Standards, including

fire, wind, driven snow & rain, and

water absorption

No breakages – will not crack, split or

break if dropped or walked upon

40-year warranty

STONE BLACK | 801 PEWTER GREY | 804 RED ROCK | 809 PLUM | 706 BRICK RED | 709 CHESTNUT BROWN | 712

www.TapcoRoofingProducts.com Tel: 01482 880478

External Envelope

identify a bespoke solution, pairing

the right fixings with the right

brackets and subframe systems to

create a solution which best fits

the thermal requirements of the

project.

The Centre for Virus Research (below) is a

case in point. Using Project Builder and

the NVELOPE support system from

SFS helped to provide the research

centre with an aesthetically

pleasing and state-of-the-art

facility, which since completion

has achieved BREEAM

Excellent status.

The Project Builder software

was used to provide wind

load calculations and pricing,

eliminating any surprises onsite.

To check the

workmanship and design

performance of this project, the

Centre for Window and Cladding

Technology (CWCT) oversaw a

rigorous test of the cladding against

dynamic loads and weather

resistance. The test achieved the highest

possible scores, which in turn proved the

efficiency of the products used.

Maximising efficiency, minimising

downtime

On any project, time is money. For those involved

in the design and construction of a building,

opting for a known solution seems an easy way to

keep the project timeline under control. However,

as with everything in life, technology evolves,

The Centre for Virus Research.

Left: The TDBL from SFS; Below: The

SXC5.

bringing with it new

efficiencies which older

technology simply can’t offer.

Newer generations of fasteners,

fixtures and brackets are being

developed to aid a quick and easy

installation. Two instances of

cleverly engineered fastening

components are the SXC5

and the TDBL from SFS. The

former is a self-drilling

composite fastener that

has been re-engineered

to have an optimised tip

and thread geometry.

This allows installers to

drive the SXC5 into the

material they are

securing to quicker –

saving valuable time and

money. The self-threading

TDBL also offers time

efficiencies. Ideal for awkward

areas such as box sections and

‘blind’ fixings, the TDBL can be

inserted into punched holes to fix thin to

thick metal structures together, vastly reducing

installation time.

Minimising reworks is also vital to cost control, as

well as wider carbon consumption. In a bid to

make buildings secure, fixings can be subjected

to ‘overdriving’. This causes damage to the

substrate, as well as the fixing itself, sometimes

requiring layers to be replaced before the job can

progress. Using fasteners such as the SDK by SFS

– which is designed with a square drive which

will snap-off when the ideal torque is reached –

can massively reduce the risk of compromising

the structure. It is this hidden detail and

innovation that can go some way to reducing

additional carbon spend. By getting it right first

time, there is less chance of needing to revisit

sites, and less energy needed to manufacture

The Parsons Building at Newcastle College.

more materials to replace incorrectly installed

components.

The refurbishment of Parsons Building at

Newcastle College is where this pre-planned

forward thinking took centre stage. With a chosen

aesthetic of zinc and copper cladding, the project

required low profile, high-grade stainless-steel

fasteners to fix the cladding to various composite

panels. The solution was the SX2/8-D9 selfdrilling

fastener, which provides excellent pull out

values and reduces over-driving due to the thread

design. The building also featured the isotak TIA

adjustable fastener system, reducing fastener

and polypropylene sleeve combinations by 50%

and significantly reducing drilling times.

The need for collaboration

As suppliers and installers strive to meet

stringent building regulations and improve energy

efficiency, they must work together to ensure a

successful construction of the building envelope.

Component manufacturers have a key role to play

here, educating the marketplace on the latest

technology at the same time as inviting feedback

from key stakeholders.

Through collaboration, the right specification of

materials, optimised project planning and

minimised works, we can arrest the energy

consumption of the built environment, and by

token, help secure the future of our world.

Contact SFS

0113 2085 500

www.sfsintec.co.uk

@SFSintec

54 TC MARCH 2020

roofingawards.co.uk

roofingaards.co.uk

Steel Cladding

CONTRACTORS: STEPPING UP TO

THE INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGE

Being subject to high levels of industrial traffic, equipment and often located on busy urban

sites or exposed rural locations, industrial buildings come with an individual set of

requirements when it comes to their construction. In this article, Leighann Harris, Account

Manager at Hadley Group, explores the factors contractors need to consider when installing

external cladding on industrial buildings, so that they can ensure both high levels of client

satisfaction and a long-lasting, high-quality installation.

Ensuring that an industrial building’s

structure is able to deliver high levels of

strength and durability is imperative,

especially if it is to withstand the oftendemanding

environment for many years to come.

It is therefore perhaps no surprise that the

material of choice for industrial buildings

continues to be steel.

Indeed, while steel cladding is now increasingly

starting to find its way on to modern housing

developments, favoured for its clean and

contemporary design lines, it is still perhaps most

commonly recognised as

forming the face of the

UK’s industrial

buildings, renowned

for being both hardwearing

and resilient.

However, with so

many steel building

products and systems

available on the market, it

can be overwhelming for

contractors to identify the cladding

“Understanding the various processes can

enable you to discern a steel cladding product

which is of better quality, or which is able to

deliver higher levels of strength and durability”

best suited to a particular

application or project

requirements.

Corrugated or boxprofile

cladding is

perhaps the most

common choice for

industrial building roofs

and walls, particularly

when compared to flat sheet

cladding, with the corrugations

increasing the cladding’s overall tensile

strength and making the structure more resilient

to impact and weight loads, consequently

reducing the likelihood of dents or warping.

Differing manufacturing processes

It is also worthwhile for contractors to be aware

of the various steel manufacturing and

fabricating processes and the benefits of each.

While this may not appear immediately relevant,

understanding the various processes can enable

you to discern a steel cladding product which is

of better quality, or which is able to deliver higher

levels of strength and durability. For example, the

cold rollforming process involves steel being

passed through a series of contoured rolls,

progressively manipulating the metal until the

desired cross-section profile is achieved. Being

work hardened in a cold state allows for a highly

adaptable manufacturing process and the

potential for custom product design, as well as

56 TC MARCH 2020

“It can be overwhelming for contractors

to identify the cladding best suited to a

particular application”

Images: Hadley believes steel cladding will remain the

material of choice for industrial buildings, providing the

strength, durability and resilience that the sector needs.

high degrees of consistency, accuracy and speed.

An added benefit of this cold-rollforming process

is the ability to produce steel cladding with a high

strength to weight ratio. Not only can this mean

that less steel is required on a project to achieve

the same performance levels, but it can also lead

to savings elsewhere – such as concrete

foundations – and prevent undue weight from

being placed on the overall structure.

Another integral quality of steel, in addition to its

strength, is of course its durability. That said,

with industrial buildings often located in harsh

and demanding environments, potentially subject

to adverse weather conditions, heavy site traffic

and industrial equipment or chemicals, it is well

worthwhile considering how you can improve its

resistance to corrosion and weathering even

further. Not only will this contribute to a longlasting,

high-quality installation but it will also

reflect positively upon the contractor, with high

levels of client satisfaction. Consider looking for

roof and wall cladding that is manufactured from

galvanised steel, whereby the metal has a zinc

coating applied, designed to provide additional

protection against corrosion risks. Alternatively, a

steel that has been polyester or powder coated is

also a good choice, providing both an additional

layer of protection against corrosion and also the

ability to customise the colour and finish of the

cladding.

Condensation concerns

One concern that can often arise with metal

cladding and roofing, and one that your clients

may mention, is the potential for condensation

and the subsequent water damage that can

ensue. This could prove particularly problematic if

a building is used to store equipment, materials

or stock. Fortunately, some steel manufacturers

have taken this into consideration, with the

creation of innovative solutions. For example,

Hadley Group offer UltraSORB, a self-adhesive

skin that can be applied to its steel roof panels as

part of the manufacturing process. It works to

trap moisture in specially designed pockets within

the membrane, before then allowing the moisture

to evaporate back into the atmosphere as the

temperature rises. Not only does UltraSORB have

high levels of water absorption but it can also

provide additional acoustic insulation – another

key element that needs to be considered during

an industrial building’s construction, particularly

if the site is located nearby a residential area.

It is easy to see why steel cladding is, and will

likely continue to be, the material of choice for

industrial buildings, providing the strength,

durability and resilience that the sector needs.

Indeed, with industrial sites often coming with

their own set of environmental challenges, it is

imperative that contractors first seek guidance

from a reputable manufacturer in order to ensure

a steel building envelope solution is installed that

will deliver the levels of performance required.

Contact Hadley

0121 555 1300

www.hadleygroup.com

MARCH 2020 TC 57

Cladding Updates


TEK GETS SPORTY AT PAVILION

The Kingspan TEK Building System of structural insulated panels (SIPs) has provided the bespoke,

thermally efficient shell for a minimalist pavilion at Eton College’s Willowbrook Outdoor Sports Centre.

The stunning single-storey building, designed by Lewandowski Architects, sits at the centre of the site and

provides a range of facilities including changing rooms, toilets and a kitchen, along with a roof-top viewing

platform. Feltham Construction managed work on the project which included the demolition of the

building’s outdated predecessor. Wood was a key part of the material palette with charred timber fitted for

the outer cladding and birch-ply boards fitted internally. This approach extended to the structure, with

Bentley SIP Systems using the Kingspan TEK Building System for the walls of the structural shell. Kingspan

TEK Building System is formed from SIPs with a high performance, rigid insulation core autohesively

bonded between two OSB/3 facings. 142mm-thick Kingspan TEK panels were selected for the walls of the

pavilion. As Kingspan TEK Delivery Partners, Bentley SIP Systems oversaw the design and factory cutting

of the panels before delivering them to site. www.kingspantek.co.uk

The Kingspan TEK Building System has been erected to form

a minimalist pavilion at Eton College’s Willowbrook Outdoor

Sports Centre. (Image credit Will Scott).

FIXFAST’S FASTENER SPEC SUPPORT

Fixfast has launched two initiatives to support the correct specification of fasteners for the building envelope.

Architects and contractors can access a comprehensive technical support service providing guidance on projectspecific

fastener selection and testing. Complementing the new service, a highly-detailed Specification Guide can be

downloaded by specifiers as useful reference material. Both initiatives have been introduced to encourage more

consistent and improved specification of building envelope fasteners, and therefore enable the construction of better,

safer, and longer-lasting buildings. More information on Fixfast’s Specification Support Service is available at

www.fixfast.com/SpecificationSupport or on 0800 0590955 and specsupport@fixfast.com.

MCRMA WELCOMES FIRST INSTALLER MEMBER

The Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) has welcomed SPV Group as its first member in the system installer

category.

SPV Group has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and operates a nationwide service for the refurbishment and maintenance of buildings in the

commercial and industrial sectors. The company offers services in cladding, rainscreen, fascias, glazing, curtain walling, flat roofing, slating and tiling.

The SPV Group has a combined workforce of over 100 operatives, all trained and experienced in the installation of a wide range of systems and

products. The MCRMA represents the leading manufacturers across all five categories of membership – systems manufacturers, components

manufacturers, system installers, independent roofing and cladding inspectors and industry support services. www.mcrma.co.uk

ZIG-ZAG FAÇADE AT KINGS CROSS

Perforated cladding panels like no other from Proteus Facades have helped to transform York

House in Kings Cross.

York House in Kings Cross.

Proteus SC Perforated Aluminium cladding panels wrap around a parapet along the new terrace in a

bespoke repeated zig zag profile, which blends softly with the sky and complements a brick lattice façade,

set on a 45-degree angle. The perforated panels also span various windows on the upper elements of the

building. Each panel, installed by Richardson Roofing, is supported by a recessed aluminium PPC framing

system devised by Proteus Facades and coloured to match. www.proteusfacades.com

58 TC MARCH 2020

Reliability

from the forest

to the roof

• Fully graded roof batten

• Consistent quality

• 60 Year lifetime warranty

• ‘Full to size’ in all dimensions

• Certified and compliant to

British Standards

Choose PREMIUM GOLD from SR Timber

TEL: 01623 446 800 www.sr-timber.co.uk

Building Regulations

THE A,B,C’S OF PART L AND PART F

Jonathan Ducker, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Kingspan

Insulation UK, explains what’s going on with Part L and

Part F...

If you’ve been keeping an eye on recent

industry news, you may have noticed a few

signs that the Government is starting to get

serious about meeting its net-zero greenhouse

gas emissions target by 2050. Over the past

couple of months consultations on tightening the

requirements within Part L and Part F of the

Building Regulations for new homes in England

and Wales closed, with new versions of the

Approved Documents set to come into force later

in the year.

But what exactly are these documents and how is

it likely to affect your work?

What is Part L?

Part L of the Building Regulations sets out the

mandatory requirements for the conservation of

fuel and power. Approved Document L (ADL) is

not mandatory, but it provides guidance on how to

meet those requirements, including overall

emissions targets and specific limitations such

as worst case U-values. The Building Regulations

themselves are devolved with separate

requirements in England, Wales, Scotland and

Northern Ireland.

clear limits on the expected heat demand for the

building, based on the thermal efficiency of the

building envelope. This has been scrapped in the

consultation and whilst the notional building for

option 1 (which is used to generate the overall

target emissions rate) has an external wall U-

value of 0.15 W/m²K, the actual minimum backstop

is far weaker, at 0.26 W/m²K. This is much

worse than even the existing Welsh and Scottish

equivalents.

In theory, this approach in combination with the

way that the newly introduced Primary Energy

metric is calculated, could allow homes to be

built using all the backstops for fabric elements,

leading to higher heating demand than at present,

providing this is compensated for with lots of

photovoltaic (PV) generation. This high

consumption approach is short-sighted and is

ultimately likely to mean that the envelope

performance of these buildings will have to be

“It makes sense to use

this year’s revisions as

an opportunity to gear

up and begin to

implement solutions

which can provide an

improved fabric

performance, that sets

those buildings up for

the future”

extensively upgraded in the future to allow them

to realistically reach net-zero emissions.

What are the recommendations in the

Welsh Consultation?

The Welsh approach, in contrast, seems more well

considered. They again offer two uplift options, but

the targets set are more ambitious: 37% (preferred)

and 56%. Detailing requirements are again

tightened and whilst FEES were never adopted

within the Welsh Part L, they instead set much

tighter fabric backstops as you can see below:

What are the recommendations in the

English consultation?

The consultation gives two uplift options designed

to achieve a 20% and 31% (preferred) reduction

on current emission levels. Whilst these top-line

figures sound substantial and greater emphasis

has been placed on detailing and addressing

thermal bridging, the approaches outlined are

questionable, particularly when it comes to the

building fabric.

The current version of ADL incudes a Fabric

Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) which sets

“The new versions of ADL for housing are expected

to be implemented before the end of the year”

60 TC MARCH 2020

(QUITE INTERESTING)

INSULATION FACTS

By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd)

‘WFRL

and the importance of

correct installation’.

Above: Attention to detailing will also be important to ensure compliance with the revised ADL’s.

By adopting this fabric first approach with careful detailing, it is possible to

limit heating demand from the outset and relatively simple to build on a solid

performance further by fitting renewables or decarbonising supply.

When are the final versions likely to

come into force?

The new versions of ADL for housing are expected to be implemented before

the end of the year. In addition, the Government has stated that changes to

the Approved Documents covering new non-domestic buildings will also be

implemented in 2020.

Can we expect further changes in the near future?

In both cases, the revisions to Part L are seen as a stepping-stone to a Future

Homes Standard in 2025. This will inevitably require homes to reach a much

tougher overall emissions target and tightened fabric requirements. As such,

it makes sense to use this year’s revisions as an opportunity to gear up and

begin to implement solutions which can provide an improved fabric

performance, that sets those buildings up for the future.

The installation of the Wa

ater Flow Reducing Layer

in inverted roof

insulation systems has been highlighted as a concern. It has been

achieved. It is therefore important that the WFRL

is installed correctly.

(vapour permeable) membrane installed over inverted insulation to

It is imperative that the inverted roof system itself is also designed

the outlets.

The Insulation and WFRL are loose laid. Only as much as can be ballasted

should be installed at any one time,

thus protecting the insulationn

insulation at right angles to the designed fall of the roof, starting at

surface. The WFRL should be “star cut” and turned up around soil pipes,

Inverted Green Roofs and Blue Roofs carry additional design

information should be sought from the system provider.

should ensure that the WFRL

has been installed correctly and care should

lifetime of the system.

Above: Kingspan Insulation offer a range of thermally efficient solutions for all areas of the building

envelope. These can allow the most demanding U-values to be met with a slim construction.

Next month’s QI by QI – ‘Crucial consideration in calculating U-Values

in Inverted roofs’.

Contact Kingspan Insulation

01544 387 384

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

@KingspanIns_UK

MARCH 2020 TC 61

Insulation Updates


BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

The Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System has been fitted at The Royal Pavilion, part of a development

of apartments facing on to the new central square in the sustainable community of Poundbury.

A Sustainable Strategy was put in place during the building’s design and a key element within this was to

reduce the energy consumed through passive design solutions. To maintain the Pavilion’s neoclassical

appeal, the project team were keen to ensure these measures were as unobtrusive as possible whilst still

utilising the latest technological advances. To achieve this, the ground floor spaces have heated

The Royal Pavilion sits to the north of the Queen Mother

underflooring and to maximise the efficiency of this system the Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System was Square.

installed across the entire area. As within all Kingspan OPTIM-R projects, Kingspan provided a specialist

design service for the application at the Royal Pavilion. The designers used the architectural floor plan to determine the optimum layout for the OPTIM-R VIPs.

Any gaps smaller than 300mm, or areas where penetrations would be required, were filled using rigid insulation infill panels of the same thickness as the

VIPs. This planned approach provided a clear installation guideline for the installers and allowed the target U-value of 0.19 W/m²K to be met with an insulation

thickness of just 20mm, limiting the scale of ground works on the project. www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r

LIQUIROOF INSULATION BOARDS

To support their range of liquid waterproofing products, SIG Design & Technology are working

with EAP to exclusively supply their innovative LIQUIROOF insulation boards.

SIG Design & Technology is working with EAP and says the

partnership combines their expertise on both the insulation

and waterproofing under one package.

LIQUIROOF interlocking PIR boards deliver a super-flat surface ideal for liquid and flat roofing systems.

Liquid waterproofing coatings are typically between 1.25 to 2mm thick, meaning even the most minor

imperfections in the substrate surface can create alignment issues and stress points on the outer surface

coating. LIQUIROOF fully supported PIR insulation boards interlock on all 4 sides, from top to bottom, to

create a strong and solid surface with no raised edges, misalignment or gaps. www.singleply.co.uk

CERTIFIED SUCCESS FOR FACTORY

Polyfoam XPS has achieved the newly launched ISO 45001 international standards for

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

“We are rigorously audited to maintain accreditation to all

our certified standards” Stuart Bell, Managing Director of

Polyfoam XPS.

The manufacturer of extruded polystyrene has been approved and certified to the standard following

an external audit from Bureau Veritas Certification. The achievement reflects the robust systems that

are in place at the Polyfoam XPS headquarters in Hartlepool, that prevent work-related injury and ill

health, and proactively improve its occupational health and safety performance.

www.polyfoamxps.co.uk

ROCKWOOL: BACK-TO-BACK WINS

ROCKWOOL has been crowned Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row by SIG.

Dave Walmsley, MD at SIG plc, Mark Bungay, Sales

Director at Rockwool UK, Lawrence Allen, National Sales

Manager at Rockwool UK and Kevin Keegan.

Mark Bungay, Commercial Director at ROCKWOOL UK, commented: “We are all incredibly proud to

receive this award for the second successive year. It’s a recognition of our full commitment to SIG

and our strong focus on customer service right through ROCKWOOL. The team would like to thank

everyone at SIG who voted for ROCKWOOL.” ROCKWOOL were presented with the accolade by

Managing Director of SIG plc, Dave Walmsley, at the 2020 Sales Conference held in January.

www.rockwool.co.uk

62 TC MARCH 2020

CERTIFIED NON-COMBUSTIBLE

Appoved Document B:

RockFace A2 Certified

for use in buildings 18m

and above*

EPS & XPS CORE

6

ROCKFACE A2

a

RockFace A2 Inverted Roof Upstand Board

Quantum Insulation 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.

QI ROCKFACE A2:

• Used to thermally insulate and protect

upstand walls in inverted flat roof systems

• Non-combustible – certified by Exova

Warrington as achieving a Euroclass

A2-s1, d0 rating

• Manufactured from stonewool with

cementitious face

• Will not develop smoke or promote flame

spread even when directly exposed to fire.

For further information please contact:

www.quantuminsulation.com

*A ‘relevant building’ with a storey at least 18 metres above ground level and which — (i) contains one or more dwellings; (ii) contains an institution; or (iii) contains a room for residential purposes.

Business Talk

HOW TO TACKLE LATE PAYMENT:

ADVICE & GUIDANCE FOR ROOFERS

By Todd Davison, MD, Purbeck Insurance Services.

Late payment remains a curse for smaller

contractors, so when a new private

members bill was launched in the House of

Lords in January with proposals for a statutory

limit of 30 days for paying bills and for unfair

payment practices to be outlawed, the move

received widespread support.

As a provider of personal guarantee insurance for

the owners and directors of small businesses

across the UK who have taken out a personal

guarantee backed business loan, the biggest

portion of our customers are working in property

and construction. The team at Purbeck is

therefore on the front line when it comes to

understanding the financial stress subcontractors

face when firms higher up the chain

won’t pay what they owe on time.

We regularly speak to the owners and directors of

subcontractors who have taken the serious step

of securing new finance to plug the gaps in

cashflow created by late payment, prompting the

demand for personal guarantee insurance.

It is wrong that contractors face payment of

fees to get paid earlier under supply chain

finance schemes. It is also wrong that subcontractors

involved earlier on in the

construction process tend to be paid more

readily than those at the end – as our

customers have experienced.

Not surprisingly, when we surveyed the owners

and directors of small businesses in the

construction sector last year, over a third (35%)

said the most challenging and difficult aspect of

running their business was dealing with late

payment.

The new late payment bill is good news but it will

take time for it to pass into law. However, there

are steps businesses can take to

reduce the risk of late payment

and many of the tactics below

are designed to get your invoice

to the top of the pile when

supplier payments are being

made:

• Use the Late Payment Act. This allows any

business paid late to claim interest for the

period the debt was overdue, plus compensation

if the contact terms allow it. The entitlement to

claim interest and compensation remains for six

years on each and every invoice paid late.

• State the Terms and Conditions of payment

clearly, including how you will deal with overdue

payments and the fact that the cost of any debt

recovery activity will be added to the invoice

• Tell customers early on as part of good

relationships that legal action will be taken

against non-payers.

• Send an invoice by email to your contact and

accounts payable at the same time – making

doubly sure your invoice has been received.

• Add up the costs of going legal early (interest,

late payment compensation, indemnity costs

under contract) and confirm the figure to your

customer. Use an online late payment calculator

to help work this out.

• Use a Late Payment Demand to show the

customer the costs they will face, in addition to

the debt, if they don’t pay up.

• A Letter Before Action (LBA) is the last resort

before taking a claim to court. It sends a strong

message to late payers and gives them one last

chance to settle their debt.

• Obtain fixed fee advice from a specialist

Left: Todd Davison, Purbeck Insurance.

“Make a call

before you

issue a Claim to

remind them of

the escalating costs

that will result in court

proceedings”

solicitor before sending an LBA if any issues or

disputes arise with your debtors.

• Consider using a Winding-Up demand for debts

over £750.

• Make a call before you issue a Claim to remind

them of the escalating costs that will result in

court proceedings.

• Tell your legal representatives to include your

contractual costs, compensation and interest if

you are entitled to them all.

• After the Claim is issued, ask the debtor if they

want to pay to avoid Judgment which will hit their

credit rating.

Without strong cash flow it is difficult for small

businesses to reinvest and grow, so being tough

and having a robust approach to late payment

could push your invoices higher up the pile and

save the time and stress of chasing in the

future.

Contact Purbeck

0208 004 7250

www.purbeckinsurance.co.uk

@PG_Insurance

64 TC MARCH 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

Updates


OLD TOOLS FOR CHARITY

RGB Building Supplies has once again joined forces with South West-based charity Amigos to invite customers to

donate preloved tools, which will go on to be used by young people in Africa.

For the past 13 years Amigos has been providing vocational learning opportunities in Uganda including training in carpentry and

building techniques and apprenticeships. The training helps young people gain vital employment to help support themselves and

their families. Up until Tuesday 31st March, carpentry and building tools which can be used by the young people in their training, can be dropped into the collection

bags at RGB’s branches. Amigos will then arrange for the donations to be collected, repaired and shipped to Africa. Phil Pugsley, CEO of Amigos, commented: “We are

so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with RGB and their wonderful customers again. Please do not underestimate the value of a simple act of kindness to

change lives, because that is what the giving of tools through this campaign is helping to bring about for young Ugandans. They already have the ‘heart’, Amigos gives

them the training, and the local community can provide the tools, which together will help lift those we work with, their families and communities out of poverty.”

Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added:“We were overwhelmed by the response and the generous donations made following our previous plea and we’re delighted to

be working with Amigos again. This time the Tools for Africa appeal is specifically focusing on gathering carpentry and building tools, and we’d like to thank

everyone who donates.” Visit RGB’s website to view a list of tools that are suitable for donation: https://www.rgbltd.co.uk/.

RIVETING WORKS WITH MAKITA

Makita has added two new rivet guns to its power tool range.

The DRV250Z from Makita.

The DRV150Z and DRV250Z include Makita’s innovative LXT battery technology and brushless motor for

maximum efficiency. They are both powered by Makita’s 18V LXT batteries, which offer industry-leading run

times and charge times, improving on-site efficiency. LXT means that the DRV150Z and DRV250Z benefit from

anytime charge (without the need to drain down) and minimal self-discharge, and the battery indicator lights

make it simple for operators to monitor how much charge their tools have, improving operator productivity. The

machines are compatible with Makita’s 5Ah and 6Ah LXT batteries. www.makitauk.com

STRETCHING YOUR PERFORMANCE ON SITE

Snickers Workwear stretch fabrics deliver unrivalled comfort and close quarter mobility on site.

Designed for a wide variety of jobs on site, these LiteWork 4-way stretch work trousers are the ideal choice if you’re

working hard in warmer weather. These new trousers feature detachable holster pockets, while the trousers

themselves are made from full-stretch material for maximum mobility wherever you’re working, while the Cordurareinforced

Kneeguard pockets offer additional comfort and protection. For maximum functionality there’s also ruler,

and cargo pockets for easy access to tools and fixings. They’re all Cordura reinforced for durability.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

SITE AND SOUND!

Makita has launched the latest addition to its radio range, with the 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

66 TC MARCH 2020

March 2020

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