August 2020

AUGUST 2020

2020

Van Hygiene Tips

Perfectly Pitched

Latest Products

FEATURES

• ROOFCERT READY: STAY AHEAD OF THE

GAME AS THE REQUIREMENT TO

DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCY GROWS

• FIXED COSTS: COULD YOU BE MISSING

A TRICK WHEN IT COMES CALCULATING

THE COST OF FIXINGS?

• TACKLING TOOL THEFT: WE TAKE A LOOK

AT A SOLUTION TO HELP KEEP YOUR

TOOLS SECURE ON ON SITE

>>> LATEST NEWS GREEN ROOFS • TOOLS & WORKWEAR • IOR UPDATE • >>>

>>> • LATEST NEWS • GREEN ROOFS • TOOLS & WORKWEAR • IOR UPDATE • >>>

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Editor’s Comment

MATT DOWNS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK

07963 330774

COVER PIC

COURTESY OF

SIG ROOFING

It’s clear that the ability for operatives to be able to demonstrate their

competency and skills is only going to increase going forward.

Most recently, this has been shown by the requirement for installers looking

to carry out work under the government’s Green Homes Grant scheme to be

TrustMark accredited (p10). Such schemes will hopefully push landlords

and homeowners to think about the operatives they have working on their

properties rather than opting for the cheapest quote.

With this in mind, the roofing sector has been working towards an

accreditation for roofers for some time with the RoofCERT initiative. Despite

coronavirus, work has been ongoing and James Talman, Chief Executive of the

NFRC, provides an update and outlines the benefits of RoofCERT accreditation

on p16. As James explains: “Operatives across all parts of the construction

industry will find themselves being asked to demonstrate their competency to

satisfy employers and clients. It is no longer enough for an operative to just

rely on the number of years’ experience they have or to have an NVQ; further

accreditation is needed to demonstrate ongoing competency.”

In his latest Perfectly Pitched column, John Mercer continues his series of

consultant case studies. This month he’s focusing on roof tile fixings and

outlines the issues he encountered on a new build site he was called out to

and the solutions he provided. Read the full article on p26.

Nominate your Local Hero Roofer: SIG Roofing is shining a light on the

fantastic work being carried out by UK roofers. Find out more on p06.

FOLLOW US @TOTCONTRACTORUK

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reserved.

Elsewhere in this issue, Stuart Hicks looks back on developments at the

IoR in his first year as CEO (p18); Pauline Manley talks reals costs on p30;

and Tim Alcock offers his top van hygiene tips on p54. So read on for all

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AUGUST 2020 TC 3

Contents

COVER FEATURES

16 ROOFCERT READY

In his latest column, James Talman explains

how roofers can stay ahead of the game as the

requirement to demonstrate competency

continues to grow

44 FIXED COSTS

Following research carried out by BBS Facades,

Nathan Ireland says he thinks contractors

could be missing a trick when it comes to

calculating the cost of fixings

56 TACKLING TOOL THEFT

Tool theft is on the rise and the knock-on

effect it has on tradespeople is considerable.

With this in mind, Michael Brown looks at the

products that can help to prevent it on site

26

FEATURES

18 IOR: ONE YEAR ON

Stuart Hicks, CEO of the IoR, looks back on his first year

which, despite coronavirus, has seen good progress

30 THE TRUE COST

Pauline Manley of Klober explains why the cost totality

of a project is defined by more than the upfront cost

34 STEP BY STEP: SHEET ROOFING

Greg Hissey discusses corrugated sheet roofing

systems, and outlines the steps to a quality installation

36 TOP TECH TIPS

Mhairi McDougall talks technology for the trade and says

it’s crucial to keep up with and make use of any advances

38

38 SET THE PACE FOR PROJECTS

Martyn Holloway explains how the right fastening systems

can help accelerate single ply flat roofing installations

54 HYGIENE ON THE GO

Tim Alcock provides his 6 top tips to help you practice

good hygiene whilst inside or using your van

4 TC AUGUST 2020

REGULARS

14 THE APEX

Jackie Biswell talks skills, qualifications and

the recovery, with a particular focus on

vocational qualifications

22 SIG ROOFING

As the focus on safeguarding the environment

continues to grow, Chris Page explores the

increasing popularity of green roofing systems

26 PERFECTLY PITCHED

In his latest consultant case study, John

Mercer focuses on roof tile fixings and a

project he visited where all was not right

51 QI BY QI

This month the experts at QI discuss whether

non-combustible inverted roof insulation is a

myth or fact...

INDUSTRY NEWS

06 LOOKING FOR A HERO ROOFER

SIG Roofing is looking for a roofer who has gone above

and beyond. Nominate your Local Hero Roofer now...

10 TRUSTMARK KEY TO GHG

Operatives looking to carry out work under the Green

Homes Grant scheme must be TrustMark accredited

SECTIONS:

TOTAL

ROOFING

24

TOTAL

CLADDING

44

TOTAL

INSULATION

50

10

VEHICLES, TOOLS

& WORKWEAR

54

AUGUST 2020 TC 5

Industry News

DO YOU KNOW A

HERO ROOFER?

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

NFRC BACKS SAMARITANS’ NEW CAMPAIGN

The NFRC is backing the Samaritans’ Real People

Real Stories campaign which aims to use real life

stories to reach men struggling to cope and

encourage them to seek help before reaching

crisis point.

To nominate your Local Hero simply visit

www.sigroofing.co.uk or ask for more details at your local

SIG Roofing Branch.

SIG Roofing has issued a call for people to

nominate their ‘Local Hero’, an award

which shines a spotlight on the fantastic

work being carried out by UK roofers.

The Local Hero award can be won by someone

who has gone the extra mile on a roofing job for

a client. Or equally, it could be awarded in

recognition of a charitable act or some

inspirational volunteering, particularly

important in these unprecedented times as the

country continues to manage the Coronavirus

outbreak.

Nominations are open until Monday 31st

August, and are open to roofing contractors

working at businesses with 15 or less

employees.

The nominations will be judged by a panel of

SIG Roofing and NFRC representatives and the

winner will be announced on Monday 14th

September. The winner will be awarded

attendance for two people to the 2020/21 UK

Roofing Awards in May.

Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager at SIG

Roofing, added: “There have been some truly

inspirational stories of roofers going above and

beyond for clients and the community in

amongst the pandemic, and we can’t wait to

shine a spotlight on them. Putting the final

shortlist together is often difficult, but it’s a real

privilege to be able to hear about some of the

amazing work carried out in the name of

roofing, and to give hard-working professionals

a little something back.”

As part of the campaign, Samaritans are sharing

new research about the impact of lockdown

measures on the mental health of working-age

(18-59) men, which showed two-in-five (42%)

men felt that the Covid-19 restrictions had had a

negative impact on their mental health.

Almost half (47%) of respondents had felt

feelings of anxiety, a similar number experienced

loneliness and/or isolation (42%), and just over a

third (34%) said lockdown put a strain on their

relationships.

However, 40% of respondents said that talking to

others helped with the concerns and worries they

had during lockdown, showing the importance of

seeking help and getting support when they

needed it. Real People, Real Stories runs from

11th August to 27th September and aims to reach

men aged 18-59 years and above who are feeling

low and struggling to cope.

Men who have found life tough, experienced

depression or suicidal thoughts, have written

words of support to other men, and these will

feature in films, shared across social media,

radio, buses and TV.

NFRC, Head of Technical, Bob Richardson,

commented: “We strongly welcome Samaritans’

Real People, Real Stories campaign. This new

research paints a troubling picture of the affect

that lockdown has had on the mental health of

working-age men, such as loneliness, anxiety and

financial worries. Samaritans want to use this

campaign to reach anyone who is struggling

during this pandemic, to prevent them from

reaching crisis point, and show the importance of

seeking help.”

He added: “Sadly, suicide is still one of the

biggest killers in construction, taking on average

You can support by following the campaign

@samaritanscharity on Instagram or on Twitter

@samaritans or Facebook, using the hashtag

#RealPeopleRealStories.

two lives a day, with roofing being one of the

occupations with the highest risk – almost three

times more than the average. That is why NFRC

are working with the Samaritans to explore different

ways of supporting tradesmen in construction who

may be struggling, and welcome this initiative”

He concluded: “This campaign offers a positive

alternative, by showing real life stories of men

who have sought help and overcome tough times.

If you know someone who is finding things

difficult at the moment, then encourage them to

seek help. Anyone can call the Samaritans for free

on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or

visit Samaritans.org to explore their self-help

tools and information.”

Paul McDonald, Samaritans’ Executive Director of

External Affairs, commented: “This pandemic has

brought unexpected change and uncertainty,

which will have a lasting impact on everyone’s

mental health and wellbeing. At Samaritans we

know that less well off, middle-aged men have

remained the highest risk group for suicide in the

UK for decades, and that the restrictions put in

place during lockdown, such as isolation and

disconnection, will have exacerbated problems for

these men. We understand the value of listening

and the power of human connection, particularly at

this time when so many people are dealing with

overwhelming thoughts and feelings. We know that

sharing stories of recovery does encourage men to

seek help, so we hope that our Real People, Real

Stories campaign can help other men to see that

they can do it too, and know that Samaritans is

always there when they want to talk.”

6 TC AUGUST 2020

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Industry News

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT

IT TAKES FOR LRWA’S

VIRTUAL CHALLENGE?

After taking the difficult decision to cancel

this year’s Dragon Boat Regatta, the

LRWA’s charity boat race which raises

funds for good causes, the LRWA has

announced a new and exciting virtual

challenge for teams of up to eleven

participants.

The LRWA Virtual Dragon Team Challenge

enables participants to test themselves

individually and contribute to a team result

and win medals. The challenge requires each

team to submit the top 11 distances

completed in a 30 minute period by either

running, walking, swimming or cycling, and

the distances must be measured in km.

The LRWA Virtual Dragon Team Challenge is

free to enter and will run between the 10th –

30th August. The registration site is now

open for participants and the LRWA says this

is “a fantastic opportunity to have fun, work

as a team towards a common goal and raise

the profile of our industry.”

The LRWA will add a 10km bonus to the

overall total of the team that raises the most

money for Mates in Mind, the LRWA’s chosen

charity for 2020. Whilst it is not mandatory

to fundraise, the LRWA says all proceeds will

go towards the Mates in Mind Covid-19

Relief Fund.

Find out more and register:

www.lrwa.org.uk


“SIGNIFICANT REFORMS” TO PLANNING

“An overhaul of the country’s outdated

planning system that will deliver the highquality,

sustainable homes communities

need” was announced by Housing Secretary

Robert Jenrick on 6th August, as he launched

the Planning for the future consultation, which

has been described as “the most significant

reforms to housing policy in decades.”

A statement from Government explains that the

“landmark changes will transform a system that

has long been criticised for being too sluggish in

providing housing for families, key workers and

young people, and too ineffectual in obligating

developers to properly fund the infrastructure –

such as schools, roads and GP surgeries – to

support them.”

The announcement says the reforms outlined in

Planning for the future will allow for more building

on brownfield land so valued green space and

Green Belt will continue to be protected, and

“local community agreement will be at the centre

of the proposals being put forward.”

The reforms are expected to be a major boost for

SME builders “who will be key players in getting the

country building on the scale needed to drive our

economic recovery”, but at the moment it says

these builders are “currently cut off by the planning

process”, and this is highlighted by the fact that

“the proportion of new homebuilding they (SME

builders) lead on” has “dropped from 40% 30 years

ago to just 12% today.”

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick explained: “Our

complex planning system has been a barrier to

building the homes people need; it takes 7 years

to agree local housing plans and 5 years just to

get a spade in the ground.

“These once in a generation reforms will lay the

foundations for a brighter future, providing more

homes for young people and creating better

quality neighbourhoods and homes across the

country. We will cut red tape, but not standards,

placing a higher regard on quality, design and the

The reforms will mean:

• Local communities will be consulted from the very

beginning of the planning process. By harnessing the

latest technology through online maps and data, the

whole system will be made more accessible

• Valued green spaces will be protected for future

generations by allowing for more building on

brownfield land and all new streets to be tree lined

• Much-needed homes will be built quicker by

ensuring local housing plans are developed and

agreed in 30 months – down from the current 7

years

• Every area to have a local plan in place – currently

only 50% of local areas has a plan to build more

homes

• The planning process to be overhauled and

replaced with a clearer, rules based system.

Currently around a third of planning cases that go to

appeal are overturned at appeal

• A new simpler national levy to replace the current

system of developer contributions which often

causes delay

• The creation of a fast-track system for beautiful

buildings and establishing local design guidance for

developers to build and preserve beautiful

communities

• All new homes to be ‘zero carbon ready’, with no

new homes delivered under the new system needed

to be retrofitted as we achieve our commitment to

net zero carbon emissions by 2050

environment than ever before. Planning decisions

will be simple and transparent, with local

democracy at the heart of the process.

Whilst welcoming the reforms and “the much

needed opportunity to speed up the planning

process and help diversify the housing market”,

the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

cautioned that “any shake-up must not

compromise the quality of the homes built.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We

need a simpler and more responsive planning

system, but I am clear that this shouldn’t

compromise the quality of the homes that are built.

Master Builders compete on quality, not on price,

and have an important role to play in a more

diverse housing market. We must also ensure local

planning authorities are supported to respond to

these changes, so that any shake-up doesn’t lead

to further short-term delays in applications.”

8 TC AUGUST 2020

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Industry News


TRUSTMARK ACCREDITATION KEY TO GHG

Home energy saving improvements carried out

under the Government’s Green Homes Grant

scheme (GHG) ‘must be completed by a

TrustMark Registered Business’ to give

householders quality assurance, according to

TrustMark.

NEW PRESIDENT &

VICE PRESIDENTS

ANNOUNCED AT NFRC

Promoting inclusion and collaboration in

the roofing industry will be the priority for

the incoming President of NFRC, Kevin M

Taylor FIoR.

Later this month, under the Green Homes Grant

scheme, homeowners in England can apply for

vouchers worth up to two thirds of the cost of

hiring tradespeople to upgrade the energy

efficiency of their home – the maximum

contribution will be £5,000, or for those on lower

incomes a 100% grant up to £10,000 will be

available for certain work. The vouchers, which

will be issued from the end of September, will help

pay for energy efficiency improvements that will

help cut energy bills and potentially save families

hundreds of pounds year.

A statement from the Department for Business,

Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), said

consumers will be able to use a TrustMark

Registered Business from their local area to carry

out energy efficient measures in and around their

homes. They will be able to use the vouchers to

install one or more of the following: solid wall,

under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation; air

source or ground source heat pump; solar

thermal.

In addition, households can use their voucher for

further energy saving measures. These include

one or more of the following: double or triple

glazing/secondary glazing when replacing single

glazing; upgrading to energy efficient doors; hot

water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating

controls.

The grant scheme is available until the end of

March 2021. TrustMark, the only Government

Endorsed Quality Scheme, was established in

2005 in conjunction with industry bodies and

consumer protection groups. The primary aim of

TrustMark is to drive up standards across all

sectors of home improvement and ensure high

levels of consumer protection are maintained.

The Green Homes Grant scheme will see £2bn invested in

improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. Mr

Ayers said that improving properties’ insulation was a vital

component in the Whole House Retrofit approach.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, welcomed the

opportunity to work with the industry sectors to

support the delivery of quality work and ensure

that consumers receive the high standard of work

they should expect. The home improvements

carried out under the scheme will have greater

levels of technical standards and Simon

commented that the Green Homes Grant scheme

is the “kickstart” the construction and energy

sector need to help recover from the coronavirus

pandemic, and help the UK reach the target of

being carbon neutral by 2050.

He said: “As we undertake this journey, the

construction and energy industries will play a

vital role in the delivery of low carbon homes,

providing healthier and more comfortable living

conditions.

“The Green Homes Grant scheme is an important

step in creating new jobs, protecting the existing

and delivering low carbon housing. As an industry,

we need to collaborate to support the initiative,

ensure businesses are supported and consumers

can rely on the tradespeople that carry out work in

and around their homes making them fit for the

future. The vouchers will help prime the market

and allow eligible property owners to make energy

efficiency improvements and save on their energy

bills.”

At the time of going to print, no business has been

appointed to administer the vouchers.

Visit www.total-contractor.co.uk for further info on

the Green Homes Grant scheme and so much more.

Kevin M Taylor FIoR of BRC Industrial

Roofing Ltd was elected as the 55th

President of the UK’s largest roofing trade

association, NFRC, at their first-ever

virtual AGM on Thursday 6th August 2020.

He takes over from Steve Revell, of

Skyline Roofing Group, who will become

the Immediate Past President, after

serving his two-year term as President.

Mark Mitchell of Jarvis and Womack Ltd

and Colin McCorquodale of Archibald

McCorquodale & Son Ltd were also

elected as Vice Presidents.

Commenting on his appointment, Kevin M

Taylor said: “It is an honour to be elected

as the President of NFRC and represent

the industry I love. I look forward to

working with the NFRC Management

Board, Chief Executive and staff to further

NFRC’s mission to promote roofing

excellence, building on the firm

foundations left by my predecessors. I

have always said roofing is unique; it is

both an art and a science, and therefore it

is an industry full of opportunity.”

He added: “I am passionate about

professionalising our sector. However,

professionalism is not just about

technical standards and health and

safety, but about culture too. A

professional industry is an inclusive

industry that is fair and respects people

of all backgrounds. I, therefore, plan to

make Fairness, Inclusion and Respect a

key priority in my time as President.”

10 TC AUGUST 2020

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NOW IS THE TIME TO ADD THE KORNICHE

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Another huge success for Made for Trade and the

team at Korniche Aluminium Systems with the

announcement of ‘Best Rooflight Supplier’ 2020

from the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards.

This award really is the cherry on the top and

the latest in a string of awards that the Korniche

Lantern has picked up over the past two years.

The statement from Homebuilding & Renovating

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category with many great entrants. As such, being

voted Best Rooflight Supplier is a reflection of

how well regarded Korniche Aluminium Systems

/ Made for Trade is amongst its customers and

the industry.”

This success compliments the work and

marketing activities that Made for Trade have

carried out within both the consumer and trade

sectors. There is a significant benefit to Korniche

customers from having such high profile brand

activity that assists sales through a greater

product understanding at the consumer level.

Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have

new products in the pipeline that will sit within

the Korniche brand and a full diary of exhibitions

earmarked throughout the year to promote

them.

Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have new

Korniche products in the pipeline and a full diary

of exhibitions earmarked throughout the year to

promote the Korniche brand.

To celebrate the awards and update the consumer

marketing support on offer to their trade clients,

Made for Trade have re-designed their Korniche

Lantern brochure. Coupled with showroom offers

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to be on board with the Korniche brand!

For more information and to pre-order the new

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The Apex: Skills Issues

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & RECOVERY

Jackie Biswell, Managing Director of Apex Roofing, explains why vocational qualifications

are so important to the construction sector and discusses the current barriers to adoption

of vocational training programmes for some businesses in construction.

On the 14th July, central government

announced a new package of measures

for higher technical education which will

build on its previous efforts to transform technical

and vocational education in Britain.

Designed to help plug the skills gap, these

measures are welcomed by the construction sector

which has long suffered from a skills shortage.

These reforms build on work already underway

including the introduction of new T-Levels from

September, working with employers to create more

high quality apprenticeship opportunities and

establishing a network of Institutes of Technology.

These are expected to play a key part in helping to

rebuild the economy post-COVID-19, boosting

access to technical education for many young

people and creating the skilled workforce of the

future.

T-Level trade-off?

But do the new measures threaten to overshadow

established apprenticeships? There is a school of

thought that T-Levels, especially, may impact the

number of apprenticeships that employers offer.

Causing a trade-off situation between T-Level

placements and apprenticeships.

There is some merit to this, as within smaller

organisations there may be a lack of willingness to

offer T-Level placements and continue with the

same level of apprenticeship placements, especially

during a recession.

Yet it could also be argued that offering a wider

range of vocational sectors can only be a good thing.

One of the most notable elements of the new

measures is that it puts employers in the driving

seat, ensuring that the courses on offer meet their

needs.

Vocational schemes, such as apprenticeships, have

in the past been criticised for not

delivering the candidates and the

skills needed for specific sectors.

These new measures should change

this.

Offering young people more options when it

comes to higher education is essential to making

sure that our skilled sectors, such as roofing, retain

key skills and have a steady intake of young talent.

But increased competition for placements with

employers requires closer consideration of student

and employer conduct. It can be said that in the

construction sector particularly, ‘talent stealing’ of

newly qualified apprentices is a prevalent issue.

One company invests in training up the apprentices

and then when they are qualified, a competitor

offers them a more attractive salary or benefits

package to leave their current employer.

Any business that has had this happen to them will

know that it makes you question whether the

investment of time and resources in training these

young people is worth it if they are going to take

their skills elsewhere.

I believe that as T-levels are going to be phased in

over the next two years, there needs to be some

consideration by central government to stop this

from happening.

We need some sort of collaborative code of

conduct within each sector for vocational

education programmes that encourages loyalty

among employers and students. By encouraging

students to stay with the company that trained

them for a set period of time, the student is

guaranteed job security following qualification and

the businesses that trained them benefits from their

skills. This may not be practical, but I feel very

strongly that some consideration for the issue is

Left: Jackie Biswell, Apex Roofing.

warranted. It is one of the key barriers

in our sector to participating with

vocational training schemes. And if

companies like ours don’t want to take

on vocational students because of this

issue, it widens the skills gap even further.

Guidance for employers and students

We’d also like to see training providers working

more closely with the employers to guide students

through the training process. One thing that has

been greatly lacking in the current apprenticeship

schemes is training providers that communicate

well with employers and offer guidance not just to

the student, but to the employer too about how to

help candidates learn what is required for them to

do well.

In Apex’s experience, it has been left to the

candidate to bridge the communication gap

between employer and course which is less than

ideal, and we have often had to step in and

proactively update them so that the pressure is

taken off of the student. I hope that this new focus

on employer-led standards should serve to change

both issues.

There is no doubt that higher technical

qualifications will provide a natural progression

route for young people taking new T-Levels from

2020, or A Levels, and adults looking to upskill or

retrain, enabling them to take the next step up

and gain higher technical skills in key subjects

like STEM, something which can only help this

country out of the current skills crisis.

Contact Apex Roofing

01502 537129

www.apexroofinguk.com

@ApexAnglia

14 TC AUGUST 2020

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NFRC Tech Talk

ROOFERS: STAND OUT FROM THE

CROWD WITH ROOFCERT

The requirement for contractors, installers and all in the supply chain to demonstrate

competency is only going to increase. With this in mind, James Talman, Chief Executive of

the NFRC, explains how roofers can ensure they’re ahead of the game with RoofCERT...

Demonstrating competency is going to

become increasingly important for

roofing operatives over the months and

years ahead.

The government recently introduced legislation to

create a Building Safety Regulator in response to

the Grenfell tragedy. This new body, which will be

managed by the Health and Safety Executive

(HSE), will be responsible, amongst other things,

for implementing a new more stringent regulatory

regime for high rise buildings.

However, critically it will have a crucial role in

overseeing the competence of all involved

in the construction industry, not just

those working on high rise

buildings. Alongside this, the

Competency Steering Group,

which was set up by industry

and government following

Dame Judith Hackitt’s report on

Grenfell, is working on an

overarching competency framework, for

those working in the built environment. NFRC sit

on Sub-Group 2 of this wider group that is looking

at the competency of installers.

Also contained in this legislation is the creation of

a New Homes Ombudsman – this will be a

disputes resolution service for owners of new

build homes to hold developers to account for any

defects, and pay compensation where applicable.

This, along with public pressure, will mean house

builders will be increasingly focussed on the

quality of workmanship of their supply chain. We

know from warranty bodies that roofing is one of

the highest areas of concern for housebuilders

“It is no longer

enough for an

operative to

just rely on

the number of

years’

experience they

have or to have an NVQ”

and so it is likely this will be an area of focus.

For the domestic sector, Competent Person

Schemes will soon have a new Mandatory

Technical Competence document for

all operatives working for a

contractor registered with a

scheme such as

CompetentRoofer. This will align

with expectations from Building

Control over standards of work.

Demonstrate competency

Operatives across all parts of the construction

industry will, therefore, find themselves being

asked to demonstrate their competency to satisfy

employers and clients. It is no longer enough for

an operative to just rely on the number of years’

experience they have or to have an NVQ; further

accreditation is needed to demonstrate ongoing

competency. Fortunately, the roofing industry is

ahead of the game and already has a scheme to

do this in RoofCERT.

If an operative has at least three years’

experience, they can sign up to start the

RoofCERT journey to accreditation now. We have

Left: James Talman, NFRC Chief Executive.

2,000 funded places and are

urging roofing operatives

across the industry to get

started. We are also

encouraging roofing contractors to

sign their teams up.

We have recently made some changes to the

process for operatives through digitalisation. We

are now accepting and signposting online health

and safety awareness courses, which form a

crucial part of accreditation. We will also soon be

introducing online examinations. These won’t and

can’t replace in-person training and exams but

will mean that we can reach more roofers than

ever before, especially during these turbulent

times where Covid-19 remains a risk.

We are also working with some major industry

bodies to raise awareness of RoofCERT amongst

house builders and main contractors, so that this

becomes the industry standard that clients and

roofing contractors look for in operatives.

While the wider construction industry looks to

establish new accreditation schemes to meet the

requirements of the Building Safety Regulator,

RoofCERT already exists and is here and ready to

accredit thousands of operatives. If you would

like to find out more, please contact the team

through our website

https://www.roofcert.co.uk/recruitment

Contact the NFRC

020 7638 7663

www.nfrc.co.uk

@TheNFRC

16 TC AUGUST 2020

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Institute of Roofing Update

IOR CEO SPOTLIGHT: ONE YEAR ON

It’s been twelve months since Stuart Hicks became CEO of the IoR. Below, he explains

what the Institute has achieved during this time and what new challenges lay ahead.

At the AGM back in November 2019, I laid

out some ambitious plans to modernise

and revitalise the Institute, because I felt

the IoR needed to cement its place within the UK

roofing industry.

The global Covid-19 pandemic has had a real

effect on everyone’s day-to-day working and

personal lives. Yet, this hasn’t stopped us from

achieving what we set out to do at the beginning

of the year – we’ve just had to adapt, change,

and support one another.

Key goals

The Institute was established in 1980 to

encourage and support continual learning and

career development for those with supervisory,

management and ownership roles within the

roofing industry.

I think we needed to remind people at the start of

the year how important the IoR is

for individuals, so we’ve

delivered a strategy to boost

membership, increase

awareness of the Institute

and its benefits, and

create an influential voice

alongside other associations

and the wider roofing sector.

Developing our regional offering has

taken a hit during the Covid-19 lockdown, yet our

communications has improved as more people

started working from home, and we made

information, guidance and training more

accessible online.

Creating a voice for the IoR

Improving our marketing and communications

was a key goal for 2020. Our PR and social media

The IoR has initiated “a strategy to boost

membership, increase awareness of the Institute

and its benefits, and create an influential voice

alongside other associations and the wider

roofing sector”

Left: Stuart Hicks, CEO of the Institute

of Roofing.

has been much more

focused and consistent this

year, and we have

developed a new website

which was launched in

July.

The website is far more user

friendly with a wealth of training

available on a range of health and safety,

roofing and general management topics. The new

online learning courses are now open to members

and non-members.

There is also a new section on the site where

individuals can obtain guidance on what level of

CPD is expected of them, and what evidence

members should provide to show they have

continued their learning and maintained their

professional knowledge. We need to keep a track

of what CPD hours our members are completing

to ensure we maintain the highest of standards

within our industry.

We also have a new graphic identity re-design

under development which will not only give us a

Continued on page 20

18 TC AUGUST 2020

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Institute of Roofing Update

Continued from page 18

new logo, but ensure a more professionally

presented organisation to the outside world.

Training

A key area for us is training, which is why we

launched a new Associate Course in January

2020. It is designed for those considering a

professional career in roofing, particularly with an

eye to moving into or occupying a supervisory or

management role. The course has been updated

and moved to a dedicated online learning

platform, designed to offer individuals the

opportunity to learn effectively with minimum

disruption to working patterns.

The dedicated online learning platform allows

delegates to access and complete the Associate

Course’s self-directed study outside of the five

classroom days that focus on group learning.

We had our first intake of trainees from gutter and

roof refurbishment specialist, HD Sharman Ltd,

and another cohort lined-up for May 2020. Of

course, with the lockdown in place, the group

sessions were unable to take place, but we are

hoping we can get this back up and running when

it is safe to do so.

We also have the first of our additional Associate

Course trainers on board which will ensure we

can deliver more training, and meet future

demand across the country.

“A number of our online

learning courses have

also now been

recognised as part of

the NFRC’s RoofCERT

programme”

Available through our website, a number of our

online learning courses have also now been

recognised as part of the NFRC’s RoofCERT

accreditation programme, which was a real

success for us this year. Independently certified

by leading bodies, these six courses include

Abrasive Wheels, Fire Safety, Working at Height,

“We’ve started working

more closely with other

training providers,

federations and sector

associations”

Manual Handling, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness

and Fire Marshal.

Chartered status

Everything we do as an organisation needs to be inline

with the goal to becoming Chartered. Achieving

this status will allow us to address the main issues

we face and allocate the available resources we

have in the most time and cost-effective way

possible, so that we strengthen the Institute and

provide a sustainable long-term future.

We have made some head-way towards this goal

in 2020 in what is a measured, step-by-step

process. We have changed the management

structure of the IoR, modernised our constitution

and rules, and updated our membership criteria.

In line with achieving Chartered status, we want

to demonstrate that Fellows of The Institute of

Roofing (IoR) are amongst the most experienced

and knowledgeable professionals in the roofing

industry. Recognised for their skill, knowledge,

experience and achievement, they have excelled

in roofing and have gone above and beyond what

is normally expected of their specific sector or

position. This will ultimately help to maintain high

standards within our membership and the roofing

sector.

Industry collaboration

We’ve started working more closely with other

training providers, federations and sector

associations, and created the first-stage pathway to

professional qualifications to help and encourage

participants to achieve their highest level.

We’ve been working with the Roofing Industry

Alliance to allocate funds and support bids from

training providers across the sector. This work

will make a real difference to the capacity of our

industry to meet the skills challenges in the

coming years and leave a lasting legacy.

As part of the Roofing and Cladding Task Force,

made up of trade associations and federations

from across the industry, we’ve contributed to the

production of a successful open letter to the

Government calling for the urgent release of

school maintenance funding within the Condition

Improvement Fund 2020 to 2021. This will

provide ‘shovel ready’ projects to help the

industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

As CEO of the IoR, I also contribute to the

Advisory Committee for Roof Safety, helping to

develop guidance on safe working.

“Safe working is now a

key focus for everyone”

Looking positively towards the future

Like many other organisations, the IoR has had to

take a step back as a result of the pandemic and

assess the potential impact on the Institute in

achieving our goals. But we have continued to

look positively towards a brighter future as we

make progress in our ambitions for the benefit of

our members, and the industry.

Safe working is now a key focus for everyone, and

to help with this we have created a ‘Coronavirus

Advice’ webpage on the IoR website, with access

to various Government and industry body sources

that contain the information you need and that

are regularly updated.

When this is all over, I hope we can look back and

see that together we got through some of the

biggest challenges in our careers, and came out

the other side stronger and united. We’re looking

positively towards the future for the roofing

industry, hoping it continues to thrive and takes

more steps towards a professionally recognised

and accredited sector.

Contact The IoR

www.instituteofroofing.org

@Official_IOR

20 TC AUGUST 2020

For fu

rther inf

ormation

or a hire quotation call

AUGUST 2020 TC 21

SIG Roofing

WHAT’S BEHIND THE GROWING

POPULARITY OF GREEN ROOFS?

As with many other sectors, the roofing industry is seeing a sizable shift in outlook on

safeguarding the environment. As a result, roofers and property owners alike are looking

at different ways to maximise the eco-credentials of properties. Below, Chris Page, Flat

Roofing Product Manager at SIG Roofing, explores the growing popularity of green

roofing systems.

Across construction generally there is an

increasing focus on greener building

methods and materials, so it’s no surprise

we are seeing rising interest in the use of green

roof systems.

The benefits of such a system are clear. Using

vegetation as the top-finishing layer of a roof

instead of more traditional materials, green roof

systems can afford a property extra insulation,

absorb rainwater, extend the lifespan of the

waterproofing by preventing degradation caused

by UV light and, in some cases, even create a

habitat for wildlife. What’s more, the systems can

be easily installed on new build projects or

retrofitted to existing roof coverings, when used in

conjunction with root-proof membranes and

allowing for the structure to accommodate

increased roof load in both cases.

When it comes to green roof systems, there are

three general technical descriptions which

describe the separate ways in which they can be

applied. They are Extensive, Intensive and

Biodiverse.

Extensive green roofs are the most common

type of green roofing systems, and are typically

used for single or multi-family residential

buildings. Extensive systems can also be fitted to

outbuildings such as sheds or garages.

Among the key benefits of such a system are

rainwater run-off attenuation and greater

insulation, alongside minimising the overall

increase in roof load that all green roofs will

present.

“If properly

installed and

well looked

over, they not

only deliver real

‘kerb appeal’, but

also bring home some

environmental and

financial benefits too”

Extensive roofs generally require little

maintenance once fully established, making it the

most economical system and perfect for use on

unseen or large-scale roofs. The vegetation

generally used on extensive green roofs are wind,

frost and drought resistant, enabling them to

survive in tough, harsh conditions at height and

typically covers 90-95% of the surface area upon

installation. This type of green roofing system is

suitable for all roof slopes with at least a

minimum achieved fall of 1:80.

Intensive green roofs, or ‘roof gardens’, are

generally designed to provide recreational space

for the building’s occupants. Intensive green roofs

consist of a deep layer of engineered growing

media, typically 150mm to 1500mm. As a result

of this soil depth, they may be landscaped to

include trees, lawns, flowerbeds, vegetable

patches and paved areas, and will need as much

care and maintenance as any garden.

Intensive green roofs require more maintenance

because of the plant varieties they support,

Left: Chris Page, SIG Roofing.

however, as the garden is in a

much higher elevation there

may be a significantly smaller

chance of attack by pests and

weeds. In addition, larger plants

typically need more growing medium

depth, which means the building’s structure will

have to be designed to take the additional weight.

Biodiverse (or brown roofs) are designed to

replicate the environment lost to building and

involves the creation of natural habitats for many

varieties of plants and birds. With an increasing

number of developments taking place on

brownfield land, the use of biodiverse roofs can

partly protect against the total loss of habitat on

those development sites. They provide the end

user with an opportunity to enhance planning

applications by meeting local environmental

concerns and provide improved BREEAM ratings.

At a time when environmental consciousness and

the push towards sustainability is greater than

ever before, green roofing systems offer many

obvious benefits to both the roofer and the end

user. If properly installed and well looked over,

they not only deliver real ‘kerb appeal’, but also

bring home some environmental and financial

benefits too.

Contact SIG Roofing

0845 612 4304

www.sigroofing.co.uk

@SIGRoofing

22 TC AUGUST 2020

Business Opportunities

A BOOST FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Stuart Nicholson from Marley explains how recent developments and initiatives mean

contractors can begin to make a compelling case to homeowners to secure new projects...

The construction industry is slowly emerging

from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Activity levels were drastically hit as

construction sites were shut down and the

population was required to remain at home during

lockdown.

But, with the economy stirring once more,

contractors may now feel more confident that

projects will resume, and new business potential

will strengthen in the months ahead.

Part of the stimulus for increased contractor activity

can be found in consumer behaviour and their

stated intentions to make up for lost time in the

early part of the year.

According to a recent survey carried out by

Safestyle UK, 55% of UK adults are prioritising

home improvement plans, with one in eight stating

they intend to start home improvement projects

within the next six months.

While there are some who have suffered financially

as a result of the lockdown, many of those surveyed

(62%) say they feel wealthier than usual as a result

of saving money over the past few months on things

like socialising, commuting and going on holiday.

The same survey found that over a third of people

now feel comfortable about letting tradespeople into

their home to carry out work, with another 26%

having no strong feelings either way.

Green scheme boost

For those thinking about how they would like to

improve their homes, other factors are anticipated

to play a part in contractors’ workloads increasing,

including the recent government announcement

launching the Green Homes Grant scheme.

From September, homeowners in England can claim

vouchers worth up to £5,000 to help make their

homes more energy efficient. As part of the new

scheme, those eligible will be able to use the grant

to help pay for environmentally friendly

improvements such as installing

loft, floor and wall insulation or

renewable energy generation,

such as solar panels. It is hoped

the availability of the £2bn fund

will act as a catalyst to encourage

people to further upgrade the energy

efficiency of homes to help meet the Government’s

2050 net zero carbon emission target, as well as

provide a much-needed boost for the construction

jobs market.

Tackling planning

But, while proposed financial help to support

sustainability aspirations will be welcomed by

many, the old problem of project delays caused by

antiquated planning laws is also being tackled via

proposed regulatory changes.

The freeing up of many aspects of the current

planning laws will be a further incentive for

homeowners to consider and, will in turn, create the

business building opportunities contractors are

seeking to secure.

Armed with information about government

initiatives and the newly created homeowner ability

to ease more swiftly through the planning process,

contractors are now in a strong position to discuss

project feasibility with potential clients.

Aligning with the intentions behind the Green Homes

Grant, for those considering new or retrofit roofing

projects, but with a desire to find a sustainable

solution, it may be time to consider the benefits

offered by photovoltaics (PV) systems.

Better known as solar panels – they are already

proving popular when it comes to the delivery of

sustainable energy solutions, and as home energy

costs continue to increase, they can also help

consumers to actively keep monthly bills to a

minimum. Indeed, the Energy Savings Trust

Left: Stuart Nicholson, Marley.

estimates that an average home

can save around £250 on the

annual electricity bill if solar

panels are installed in the roof

space.

Homeowners can now access the

benefits solar energy offers, thanks to the

recent development of the all-new Marley SolarTile.

An easy to install, roof-integrated solar panel

system, it comes with all the required components

provided via an installation kit which is also

accompanied by a straightforward instruction guide.

Contractors can follow the clear steps that form the

simple installation process: from securing the initial

fixings, placing the solar tile in position, undertaking

a push-fit process for additional tiles, and finishing

the install with final fixings and flashings.

Marley SolarTile is designed for an integrated

installation over a standard roof construction with

25mm battens in place and a continuous functional

underfelt that terminates in a gutter. For existing

battens of other sizes or sarked roofs, alternative

kits are available.

It also works seamlessly with existing roof

structures by directly replacing roof tile sections and

is a quick and simple way to provide a greener and

cost-effective energy source.

From the growing popularity of solar panels, to

financial incentives to improve energy efficiency

within homes and reducing existing delays in the

planning process, to homeowners wanting to

invest in home improvements, there are

opportunities available for contractors to boost

their revenue.

Contact Marley

01283 722588

www.marley.co.uk/solarinstall

@MarleyLtd

24 TC AUGUST 2020

Perfectly Pitched

CONSULTANT CASE STUDY: IN A FIX,

SECURE ROOF TILES CORRECTLY

In his latest consultant case study, Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer focuses on

roof tile fixings and discusses a new build site he was called out to where all was not

right on a number of properties…

There is now far greater clarity in the pitched

roofing industry about how roof tiles should

be installed, particularly since the current

version of BS 5534: British Standard for slating

and tiling, was published in 2014 which requires

all tiles to be mechanically fixed.

The Standard provides clear prescriptive advice

on how perimeter tiles should be fixed as well as

minimum fixing recommendations for the whole

roof. Roof tile manufacturers offer site and

building-specific calculated fixing specifications,

most of which can be obtained online instantly.

Despite all this, I am still called upon to

investigate roofs where it is suspected that there

are insufficient tile fixings. The following case

study is based upon actual inspections carried

out on several newly built properties on a single

housing development.

Interestingly, this investigation was

instigated by a homeowner who

saw that the left-hand verge

tiles are secured using visible

verge clips, but the righthand

verge tiles are not –

more on that later.

Fixing specification

The fixing specification issued by the roof tile

manufacturer for this development, has been

calculated in accordance with BS 5534: British

Standard Code of practice for slating and tiling. In

summary, it requires all perimeter tiles to be

nailed and clipped, all tiles in the local areas (a

band of tiles adjacent to the perimeters) to be

nailed and clipped, and all the tiles in the general

roof areas (the tiles in the remaining areas of

roof) to be nailed.

John Mercer, Pitched Roofing Consultant.

The width of local areas is

determined by the width and

length of a building; in this

particular case, the local

areas are a band three tiles

wide adjacent to verges and side

abutments, and four tile courses up

from the eaves and down from the ridge.

Inspection

Rather than lifting every tile on every roof, the

way I approached this investigation was to

inspect several ‘representative’ roof areas.

Whatever I find in these areas is a good indication

of how the roof overall is installed.

Tile fixings

Roof tiles can generally be lifted at their tails

sufficiently to observe the fixings, or lack of them,

under the headlaps. The tiles on this

development, clay single lap tiles, could be lifted

to check the fixings. At eaves, most of the tiles,

though not all, are nailed at the head but not

clipped. Similarly, most tiles in the local areas are

nailed, but not clipped. Not all tiles in the general

areas are nailed and no clips have been fitted.

It was clear, therefore, that the installation of the

roof tiles does not comply with the fixing

specification and, consequently, does not comply

with the requirements of BS 5534.

Verges

To comply with BS 5534, all verge tiles should be

twice fixed. On mortar-bedded verges, this can be

done by nailing and clipping.

Above: This image shows a tile without nails Continued on page 28

26 TC AUGUST 2020

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Perfectly Pitched

“To strip a new roof and

re-install it is

expensive,

inconvenient, and

wholly undesirable”

installed correctly, though there were a few ridge

unions which had not been fully screwed down

onto the ridge tiles, leaving them vulnerable to

dislodgement in high winds.

Above: This image shows a tile without a clip.

Above: Only the left-hand verge tiles are clipped.

Continued from page 26

All the left-hand verge tiles are secured by head

nailing and verge clips. Therefore, the fixing of the

left-hand verge tiles complies with BS 5534 and

the manufacturer’s recommendations.

There are no verge clips on the right-hand verge

tiles, which is what prompted the investigation.

Standard verge clips, such as the ones used on

this development, are fixed onto the ends of the

tile battens and wrap around the outer edge of

each tile to secure it, meaning the clips are

visible when installed.

Technically, if each right-hand verge tile had been

head nailed and clipped using a tile clip (tile clips

are not visible once installed) then the fixing

would comply with BS 5534. Unfortunately, on the

roofs inspected, the roofer has not used tile clips,

therefore the fixing of the right-hand verge tiles

does not comply with the Standard.

Dry ridge system

The dry ridge system is a universal type, i.e.

designed to fit most common ridge tile profiles.

Generally, the dry ridge system appeared to be

The ridge union is not securing the ridges.

Remedial works

Unfortunately, in most cases, the only way to

bring an incorrectly fixed roof into compliance

with BS 5534 and the manufacturer’s fixing

specification is to remove the roof tiles and reinstall

them using the correct fixings. Roof tile

nails and clips are generally designed to be fitted

as the roof installation progresses, so it is not

usually possible to mechanically fix tiles with the

surrounding tiles in place.

To strip a new roof and re-install it is expensive,

inconvenient, and wholly undesirable, not to

mention the potential contractual disputes

which will inevitably arise. So clearly, getting it

right first time is crucial.

Summary

• Make sure all perimeter tiles, i.e. at verges, eaves,

ridge, abutments, each side of hips and valleys, are

twice fixed. For cut tiles, seek the roof tile

manufacturer’s guidance on how to fix these. Some

manufacturers provide special clips for cut tiles.

• Always obtain a manufacturer’s fixing

specification for every roofing project and, most

importantly, follow it.

• When using dry fix ridge and hip systems,

follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions

and take care to ensure that all ridge and hip tile

fixings are done correctly and securely.

Contact John Mercer

www.johnmercerconsultant.co.uk

@Johnmercer3

28 TC AUGUST 2020

Faster and safer Installation with VELUX Modular Skylights

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Find out more visit commercial.velux.co.uk

Cost Planning

ROOFING MYTH BUSTING: RELATIVE

COST INCREASE VS. COST TOTALITY

When procuring roofing materials, Pauline Manley, Marketing Director at Klober, says

taking a price-led approach per unit cost can create a false economy for a building

project long-term. Below, she explains how the cost totality of a project is defined by

more than the upfront cost...

While keeping to budget will always be a

primary objective during the building

process, it is important to realise that

value-engineering of products to make initial

savings will not necessarily provide greater value

in the long run. A poor roofing installation with

subpar products is unlikely to last a substantial

amount of time. Just a quick search online will

bring up far too many reports of cases where

newly installed roofs, or ones that are just a few

years old, are falling apart, leaky and dangerous.

If a roof does degrade prematurely, a roofing

contractor will generally be contractually

responsible to make repairs in the first

year, so it is important to get it

right first time.

Cost per unit Vs. cost

totality

The old saying ‘you get

what you pay for’ does

hold a grain of truth.

While cheaper products

can do the job, it is

important to be aware that the

difference between underlays is not

just fiscal, but can also be vast in terms of

performance. Roofing felt underlay made from

fibreglass, for instance, is considered to be one of

the cheapest underlay options. While it will

provide the required barrier for a roofing

installation, over time this material can become

brittle and rot into the guttering where it has been

exposed to sunlight.

More expensive alternatives, such as breathable

and non-breathable membranes, provide the

essential barrier needed to

protect the property from

possible ventilation

problems and

unexpected water

ingress. A breathable

membrane, especially

one that is both vapour

and air permeable, will

generally be more expensive

than a non-breathable membrane.

This is because breathable options have less

vapour resistance than non-breathable options,

so that water vapour can exit freely without

the need for separate ventilation

above the roofing insulation.

Innovation

To put product innovation

investment into

perspective, when using

the example of a typical

150sqm roof, this would

require an average of three

rolls of underlay. The average cost

saving achievable for three rolls of budget

underlay will only recoup a few hundred pounds

at the most, in lots of cases, however, the saving

will be dramatically less than this. In the grand

scheme of the whole building project, the value of

spending a fraction more to achieve better results

at a cost-level of this scale makes sense. The

time-saving benefits of using premium products,

designed with ease-of-installation as well as

exceptional performance in mind, also adds

further value for the installer by reducing the time

spent on site.

Not all underlay is made to

suit all applications, and

for low pitch roofing

getting the correct

underlay is so important,

otherwise the roof will

fail. Contractors need to be

careful that membranes

chosen can cater for the pitch,

and choose products developed by

manufacturers, such as Klober, that are suitable.

Changing attitudes

To continue to raise roofing standards, it is

important to carefully consider the roof and

remember that the true cost is relative not only to

the price, but also to the performance and how

long it will last. It simply takes a shift in attitude

to realise that a slightly higher investment can

translate to savings in terms of time and money

later down the line. It is also worth mentioning

that when working with trusted manufacturers,

the reputation of the building contractor is

protected.

Overall, with the help of manufacturers who

continue to innovate membrane performance and

target specific project applications, building and

roofing contractors can be supported with the

most up-to-date roofing product solutions,

specification support and installation guidance.

Contact Klober

www.klober.co.uk

01332 813 050

30 TC AUGUST 2020

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176

AUGUST 2020 TC 31

Advertorial: Solar

SHINE ON: CREST’S INTEGRATED

SOLAR OFFERING FOR ROOFERS

The experts at Crest outline the benefits of the Crest *Planum PV Integrated solar system,

which can help roofers easily diversify their offering...

With an increasing focus on sustainable

solutions in the built environment as the

UK looks to reduce its greenhouse gas

emissions, Crest Building Products offers the

Crest *Planum PV Integrated solar system.

Engineered to fit quickly and easily with the Crest

*Planum concrete flat tiles and Crest S9 clay

tiles, Crest’s PV Solar Tile solution provides an

almost seamless, attractive finish to the

completed roof, whilst supplying the homeowner

or building owner with an instant clean and

efficient energy supply.

A key benefit for installers is that the simple and

quick interlocking ‘plug and play’ installation

method makes the solar roof tile ideal for both

new build and renovation projects. This makes it

an ideal and accessible option for roofing

contractors who are looking to expand their

offering and capitalise on the demand for energy

efficient products.

The *Planum PV solar roof tiles are made from

“It’s an ideal and

accessible option for

roofing contractors

who are looking to

expand their offering”

quality materials which have been specifically

selected and tested to ensure optimal solar return

with highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells.

The *Planum PV solar system comes with a

product guarantee of 10 years, whilst users will

enjoy a performance guarantee of 90% of rated

performance for 10 years, and 80% for 25 years,

ensuring they can make the most of their

installation.

The Crest *Planum PV Integrated solar system is

a quick and easy to fit system that works

seamlessly with the Crest *Planum roof tiles and

offers a state-of-the-art solution on the

completed roof.

Warranty & Certification

The *Planum PV solar roof tile has been tested to

standard EN 7250: Solar energy systems –

Integration in roofs and facades – engineer

aspects.

• UV testing according to double ECE R110

automotive test - sunlight exposure

• Wind load test according to EN 14437: 2004

• Snow load test according to EN 1991-1-3

• Water resistance test according to EN 2778

• Fire safety test according to EN 6063, see

NPRCEN / TS 1187: 2012

• Electric power generation guaranteed for 25

years from the date of installation; 80% initial

performance according to IEC 61215: 2004

• Construction and electrical safety

guaranteed according to IEC 61730-1: 2007

and IEC 61730-2: 2004

Head over to www.roof-tube.co.uk to see for

yourself how easy it is to install the Crest *Planum

PV Integrated solar system.

Find out more about Crest’s range of solutions

www.crest-bst.co.uk

@CrestBuildProd

Above: an installation of the Crest *Planum PV Integrated solar system. Inset; aerial shot of the finished project.

*As per European trademark Nr.7287956, filed on 2nd October

2008, the Trademark PLANUM belongs to La Escandella. It is

Dachziegelwerke Nelskamp as authorised licensee of the owner

allowed to use the mark PLANUM for its concrete product.

32 TC AUGUST 2020

GUARANTEE

CREST *PLANUM AND PV INTEGRATED SOLAR SYSTEM

A quick & easy to fit system that works seamlessly with the Crest *Planum flat

concrete roof tiles offering a state of the art solution on the completed roof.

The Integrated solar panel roof tiles are both a

roof covering and electricity generating solution.

> Beautiful aesthetics

> No more ‘Ugly’ Solar Panels!

> Engineered to fit quickly and easily

> Easy to connect MC4, simply plug and play

> Performance guarantee: 10 years 90% of rated

performance 25 years 80% of rated performance

*As per European trademark Nr.7287956, filed on 2nd October 2008, the Trademark

PLANUM belongs to La Escandella. It is Dachziegelwerke Nelskamp as authorised

licensee of the owner allowed to use the mark PLANUM for its concrete product.

QUICK

AND EASY

INSTALLATION

WITH 2-3

SCREWS.

Crest *Planum PV Solar

Tile Panel, with black

frame - black cells and

black backsheet

For more information on our roofing tiles and PV

integrated solar system or to order a FREE sample

contact the Crest team.

TECHNICAL

S U P P O R T

30

Y E A R

01430 432667 info@crest-bst.co.uk www.crest-bst.co.uk

ROOFING TILES

Sheet Roofing

A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR AN EFFICIENT

SHEET ROOFING INSTALLATION

Corrugated sheet roofing systems have been a popular choice for a wide range of

applications for many years. From garages, summer houses and sheds, to industrial and

agricultural buildings, this solution is a firm favourite with roofing professionals based on its

ease of installation and the versatility, longevity and performance. Below, Greg Hissey,

Technical Sales Manager at Onduline Building Products, outlines the simple steps to help

installers achieve an efficient installation.

There are a number of reasons why

corrugated roofing sheets are such a

popular choice with roofing professionals.

Firstly, they are incredibly easy to work with. Not

only do installers like the fact that this solution is

really simple to install, saving them valuable time

and money, but the material is so well suited to

such a wide range of projects and applications

that its versatility is welcomed up and down the

country.

The product is also strong and durable, but

extremely lightweight when compared to other

roofing materials as well. This means it can

withstand the harshest of weather conditions,

whilst also being easy to handle and transport, so

it doesn’t add much weight to an overall building

structure once installed.

There are a number of benefits that make

corrugated roof sheets an attractive proposition

for your end-user customers too, whether this is

a homeowner looking to replace their garage roof,

or a commercial building owner developing an

industrial facility.

The fact that corrugated roofing is corrosion

resistant, so it’s not prone to rust, is a major

selling point. Add this to the longevity of the

solution, which can last for 30-50 years when

looked after and maintained, and you can see

why the whole life cost of this type of roofing

system, when compared to other options on the

market that may only last 15 to 20 years, is an

easy product for roofers to sell to their customers.

The trend for innovative and sustainable building

solutions is also driving demand for corrugated

roofing systems. Onduline’s roofing sheets, for

example, are made from 50% to 60% of recycled

materials, making them the ideal choice for

environmentally conscious consumers. The

product also reflects the sun, meaning a building

will stay cool in the summer and maintain heat in

the winter, helping to save energy and reduce

heating costs.

Installation guide

Whilst corrugated roofing systems are renowned

for being simple to install, mistakes can still

happen, and we do get a number of calls to

Onduline’s technical team where installers need

some installation guidance or advice.

Generally, the most common issues we encounter

are linked to sheets that may have been fitted the

wrong way round, or where the incorrect nails

might have been used. This step-by-step

installation guide for Onduline’s Classic roofing

solution is specifically designed to help installers

achieve an efficient installation.

Step 1: measure the slope of your roof

Using a protractor, inclinometer or by calculating

the slope using the roof slope gradient, the first

stage is to measure the slope of your roof and

select one of three fixing options:

Option 1

For roof slopes greater than 15 degrees (1 in 4

gradient or higher) purlins should be fixed at

maximum centres of 61cm. At the eaves, allow

for a 50cm sheet overhang when positioning the

first purlin from the eaves. Lay the sheets (single

corrugation side lap) with a 17cm sheet end lap

and use 20 nails or screws per sheet.

Option 2

For roof slopes between 10-15 degrees (1 in 6 to 1

in 4 gradient), purlins should be fixed at a maximum

of 45cm with the same overhang as option 1. Lay

the sheets (single corrugation side lap) with a 20cm

sheet end lap and use 20 nails or screws per sheet.

34 TC AUGUST 2020

Option 3

For roof slopes between 5-10 degrees (1 in 11 to

1 in 6 gradient), a fully supporting roof deck

should be laid (20mm minimum), with the same

overhang as option 1 and 2. Lay the sheets

(double corrugation side lap) with a 30cm sheet

end lap and 20 nails or screws per sheet.

Step 3: fixing the sheets to purlins

The fixings used to attach sheets to purlins must

be durable and able to withstand the most

extreme weather conditions. We recommend

using Onduline plastic PP monobloc or Safetop

nails, or Onduline Universal screws.

the sidewall, then on the top of the

corrugation. The ridge element has to overlap

the sheet by a minimum of 12cm.

Step 2: laying the sheets

Start laying sheets in runs in the opposite

direction to any prevailing winds (to prevent side

laps facing the wind and water ingress) and over

the gutter line with a max 7cm overhang.

Approximately 20 fixings should be used per

sheet, with every corrugation fixed at eaves,

overlaps and ridges. Every second corrugation

has to be fixed at the intermediate purlins. The

fixing at the intermediate purlins has to be

staggered.

Step 5: roof support

The roof pitch and occasional load (especially

wind and snow) determine the distance between

the battens. The maximum distance in any case

is 45cm.

“Onduline is with

installers every step of

the way to help make

the installation

process as simple and

straightforward as

possible”

The second row has to be started with half a

sheet cut parallel to the corrugations, to misalign

side overlaps. Adjacent runs should overlap each

other by at least 25cm.

Onduline is with installers every step of the way

to help make the installation process as simple

and straightforward as possible. From high

performance and lightweight roofing systems in

a range of colours to suit any application, to

Onduline’s expert technical team on-hand to

support customers, the company offers a range

of market leading products, backed up with a

first class service offering.

For more information or to find your nearest

stockist, use contact details below:

Step 4: verge and ridge elements

To optimise aesthetic appeal as well as

providing waterproofing and wind uplift

resistance, use a verge element. Fix it first into

Contact Onduline

www.onduline.co.uk

@ondulineUK

AUGUST 2020 TC 35

Top Tech Tips

TOP TECH TIPS FOR TRADESPEOPLE

Mhairi McDougall, Country Manager UK and Ireland at Dakea, talks technology and says its

important for the trade industry to stay abreast of any advances...

It feels like every day there’s a new website, app

or piece of technology that’s promising to

change the way we live and work forever. While

this might be a slight exaggeration, there are

definitely a lot of technological innovations out

there which were unthinkable only a few years ago.

It’s important for the trade industry to stay

abreast of these advances, especially as in a

recent survey we conducted it was revealed that

1/5 of tradespeople are concerned that the way

they are currently working is outdated, and 10%

admitted that they barely use any technology

during their daily work.

25% of the 500 roofers, installers and local

contractors we questioned said that they believe

the entire trade industry needs to be better at

adopting tech in the workplace, and a further 1/5

acknowledged that they don’t use technology

effectively.

With the current pressures on the construction

industry forcing trade professionals to work in

new and innovative ways, it’s imperative that

everyone has the skills required to work faster,

quicker, better and safer. To make sure that

tradespeople can get to grips with the technology

they need to know, we’ve created a selection of

guides that includes advice on key websites,

apps, tools and tech.

We’ve broken down some of these top tips to give

you a quick overview of the technology that’s

changing the way tradespeople work.

Video calls

With social distancing still encouraging us to

avoid face to face contact, video call technology

has never been more in demand. Using video

calls can also help you to save time when talking

to customers, as you no longer need to call round

to show them samples or see parts of the project.

Drones

Using a drone is a great way

to get an idea of the state

of a roof without having

to spend time and

money putting up

scaffolding. This is

particularly important

when you’re quoting for a

job, as you could avoid

spending days erecting scaffolding

only to discover that additional prep work

should have been done beforehand.

With the right drone and software, it’s even

possible to get some extremely accurate

measurements and data such as square footage,

roof features, pitch, surface area and slope.

Drones can also help with health and safety

issues, as using the drone to carry out survey

work avoids having team members working at

heights.

Finance software

Finance apps mean you can record expenses on

the move and complete all finance processes

from the comfort of your van. As well as saving

time, moving to an automated digital process

could save you money, as updating receipts in

real time will ensure no records are lost. If this

sounds intriguing, there’s quite a few options out

there to try – check out Xero, Sage or Kashflow to

get started.

Online lead generation

Online platforms provide multiple opportunities

for tradespeople to get their name out there.

Once a little time has been spent building up an

online presence, this can become a great way

to funnel new business opportunities to your

inbox with only minimal time investment. A

couple of places to make sure

you appear in online

searches include social

media websites and

online directories.

Make sure that your

presence appears

professional and

encourage customers to

leave as many reviews as

possible on your profiles.

Training

It’s never been easier to learn a new skill thanks

to online training. YouTube, for example, holds a

wealth of instructional videos and many

manufacturers have uploaded helpful guides on

how to install their products.

If you’d prefer a more formal education, check out

online compliance and training platforms like the

Institute of Roofing, Citation or Able Skills. These

allow you to sign up to comprehensive online

courses and earn certificates to prove you’ve

completed the training.

We hope that you’ve found the advice in this

article useful and that it’s encouraged you to

embrace a new type of technology as part of your

daily work. Just remember that it’s never too late

to embrace new tech and sometimes you don’t

know how much it’ll help until you’ve given it a

go. If you’d like more advice on any of the above

or on similar ideas for getting stuck into new

technology for tradespeople, visit

www.tradematters.co.uk/technology to download

our free guides. p

Contact Dakea

www.dakea.co.uk

@dakea_uk

36 TC AUGUST 2020

BE SECURE IN YOUR FASTENER CHOICE

The experts at Eurofast discuss the crucial role fasteners

play in the overall quality and safety of the roof system.

Despite the fact that fasteners are a

relatively small part of the total roof

structure, they play a crucial role in the

overall quality and safety of the roof system.

No part of a building is as heavily-loaded as the

roof. Storms, rain, but also the result of walking and

working ensures that flat roofs are continuously

exposed to extreme tests. The lifespan of the roof is

also determined by the degree of resistance to the

roof covering blowing away. Mechanically fastening

the roof covering is the most secure solution to this.

When preparing a project most mistakes are made

when assessing the subsurface of the roof. Not

every concrete surface is the same and therefore a

pull-out test must be carried out in both new builds

and renovations in order to choose the correct

fastener and drill.

The desired calculation value cannot be achieved

for concrete sub surfaces if the fastener is

incorrectly selected or the drill is too thin or too

thick. It is also necessary to assess the surfaces in

advance for other surfaces, such as a profiled steel

profile, wood or aerated concrete. Incorrect choice

of fastener can eventually endanger the

waterproofing of the roofing construction.

Eurofast offers a vast range of fasteners for

mechanically fastening waterproofing material and

insulation to the flat roof. An extensive service

department is available to the roofer when

performing pull-out tests on the roof, to help

determine the type and condition of the surface. The

most suitable fastener is then chosen together with

the roofer. This also takes into account the type of

roofing, and the calculation value that the

combination of the roofing with the fastener has.

After determining the calculation value, a wind load

calculation is made to provide a correct

waterproofing membrane fixing pattern for the roof.

At the start of the work, we can give instructions for

the correct installation of the fasteners.

Contact Eurofast

www.eurofastgroup.com

@Eurofast_

FIT IT.FORGET IT.

Trust Ubbink for

quality roofing

products to make

your life easier

Call us on 01604 433000 or visit

our website for more details.

• VENTS • TERMINALS • NON-LEAD FLASHING

• ROOFLINE PRODUCTS • & MORE

www.ubbink.co.uk

AUGUST 2020 TC 37

Fixings

FASTENING SYSTEMS: HOW TO SPEED

UP FLAT ROOFING INSTALLATIONS

The UK’s economic recovery needs construction’s frontline staff – installers and contractors –

firing on all cylinders and working at a faster pace than ever before. With this in mind,

Martyn Holloway, Business Development Manager – Flat Roof at SFS, discusses how

innovative fastening systems can help accelerate single ply flat roofing installations.

It is no secret that the construction industry is

a key part of our economic recovery. With

680,000 employees on furlough at one point

during the height of lockdown, projects have been

at a standstill.

Of course, this cannot continue. ‘Build Build

Build’ has been the recent rally cry from the

government. It is vital though that we can turn

this rally cry from mere words into practical

measures for those on the front line of

construction – our contractors and installers.

The number one challenge – speed of

installation

Increased site productivity is more important

than ever. With COVID-19 causing delays and

also limiting the amount of people allowed on

sites due to new social distancing procedures, it

is likely that construction progress will be slower

than expected. Also, autumn and winter is

coming, piling on more traditional challenges

such as extreme weather conditions to contend

with.

Then there’s the shortage of skilled

labour, which has been worsened

by a heavily furloughed workforce.

This, combined with an ageing

workforce, means there is a real

need to train new site operatives.

Building regulations and guidance

document amendments are adding

complexity to the industry, which in

turn is increasing time pressure on

site. Plus, after all the above factors

that largely cannot be controlled,

there are the intricacies of flat

roofing installation itself.

Tapered insulation makes for tricky

installations

One such instance is ‘cut to fall’ insulation

systems. These systems are popular for new

build projects, but can be particularly challenging

for installers.

Also known as tapered roof insulation, the aim of

this system is simply to provide drainage when

Martyn Holloway, Business

Development Manager –

Flat Roof at SFS.

the roof deck itself does not

provide adequate falls. This is

achieved by increasing the

thickness of the insulation to

provide the slope and run off for

the rainwater.

When using a conventional

mechanical fixing solution to

install the insulation however, to

allow for the change in insulation

thickness, there is typically a

myriad of different fastener lengths

needed. This in turn increases the

complexity and time on the job for roofers.

Concrete deck challenges

Installation can also be slower if ‘cut to fall’

insulation is being secured to a concrete deck.

This is because of lengthy drilling times – if

installers are using conventional flat roofing

fasteners, these may require pilot holes up to

100mm deep in order to rationalise fastener

lengths.

Complications with adhesive systems

If adhesive systems are being used to secure the

membrane and insulation layers, these can often

be one of the biggest challenges and source of

delays for installers. Design is limited by

maximum wind load requirements and weather

conditions on the day can severely hamper

progress. Priming the deck and to adhere each

separate layer, including the Air and Vapour

Control Layer (AVCL), insulation and membrane

also take a significant amount of time.

38 TC AUGUST 2020

Adhesive systems also rely heavily on the skill of

the installer. The correct weight of adhesive

bonding agent per square metre must be applied

for each of the AVCL, insulation, membrane and

other layers required. If not performed correctly,

the membrane will need to be reinstalled, adding

unnecessary time onto the job.

Risks and difficulties with retrofit

applications

Installers may also hit snags on retrofit roofing

installations. Here, roofers will often face existing

layers of membrane and insulation. Typically,

these will be overlaid with new membrane and

insulation layers. However, if adhesive is used to

attach these new layers and the existing and

aging layers are not secured, this risks potential

failure of the roof.

Additionally, new or existing cut to fall systems or

existing tapered screed layers will lead to a

variation in the build up at any single point.

Therefore, traditional mechanically fastened

systems need installers to use a variety of

fastener lengths across the roof, which again

makes the installation more difficult and adds

more time on the job.

Mechanical fixings can make haste

All these challenges can be conquered with

innovative mechanical fixings, which can

securely fix every layer of the roof, provide

reliable performance and long life warranties.

In comparison to adhesive systems, mechanical

fastening systems are less weather dependent,

and can be used in all exposure zones. For

refurbishment and new build concrete decks, pull

out testing will assist in calculating the

appropriate fastener design load. When used in

conjunction with the project wind load

calculation, the correct fixing pattern can be

determined to ensure a safe and secure

installation.

To get around tapered insulation challenges on

concrete decks, installers can use the TIA system

from SFS. This height adjustable insulation

fastener solution is specifically designed to selfadjust

to the insulation

thickness, as the fastener

engages with the

telescopic sleeve and

the result is a

considerably simplified

install.

The TIA system also

reduces drilling time as it

requires just 35mm deep pilot

holes for all settings. This equates to

60% less drilling when compared to the

conventional practice of drilling up to 100mm

deep pilot holes for tapered schemes on concrete

decks.

Turn up the heat and use heat induction

A final area where contractors can speed up jobs

is by using heat induction welding technology,

such as the patented isoweld system from SFS,

to install single ply membranes. Since its launch,

more than 15 million square metres of single ply

membrane has been successfully installed.

This technique welds the membrane to a

specially coated metal stress plate located

underneath by using electric heat induction,

resulting in an extremely secure fix without

penetrating the waterproof layer.

Each plate only requires three seconds to weld,

and the SFS isoweld system is also easy to set up

and calibrate. The heat induction technology can

be used in conjunction with PVC, TPO and EPDM

single ply membranes, and is suitable with PIR,

EPS and mineral wool insulation types.

The membrane fasteners are installed in field fix

patterns in comparison to the traditional lap fixing

and therefore significantly fewer fasteners are

Opposite page: isoweld from SFS. Above,

left: Cladding project. Above right and

below: The TIA system from SFS.

required. Up to 50%

fewer fasteners are

required and the isoweld

field-fix system allows

installers to use the

widest membranes

available which substantially

reduces the extent of seam-welding

required.

The TIA fastener system can be used in

conjunction with isoweld to offer a faster and

more cost-efficient install for concrete decks.

A secure roof, a secure future

To help the construction industry recover quickly,

it is imperative that we embrace new and

innovative opportunities such as TIA and isoweld.

By utilising new roofing technologies, site

productivity increases, a roofer’s efficiency goes

up, and ultimately profit increases too.

SFS is doing all it can to help installers and

contractors during these difficult times not just to

secure roofs, but to secure futures as well. From

maintaining the supply of product from our

factories, through to the provision of office and

site support, we will continue to go that extra mile

and provide the industry with assistance where

required, including efficiency savings through

product innovation.

Contact SFS

0113 2085 500

www.sfsintec.co.uk

AUGUST 2020 TC 39

Roofing Updates

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

ICOPAL’S PERFECT REMEDY

As part of its own contribution to improving air quality, NHS Property Services chose to replace the roof of

the Hattersley Health Centre in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with a roof system that reduces the effects of

pollution by converting nitrous oxides that are present into benign nitrates.

Working with the BMI technical specification team, Urban Design & Consult (UDC) developed the remedy for the failing

roof that not only replaced it with an eco-friendly alternative, but also a method of working that enabled the centre to

operate without disrupting normal patient care.

The Icopal Noxite Classic built up felt system was

used to refurbish the roof at Hattersley Health

Centre in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

“We’ve worked with BMI over many years and we’re very happy with the technical service that it provides, the quality of its Icopal range and the robustness of the

guarantee,” explained UDC Director Dave Percy. The new roof put forward by UDC was the Icopal Noxite Classic built up felt system, in which the Noxite Capsheet

reduces the effects of traffic pollution. Developed by BMI, Noxite torch-on roofing membrane turns harmful nitrous oxides produced by traffic into benign nitrates, a

depolluting effect that lasts as long as the waterproofing membrane. “We’ve had lots of experience in using the BMI Icopal Built Up Roof system and we’re happy with

the durability and the protection offered by the various layers, so we’ve used it on a lot of NHS health centres,” he added. “Adding the Noxite top layer at no extra cost

was a no-brainer because it matched the client’s pursuit of sustainability wherever possible.” www.bmigroup.com/uk

PERMAROOF STOCKS BOND TILES

Permaroof has partnered Tilcor Roofing Systems to become a UK stockist of its texturedfinished

Bond tiles – which capture the refined look of a traditional-style roofing tile while

incorporating the lightweight advantages of steel.

As well as being wind-tested to 100mph, the Bond tiles

are low maintenance, non-combustible, and infinitely

and 100% recyclable.

Tilcor’s Bond tile, which launched in New Zealand in 1989, can be used on both residential and

commercial roofs with either a refurbishment or new-build application. The roof tiles, which come

with a 50-year warranty, are 30% quicker to install and 70% lighter than ‘traditional’ roof tiles, as

well as suitable for roof pitches as low as 12.5 degrees. www.permaroof.co.uk

THERMOSLATE LOOKS GREAT!

When a new-build Georgian style home in Hertfordshire required a sustainable solution for its

heating and hot water demands, CUPA PIZARRAS’ THERMOSLATE was the ideal solution.

A solar slate system, the product provided the efficiency required for the project without affecting the

period-style features of the home. After purchasing the existing house, the Cozens family decided to

demolish and rebuild the property as the existing building appeared dated and would have required

extensive renovation work. Pennypond House was built in time-honoured red brick, with the original

design gaining inspiration from the traditional Georgian Rectory style. Due to this, the Cozens family

desired a slate roof as they knew it would complement their design aspirations. Juliette Cozens said:

“When designing our new home, the appearance was key, but introducing sustainable credentials

was very important to us. I liked the idea of having solar panels on my roof, but I was not convinced

by the visual impact they would have on the exterior of the property. We were so pleased to discover

this vital innovation and for our home to have the first THERMOSLATE installation in the UK. I’m sure

this is only the start of the product’s international success.”

Above: Pennypond House used the solar slate system

THERMOSLATE from CUPA PIZARRAS.

DMC Roofing Ltd completed the installation for this project. Dave Curran, Owner at DMC Roofing Ltd,

commented: “Pennypond House was a new timber frame project, and we found the installation

smooth and effective. THERMOSLATE provided the accurate and subtle solution needed to gain

approval for the design in the planning stages.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk

40 TC AUGUST 2020

New Roofing products Updates

For further updates visit www.total-contractor.co.uk

MINI STONEWOLD IS IN ITS ELEMENT!

With high winds in excess of 130mph

prevalent on the Orkney Islands, a solution

was required that could withstand these

elements when it came to roofing a new

facility for elderly and vulnerable members of

the community.

The BMI Redland Mini Stonewold Slate was

chosen due to its strength, robustness and

appearance of natural slate.

Hamnavoe House, commissioned by Orkney

Islands Council (OIC) to meet the current and

future needs of its elderly residents, was

designed by Glasgow architects Young & Gault

and built by Orkney Builders. The building

represents one of the largest single timber kit

buildings ever produced by timber frame provider

Scotframe. Designed as a single-storey property

to reduce its profile against high winds, the

combination of flat and pitched roofs was

designed to minimise gable heights and match

local vernacular styles as well as the ability to

withstand extreme weather conditions.

The Redland Mini Stonewold Slate in grey was

chosen by OIC for several reasons, explained

OIC Senior Project Officer John Wallace. “The tile

is very popular here and is popular with our

planners. From the planners’ point of view, it

has a flat slate appearance like many of our

traditionally built roofs. It’s also very strong,

especially when fully fixed, which makes it the

perfect choice given our environmental

conditions.”

This view is reinforced by Stephen Kemp,

Managing Director of Orkney Builders. “These

islands must be one of the largest purchasers

of this particular tile,” he said. “It’s specified

because it doesn’t fail. We recently handed over

a new-build house where gusts of 135mph

were recorded, yet we didn’t lose a single tile.

This is the biggest roof that we have installed in

recent years, but it is a product that we know

very well,” explained Stephen. “We double nail

and clip each tile as a matter of course up here,

and always to the maximum headlap.”

Above: Hamnavoe House on the Orkney islands used the BMI

Redland Mini Stonewold. It is available in seven colours;

Black, Breckland brown, Charcoal grey, Farmhouse Red,

Slate grey, Terracotta and Tudor brown.

The Mini Stonewold range has interlocking edges to

simplify installation and can be laid at pitches as

low as 17.5° in both new build and refurbishment

projects. The tile’s robust performance reflects the

company’s extensive testing regime which includes

a wind tunnel that uses different combinations of

high wind and driving rain to determine the tile

performance in terms of wind loading and weather

tightness. www.bmigroup.com/uk

SUNSQUARE’S SMART SOLUTION

British flat roof skylight specialist Sunsquare has developed a new smart skylight that it says

is set to change the face of the skylight industry.

In a ‘pioneering move for the industry’, Sunsquare has developed Smartsquare, a switch that

brings smart technology to skylights for the first time. A global first, the Smartsquare provides

complete control of single or multiple skylights from anywhere in the world, through Wi-Fi

connected smart phones and virtual assistants like Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

www.sunsquare.co.uk

NEW LIFE FOR CEMETERY BUILDING

A derelict Grade II listed cemetery lodge in West Yorkshire is being repurposed with the help

of a multi-patterned Welsh Slate roof.

The building was built as a home and office for John

Edward Sinclair Cousins, the registrar and superintendent

of the new Edgerton Cemetery when it opened in 1855.

The Victorian building at Edgerton Cemetery in Huddersfield was built in 1855. Designed by leading

architects JP Pritchett and Sons, it is now being refurbished by the local council at a cost of £250,000, to

include a complete re-roof, external repairs including new windows, and treatment of dry rot. The original

Welsh slates, which had been on the roof since it was built, required replacing like-for-like and so some

850 of Welsh Slate's Penrhyn Heather Blues now adorn the gothic-style building. www.welshslate.com

42 TC AUGUST 2020

ICB APPROVED BY TESLA

After a rigorous quality vetting process, ICB (Projects) Ltd has been approved as a Tesla Powerwall Certified

Installer, bringing a battery storage solution to reinforce their Solar PV offering.

ICB (Projects) Ltd has been designing, supplying and installing Solar PV systems for domestic and commercial clients

for over fifteen years and has many successful projects to its name. Fully ‘Microgeneration Certification Scheme’

(MCS) approved, together with essential H&S accreditations, the company had all the right attributes to pass Tesla’s stringent approval process. With the

demise of the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme in April last year, ICB (Projects) Ltd said adding a battery storage solution to its existing renewable energy

portfolio made perfect sense, and the choice of battery was obvious; what better than the world leader in that field – Tesla. Chris Rigby, Projects Manager,

explained: “It’s great that we are now able to facilitate the storage of excess energy generated by PV systems, using the Tesla Powerwall 2, for our customers,

helping the UK Construction Industry to create sustainable homes & buildings.”

Offering installation throughout the country, ICB (Projects) Ltd can propose a battery storage solution for both domestic and commercial settings, as either a

stand-alone unit, incorporated into an existing PV system or alongside a new PV system.

Find out more https://www.icbprojects.uk.com/products/battery-storage/

FURTHER CPD FOCUS FOR MGMA

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers Association (MGMA) has added two further CPDs to its

portfolio of online CPDs on its website covering aluminium and cast iron rainwater systems

respectively.

The CPD titled Focus on standard aluminium rainwater systems provides the user with best practice

advice on the selection and installation of aluminium rainwater systems. The CPD covers the

environmental benefits of aluminium, the manufacturing process and the importance of the correct

specification of material grade and paint finishes for a particular application.

The CPD titled Focus on cast iron rainwater systems offers best practice advice on the selection and

installation of cast iron rainwater systems. In addition, the CPD illustrates the range of profiles available;

gives guidance on correct jointing techniques and on the choice of finish coatings for specific applications.

The MGMA has launched two new CPDs, one focusing on

aluminium, and another focusing on cast iron rainwater

systems.

The course material can be studied offline and has an online assessment component to verify knowledge.

Both modules represent 60 minutes of professional development and following successful completion of

the CPD, a certificate is available for immediate download and can be printed for the user’s personal

records. The CPDs are accredited by the CPD Certification Service.

The CPDs are available at https://mgma.co.uk/mgma-online-cpd/

RAINCLEAR’S PEDESTAL FIRE FOCUS

Rainclear Systems has introduced a new range of A1 fire rated, non-combustible raised floor

pedestals from Harmer to its website.

Rainclear Systems now stocks A1 fire rated, noncombustible

raised floor pedestals from Harmer.

The new range has been designed to comply with the latest building fire regulations. Manufactured from

steel by Harmer, they will not crack, split or warp while providing strong support for decking or flooring

joists. There is a large height-adjustable range suitable for every application. They come with either a

‘paving spacer head’ for natural stone, concrete and porcelain (left) or a ‘decking head’ which will

accommodate joists up to 50mm, with holes in either side for easy fixing to joists. www.rainclear.co.uk

AUGUST 2020 TC 43

Fixings

FACADE FIXINGS: IS THERE A BETTER

WAY TO GET THE JOB DONE?

Nathan Ireland, General Manager at Cheltenham-based BBS Facades, thinks contractors

could be missing a trick when it comes to calculating the cost of fixings.

Whole life costing – often known as WLC

– is nothing new in the construction

industry. In fact, the term was first

coined back in the 1930s when developers began

to realise that cutting costs from the outset of a

project often created problems once the building

was completed. As the old adage goes, ‘buy

cheap, buy twice!’

This theory is increasingly relevant to subcontractors

and cladding installers

who are constantly faced with

‘value engineering’

propositions from further

up the supply chain.

We often see cladding

contactors opting for

the cheapest off-theshelf

option when it

comes to fixings, but

research recently undertaken

by BBS Facades provides some

valuable food for thought.

We are seeing a major trend towards off-site

fabrication, with contractors turning to BBS to cut

boards to size, drill holes and even affix brackets

so that facades can be installed as soon as they

arrive on site. However, faced with a rump of

cladding installers who insist on doing this rather

hazardous element of the cladding fabrication

on-site, we undertook some basic research into

the relative costs quoted for this activity. Is it

better to keep with work in-house (often doing it

on-site) or get it done by a third-party specialist?

We approached three wellrespected

sub-contractors,

each of whom operated on a

UK-wide basis, working

with all the main

contractors on both private

and public-sector projects.

First, we looked at the relative

costs of undertaking straightthrough

drill holes for rivet and

screw fix. Assuming 12 holes per

m² board, we were surprised

to see that typical labour

rates quoted were up to

50% higher than those

charged by us.

Mechanical to

secret fix drill holes

Turning to mechanical

secret fix drill holes, the price

difference between specialist offsite

fabrication and on-site labour rates quoted

was equally remarkable. Generally, prices quoted

for this more complex procedure were

approximately 20% higher than those for

straight-through drill holes. Sub-contractor labour

rates for this work came out at 40% more

expensive when compared to prices quoted by

off-site specialists such as BBS.

We also asked installers about typical labour

rates when bracket attachments were added to

the drilling of holes for secret fixings – and this

too came out as around 35-40% higher

“We often see cladding contactors opting for

the cheapest off-the-shelf option when it comes

to fixing”

Left: Nathan Ireland,General Manager at

BBS Facades.

compared to rates typically

charged by us.

This leads to the question:

why aren’t all subcontractors

using third party

specialists to cut and prepare

boards for installation off-site? Is it

about control and quality? With damaged and

poorly cut boards as the likely outcome, I cannot

imagine this is good reason. Also, our use of CNC

technology ensures boards are cut to within the

tightest tolerances, with brackets fixed using the

right systems in bright, warm surroundings as

opposed to often rain-swept building sites with

restricted space and strict on-site working

regulations.

Perhaps some sub-contractors don’t consider the

cost of fixings as being that significant? Well, for

a project comprising 5,000m² of cladding, our

investigation suggests that this could cost

anywhere from £450,000 to £650,000 in fixing

labour costs alone. That’s not chicken feed in

anyone’s book!

Based on this information, we know BBS

Facades’ fabrication facility is likely to save subcontractors

between 35 and 50% on labour

costs, while significantly improving the accuracy

and quality of the cladding systems prior to

installation. Most savvy operators are already

sub-contracting this element of the job out to offsite

fabricators. Is it something you need to look

at before embarking on your next project?

Contact BBS Facades

01242 222 600

www.bbsfacades.co.uk

44 TC AUGUST 2020

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AUGUST 2020 TC 45

Project Focus

A GREAT MIX FOR KEY PROJECT

Shackerley’s SureClad brings quality and variety to Great Central Square Leicester.

Great Central Square in Leicester is a

mixed used scheme constructed by

Morgan Sindall, comprising two hotels,

prestigious office accommodation and a leisure

destination within the refurbished former station

building.

Shackerely’s SureClad Ceramic Granite ventilated

façade system enabled the project’s developer,

Charles Street Buildings, to specify various

colourways and finishes from a single supplier.

Not only did this balance synergy with

differentiation, it also offered project planning

and co-ordination advantages, buildability

benefits and confidence in a façade that will

stand the test of time.

Complementary Hotels

Great Central Square’s two hotels will be

operated by Accor. The 100-room Adagio Apart

Hotel sits side by side with a 152-room Novotel,

and the choice of Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic

Granite as the façade system helps to

differentiate the two hotels while offering

consistency of quality and materiality.

The design for both hotel buildings was delivered

by architects, Leach Rhodes Walker. Gary Darby

from Leach Rhodes Walker explained: “With its

durability and low maintenance credentials,

Shackerley’s SureClad system was the ideal

response to the brief and the variety of

colourways and finishes within the range gave us

plenty of scope to select panels to differentiate

the two buildings while benefitting from a

streamlined supply chain.”

Meticulous specification

Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system

was specified in a mid-grey ‘Riven’ colourway

with a natural finish for the Novotel building and

a ‘Travertine’ honed beige colourway for the

Adagio Apart hotel. Alongside visual impact, the

system offered buildability

advantages, enabling a lighter

structural frame for the

building. It also answered

local planning

requirements for a highquality

building for such a

prominent location, with

appropriate finishes to

complement the local built

environment.

Gretta Murphy, from Charles Street Buildings,

explained: “We were looking for a façade system

that articulated quality but also answered our

cost requirements for the project. Leach Rhodes

Walker suggested a number of options and we

invested time in researching the product. We

were also looking for quality and consistency of

product and the level of service and technical

support the supplier could offer us.”

As part of the specification process, Shackerley

provided fully-mounted samples to enable the

client and project team to experience the

SureClad system in combination with the

company’s Queens Award winning Access

support system. The project team also visited

Shackerley’s ISO 9001 accredited manufacturing

facility in Lancashire.

Richard Frape, Project Director at Morgan Sindall,

commented: “Shackerley provided support in

design meetings and assistance with the supply

chain. We investigated other systems but felt that

Shackerley’s SureClad façade system offered us

the benefits of ready-to-install panels, prefabricated

at the supplier’s own factory in

Lancashire, which were critical to the project.”

Technical support

The large-format, slim profile SureClad Ceramic

Granite panels from Shackerley provided an ideal

façade build-up for the lightweight hotel structures.

Left: Great Central Square Leicester.

The fenestration scheme adds

to the impact of the

elevations with elongated

windows that span

multiple levels and the

SureClad panels have been

used to complement this

design feature, with vertical

orientation to deliver both contrast

and synergy.

The SureClad system also enabled increased

flexibility of programming for the construction

team. As Richard Frape explained: “The SureClad

Access installation system allowed us to install

the panels non-sequentially. This was particularly

helpful in regards to the groundworks, because

the Access system meant we could leave the

buildings’ ground floor panels to be installed

last.”

Joined-up approach

For the office development, Shackerley’s Lunar

SureClad Ceramic Granite colourway, a pale grey

with a mid-grey fleck, was used in a pearl finish,

in combination with natural finish ‘Antigua’

red/brown panels.

Gretta Murphy added: “Rationalising the supply

chain not only helps to manage costs on a large

project like this, but also helps with practical

considerations, like co-ordination of deliveries to

site. Working with Shackerley meant that we

could bring different colour palette and textural

elements to the varied buildings within the

development, while maintaining consistent

quality and technical support.”

Contact Shackerley

01257 273114

www.shackerley.com

46 TC AUGUST 2020

Cladding Updates

BLOCKBUSTER FACADE

A new, state-of-the-art entertainment

complex in South-East London, described as

a landmark for the area, has become the

epitome of a high street regeneration project,

thanks in part to an eye-catching façade clad

in bespoke perforated Proteus SC panels.

Based in Eltham, the new Vue Cinema

development is designed by architect Chapman

Taylor in collaboration with contractor Wilmott

Dixon. The building forms a major part of

Greenwich Council’s ambitious plans to

transform the high street into an entertainment

destination for the community, with the aim of

increasing footfall and business opportunities in

the area.

Proteus Facades fabricated flat and pre-curved

Proteus SC perforated panels, with a bespoke

pattern designed by Chapman Taylor in a light

grey (RAL 9006) finish, for the upper levels. The

single skin panels were manufactured from a

sheet of 4mm aluminium with a polyester powder

coat (PPC) finish, which offers the ideal


combination of high strength and a good

resistance to chemicals, chipping, scratching and

other service wear as well as corrosion and UV

weathering.

The bright façade complements illuminated and

glazed elements of the building whilst masking

the box-like structure of the upper storey. The

smooth corners on the first floor, achieved

through innovative use of the curved cladding

offers a subtle nod to the Art-Deco cinemas of the

1930s; paying tribute to a time-honoured design

with modern materials and methods of

construction.

Each panel, installed by Express Group Ltd, is

supported by the Proteus aluminium carrier

system and ancillary components anchored to a

cantilever steel frame from the underlying

masonry structure. These allowed the panels to

be hooked-on from behind, accentuating the

sheer, smooth façade interrupted only by the

perforated design. The six screen cinema, which

accommodates 731 standard seats and 126 VIP

BTS FACADES & FABRICATIONS JOINS MCRMA

The new Vue Cinema, Eltham: During development, the

cinema provided more than 100 apprenticeship weeks

across the construction supply chain and design, and 60

per cent of the total spend has been spent within 10 miles

of the project.

seats, is complemented by two restaurants and a

‘Sky Bar’ which wraps around the building on the

first floor and cantilevers the lower levels. The

underneath of the terrace is clad in bespoke,

twisted soffit panels manufactured by Proteus

Facades, with a dark grey (RAL 7023) PPC finish.

www.proteusfacades.com

The Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) has welcomed BTS Facades & Fabrications as a new member in the

systems manufacturer category.

BTS Facades & Fabrications is a well-established premier supplier of metal CWCT-tested rainscreen systems and fabricated metal construction products.

Based in the UK, all their products are produced at their purpose-built facilities in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. 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. These companies have delivered to the majority of the industry’s most prestigious buildings

creating imaginative and innovative building designs that offer both cost-effective and sustainable solutions. www.mcrma.co.uk

SHACKERLEY BUILDS ON FIRE SAFETY

Shackerley says it has become the first cladding supplier in the UK to develop an antifragmentation

meshing process that has been certified as Class A1 to BS EN 13501-1 for fire safety.

Shackerley’s SureClad mesh-backed Ceramic Granite

and Natural Stone façade panels are now all classed as

A1 for fire safety.

The new process means that the company can now provide SureClad cladding systems that meet the

highest standard of fire resistance for back-meshed non-combustible cladding material. The new

meshing system builds on Shackerley’s fire safety credentials and the company’s solutions-driven

approach to helping specifiers comply with legislation on the mandatory use on non-combustible

cladding for residential buildings of 11m or more. www.shackerley.com

48 TC AUGUST 2020

Postponed to

Friday 28 May 2021

THE UK ROOFING AWARDS 2020/21

We have postponed the 2020 awards as social distancing guidelines are likely to be in place for at least the

short-to-medium term. The safety of the attendees must come first—so we’re planning a bigger and better

combined 2020/21 roofing awards event in May 2021 and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Friday 28 May 2021 | InterContinental London—The O2

For more details or to book your table, contact 020 7638 7663

or head to roofingawards.co.uk

All tickets already purchased remain valid for 2021

Drinks Reception

and Category Sponsor

Headline Sponsor

Awards Knowledge Partner

Coronavirus Advice for UK roofing industry

www.nfrc.co.uk/coronavirus

0330 123 4714 coronavirus@nfrc.co.uk

Building Passports

PASSPORT TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY?

As Simon Blackham, Technical Manager at Recticel Insulation, explains, “a building

passport would be a constructional blueprint of a property.” Below, he discusses how a

building passport would work, and how useful it might be in addressing issues relating to

the UK’s energy deficient housing stock.

Building Passports as a means of certifying

key information about a property are an

extension of recommendations made in

Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building

regulations and fire safety. In the report, which

was published following the 2017 Grenfell Tower

tragedy, Dame Judith spoke of the need to create

a ‘golden thread’ of data about a building for a

supply chain of stakeholders from architects to

engineers, through to building safety managers

and end users. And whilst this ‘thread’ applied

specifically to high-rise buildings, it has given

credence to the idea that the same informative

package could be produced for regular housing.

So, how would a building passport work, and how

useful might it be in addressing issues relating to

the UK’s energy deficient housing stock?

In essence, a building passport would be a

constructional blueprint of a property. This would

include information such as the thermal

standards a property was built to – and that it

achieved those standards – and the type of

materials that were used to build it inside and

out. Accessible to housing and building

authorities, such data would be crucial to

ensuring all homes within a new development, for

example, were built to the same standard. It

would also provide householders with a clearlydefined,

certified baseline upon which to improve

on their home’s energy performance, should they

so wish.

Call to action

For easy accessibility, building passport data

would be held digitally. This would lead in all

probability to terabytes of information needing to

be stored securely but accessibly. This

information would need to be kept up to date

when changes to the building are

made, such as changing the

boiler or building an extension,

so it remains accurate and

relevant to the building.

“The necessary

renovation work is

nowhere near starting;

a fact which is made all

the more lamentable

by the persisting

instance of houses

being built to outdated

regulations”

The Insulation Manufacturer’s Association

estimates more than 3,400 homes would need to

be upgraded per day from now until 2035 in order

to meet the government’s target for EPC band C

for homes. Unfortunately, the necessary

renovation work is nowhere near starting; a fact

which is made all the more lamentable by the

persisting instance of houses being built to

outdated regulations. In my opinion, the

government should be tackling the issue of

Britain’s poorly-insulated homes with the same

vigour it applies to other public endeavours and

displays of national infrastructure investment.

Easy access

Having outlined the likely logistical issues

involved with processing and storing a huge

amount of building passport data, it is worth

pointing out that the information is already

available – it’s just a case of collating it. BIM,

EPC certificates, U-value calculations and

Simon Blackham, Recticel Insulation.

supporting data sheets are a

basis for modern housing

developments. If accessible in

one easily downloadable digital

space, this information would

make retrofitting or altering a

property to an acceptable standard a far

more straightforward prospect.

In her review of building regulations and fire

safety, Dame Judith makes it clear that the UK

construction industry requires a sea change in

culture and practice to improve its all-round

standards. Initiatives such as the building

passport would certainly represent a positive

break from tradition, as it would remove the

element of guesswork involved in increasing a

property’s energy efficiency. In knowing what a

home’s performance is to begin with, small

changes could be made to further improve it. And

small changes on a mass scale could make a

huge difference to the country’s emissions count.

The government has shown favour to Dame

Judith’s golden thread in relation to high-rise

buildings, so it’s hoped the same accord will be

bestowed upon a similar scheme for standard

properties. As stated, upgrading nearly 30 million

poorly-insulated UK homes represents an

almighty challenge. Therefore, the imminent issue

of building passports for new properties offers an

easier option. It would mean we wouldn’t be

adding to an already serious problem.

Contact Recticel Insulation

0800 085 4079

www.recticelinsulation.com

@RecticelInsulUK

50 TC AUGUST 2020

(QUITE INTERESTING)

INSULATION FACTS

By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd)

Non-combustible inverted roof

insulation, myth or fact?

Above: Graven Hill – The Kingspan TEK Building System has been used as part of the

construction of a spectacular home on the Graven Hill self-build development.

SELF-BUILD SUCCESS

Afamily of ambitious self-builders in Oxfordshire have created their

dream home featuring a gambrel roof constructed with the Kingspan

TEK Building System of structural insulated panels (SIPs).

Peter and Anita Reynolds had long harboured dreams of constructing their own

home, so when a plot became available at Graven Hill – a development for

custom build homes — they leapt at the opportunity. Peter took responsibility

for designing and constructing much of the home with support from his son,

Sam, and Kingspan TEK Delivery Partners, Timber Innovations. He commented:

“We wanted to show it was possible to build a home that was more suited to

modern living whilst still being affordable for the average family.”

The outer walls of the property feature an insulated timber frame construction

from Timber Innovations and are faced with blockwork, which helps to minimise

noise from the nearby railway line. All properties on the Graven Hill development

must also comply with a Plot Passport which includes rigorous fabric

performance requirements. To help achieve this, Kingspan TEK SIPs were

installed to create the structure for the property’s stylish gambrel roof design.

Kingspan TEK SIPs feature two layers of OSB/3 autohesively bonded either side

of a high-performance insulation core. Timber Innovations factory-cut the

panels to the project’s specification before installing them using a mobile crane.

The panels deliver excellent thermal performance out of the box and, with the

addition of a 50mm thickness of Kingspan Thermapitch TP10, this was easily

upgraded to the target roof U-value of 0.15 W/m²K. Their unique jointing system

also ensures excellent insulation continuity at junctions in the roof and helped to

limit air-leakage from the property, which is ventilated with a mechanical

ventilation heat recovery system. The lightweight design and offsite fabrication

for the panels supported the fast-track construction programme, allowing the

outer shell of the building to be constructed in just three weeks. Peter was then

able to easily fix the attractive and cost-effective steel roof cladding through the

breather membrane and into battens fixed to the SIP’s OSB/3 facing.

The post-Grenfell Tragedy amendments to Building Regulations

(g) membranes

construction using either Cellular Glass or Mineral Wool insulation. But

Quantum Insulation

®

FOAMGLAS ® INVATHERM

®

is covered

Best

Practice for the Installation of Wa

ater Flow Reducing Layers in Inverteded

Roofs

® are providing installer training

ADB Regulation 7.

manufacturers to navigate the changes in construction regulations.

and Wales and over 11 metres in Scotland.

Next month’s QI by QI – ‘Is non-combustible insulation require

ed over

Compartment Walls?’.

Contact Kingspan TEK

01544 387 384

www.kingspantek.co.uk

@KingspanIns_UK

AUGUST 2020 TC 51

Insulation Updates

TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE


An architect-led refurbishment project on a private residential property near Exmoor has included the specification of cut-tofalls

Marmox Multiboard, which were chosen for the versatile product’s highly beneficial physical properties, together with the

practical considerations to their inclusion.

The work on the home on the North Somerset coast, is being carried out by NTG Property, while Peter Reid of P2 Design drew on his

experience of using Marmox Multiboard to address past problems when faced by a semi-basement space whose concrete roof structure

was leaking badly, as the original waterproofing membrane had cracked and deteriorated, with damp penetrating the habitable room

below. Peter Reid commented: “As a practice we work right across the UK and have used Multiboard on a wide range of past projects for applications such as lining

existing walls, or upgrading floor constructions prior to installing underfloor heating. It really is a very useful and adaptable product, ideal for refurbishment because of

its thermal and waterproofing performance. In this case there was a habitable semi-basement level where water had been getting in over a long period and causing

damage, and while it wasn’t designed under the Building Regulations but considered a repair of the existing, we went to Marmox to obtain calculations on the heat

loss: to maximise the energy retention and avoid any risk of interstitial condensation forming within the new build-up. And there was also the added bonus that

utilising the tapered boards allowed us to speed construction and do away with one of the wet trades. It has been a very successful application.” www.marmox.co.uk

FURTHER PLUS POINTS FOR QI

Quantum Insulation has announced it has secured the distribution rights for Quantum

PLUS+ Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) insulation board, which it says is the only certified

factory coated Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) insulation board.

Suitable for use in new and existing domestic and non-domestic flat roofs, including zero falls

applications, Quantum PLUS+ has a market leading design thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m/K

making it the thinnest BBA Certified insulation for any given target U-value.

For further information and technical support for your project go to www.quantuminsulation.com

EARTHWOOL SOFFIT LINERBOARD RANGE ENHANCED

Knauf Insulation has enhanced its Earthwool Soffit Linerboard range, achieving what it calls bestin-class

thermal performance and adding rigidity to make installation even easier.

Knauf says the improved range will help customers meet the demand for non-combustible insulation in

car parks, stadiums and commercial units.“Specifications for non-combustible soffit insulation are likely

to increase as building regulations evolve further and soffit applications become a focus for fire safety”,

said Luke Davies, Rock Mineral Wool Product Manager, Knauf Insulation. “We’ve improved Earthwool

Soffit Linerboard to give customers the best possible solution to respond to this demand.”

Earthwool Soffit Linerboard now has a lower thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK – Knauf says this is

the lowest on the market for a Rock Mineral Wool soffit slab. It is also less susceptible to thermal bridging

thanks to a new fixing method which uses tube washers in the corners of each slab instead of traditional

all-steel fixings. The entire installation process has been made easier as the new product recipe makes

each slab more rigid. A new detailed installation guide has been created to accompany the new product,

with clear and simple advice to installers for a wide range of applications and scenarios. Earthwool Soffit

Linerboard is now available in thicknesses from 50 to 220mm, with an additional base layer available to

meet build-up requirements. There are two options available – Standard and Extra – depending on the

aesthetics and impact resistance required. Standard has a black glass veil facing, while Extra is bonded

to an off-white cementitious particle board. www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/soffits

Like the majority of Knauf Insulation products, Earthwool

Soffit Linerboard has the best possible Euroclass A1

Reaction to Fire Classification rating, so it will not

contribute to the development or spread of a fire should

it occur.

52 TC AUGUST 2020

PITCHED ROOFING

PRODUCTS DESIGNED

FOR YOUR ROOFING

PROJECT

A RANGE OF QUALITY

PITCHED & FLAT ROOFING

PRODUCTS

TRIED AND TESTED

PRODUCTS

PRICES TO SUIT

ALL BUDGETS

AVAILABLE

NATIONWIDE

WARRANTIES

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL ROOFING STOCKIST

We’ve got you covered

www.fix-r.co.uk

Article

Vans: Health & Safety

6 TIPS FOR GOOD VAN HYGIENE

Despite the easing of some restrictions, observing the new health and safety guidelines is

essential while the threat of Covid-19 remains.Tim Alcock, Head of Online for

LeaseVan.co.uk, has researched and revealed his six tips to help you practice good hygiene

whilst inside or using a van.

Hygiene is one of those things that everyone is on top of whilst out and about in public spaces, but

it can soon be forgotten about in the comfort of your own space, including that of your van. At

the moment, the majority of the population is more clued up when it comes to hygiene than ever

before, as would be expected during a global pandemic, but it’s important that this is related to our

buildings and vehicles, and not just personal hygiene.

Getting into good habits such as cleaning down tools after each person has used and touched them and

making sure everything is cleaned down before being put into your van will help keep everyone safer. If

you share your van with other people when travelling to or from work, it’s important to ensure that

masks are worn and social distancing is observed as much as possible. It’s also important to try and

limit the amount of people who come in contact with the van.

“Gloves will stop

germs being carried on

your skin, but if you

don’t take them off or

clean them before

entering your van, the

germs will also be

spread inside”

Below are my six top tips when it comes to practising safe van hygiene:

1Food: As tempting as it can be to have a

drive-through or eat in your van, it’s better

for you – and the hygiene in the van – if

you eat outside. Find a park or pull over by a river

and spend a few minutes taking in the fresh air. It

means that you won’t find any crumbs in the van,

helping keep it tidier and more hygienic. Any

rubbish you may carry should also be disposed of

straight away. Keeping your van tidy is definitely

more hygienic, and it will have a positive impact

on the way employers and customers look at you.

2Sanitiser: Hand sanitiser is one of the

easiest ways to stop any germs you pick

up being transferred into the van. Get into

the habit of always sanitising or cleaning your

hands before you get into the van to reduce the

number of germs in the cab. Keeping sanitiser

about your person, and using it before you open

the door is a great habit to get into.

3Passengers: If you normally travel with a

passenger, it’s important that social

distancing is maintained at all times. It

should also become a habit to wear a face mask

when sharing the cab with another person. Try to

also reduce the number of people that come into

contact with the vehicle as much as possible.

4Clean: Give your van a good clean inside

with an antiseptic wipe at the end of every

day or in-between jobs. Pay special

attention to places you touch a lot, such as the

steering wheel and gear stick. However, make

sure you don’t ignore the harder-to-reach areas,

such as pockets and dashboards, as this is often

where most of the dirt collects.

5Tools: Wipe down all your tools as they

enter the van to ensure unwanted germs

aren’t brought in. This is especially

important if several people have been touching

the tools – although they should also be cleaned

in between uses.

6PPE: Depending on the type of PPE you

use and how close you come in contact

with other people whilst on the job, it may

be necessary to wear a new set as you enter each

new building or place of work. Gloves will stop

germs being carried on your skin, but if you don’t

take them off or clean them before entering your

van, the germs will also be spread inside – ready

for you to pick them up if you drive with no

gloves.

Contact LeaseVan.co.uk

0344 745 1616

www.leasevan.co.uk

54 TC AUGUST 2020

S E R V I C E

F I N A N C E

n A specialist Industrial Roofing Centre to support you with industrial,

commercial and agricultural product selection, sourcing and delivery.

n A no cost whole roof pitched roofing warranty scheme.

n All products meet all regulation requirements through SIG Assured.

n You can earn rewards every time you spend with our Trade Club.

n Your roofing essentials are always in stock in our Core Range scheme.

n Quality, warranty backed own label products, always available.

n Reliable local deliveries when and where you need them.

P R O D U C T

S T O C K

COVERING YOU ALL DAY

• Huge range of stock on the ground now

• Pitched, Flat and Industrial Roofing supplies

• Expertise and knowledge

• Nationwide network

• Full delivery service

Your local SIG Roofing team are behind

you every step of the way.

Connect with us in branch,

by phone, online or via social channels.

SIG Roofing. Supporting You. Supporting Your Business.

PLEASE FOLLOW OUR 10 STEPS

TO KEEPING YOU SAFE WHILE

ORDERING MATERIALS.

www.sigroofing.co.uk

Article

Tool Security

STEPS TO TACKLING TOOL THEFT

Michael Brown, Design Director at Metal and Modular, discusses the issue of tool theft,

which can have a big impact on tradespeople, and the products available to help prevent it.

The very fact that tradespeople routinely fix

signs to their vehicles stating that ‘no tools

are left in the van overnight’ highlights how

much of an issue tool theft has become. The roofing

sector, where a roofer’s ability to do the job depends

on a range of high value tools, is no exception.

A significant issue

According to research based on figures from police

forces across the UK, tool theft from site costs

almost £95 million each year, and the problem is

getting worse. As equipment becomes more

specialist and higher in cost, it becomes a more

attractive target to thieves. Moreover, advances in

equipment design often make tools more compact

and lightweight too, so thieves find them easier to

steal.

As their vehicles proclaim, few roofers would leave

their tools in their vehicle overnight, but they cannot

keep a constant watch over tools that are not in use

while on site. Larger sites have site wide security

but, regardless of this, opportunist thieves will find

a way to access the site and take whatever is close

at hand. Meanwhile, on smaller sites, the only

defence against theft is often simply the vigilance of

colleagues.

In both scenarios, a tool vault or fittings cabinet

provides the ideal solution for locking tools away

securely when they are not in use on site. Metal and

Modular has developed some innovative features

for its range of tool vaults and fittings cabinets to

increase the level of security they offer while

providing increased functionality and convenience.

Knock-on effects

While the financial cost of replacing stolen tools

is a significant enough problem, the compelling

reasons to invest in a tool vault or fittings cabinet

are actually much wider because of the knock-on

effects of theft.

Without the right tools, a roofer can

struggle to continue with an

installation, and finding

replacements may involve a

significant cost in terms of time as

well as money. This could lead to

delays on site, loss of earnings for days lost

to inactivity, penalties for late handover or even

contra-charges if an alternative contractor has to

be brought in to complete the job.

Often, thieves will take more than one item or

may simply take the battery from each of the

cordless tools on site. Replacing one of these is

onerous, replacing several at the same time could

prove extremely difficult.

Metal and Modular’s Tool Vaults.

Better by design

Metal and Modular’s Tool Vaults have been

designed to both prevent opportunist tool theft and

discourage thieves, while ensuring all equipment is

safe and conveniently stored for when it is needed.

The range includes small, medium and large models

to enable roofing contractors to choose the right

option for their team. The medium and large Tool

Vaults have five-lever deadlocks and the small Tool

Vault has two fixed padlocks or two Stainless Steel

6-pin Ultra Secure Cylinder Locks

making all the units virtually

impossible to access. Double returns

on the edges of the anti-theft doors

also ensure that the unit cannot be

forced open with a crowbar. The units

also have a cable opening to allow equipment

to be charged securely when not in use and roofing

contractors can even use this to charge their mobile

phone, keeping their personal property safe too.

Available in standard and compact models, Metal

and Modular’s Fittings Cabinet range has also been

designed for secure storage and enables fittings and

tools to be locked away in a single unit, with a lower

shelf that can be locked in an upright position. The

standard unit features anti-theft twin doors with

two five-lever deadlocks, while the compact model

has a single door and lock of the same high security

standard. These versatile units are fitted with

shelves and durable storage bins to keep fittings

neat and tidy, helping roofers find what they need

quickly and easily and aiding stock checking. Both

Fittings Cabinet models also have a cable opening

for secure charging.

All Metal and Modular’s Tool Vault and Fitting

Cabinet products are manufactured from heavy

gauge and welded steel for added durability and

come with recessed handles, fork lift slots and

castors (if required) for ease of transportation and

manoeuvrability.

The right solution

No roofer would leave tools unattended in an open

van, but unattended tools can be just as vulnerable

on site. Tool vaults and secure fittings cabinets

provide the solution to this problem.

Contact Metal and Modular

01327 343300

www.metalandmodular.co.uk

56 TC AUGUST 2020

RIVENDALE FIBRE CEMENT SLATES

RIVENDALE FIBRE CEMENT SLATES

Cedral: proud to have been putting

Cedral:

roofs

proud

over

to have

heads

been

for decades

putting

roofs over heads for decades

Cedral Rivendale slates are designed to reflect the qualities of

natural Cedral slate, Rivendale at a fraction slates are of the designed cost. Available to reflect in the Blue-Black qualities or of

Cromleigh natural slate, Graphite, at a fraction Rivendale of the slates cost. have Available a beautifully in Blue-Black textured or

Cromleigh surface Graphite, and dressed Rivendale edges, combining slates have the a beautifully benefit of textured modern

surface and dressed slate technology edges, combining with the the look benefit of a natural of modern slate.

slate technology with the look of a natural slate.

Rivendale Blue-Black

Rivendale Blue-Black

more at cedral.world

more at cedral.world

Tel 01283 501555 Email infouk@etexgroup.com

Etex Tel 01283 (Exteriors) 501555 UK, Email Wellington infouk@etexgroup.com

Road, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2AP

Etex (Exteriors) UK, Wellington Road, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2AP

Updates


MAKITA’S NEXT XGT GENERATION

Makita has expanded its XGT 40V Max range

of cordless power tools with four new

brushless angle grinders – engineered to

deliver the power needed for high-demand

applications, with the added flexibility and

improved safety of cordless.

Also added to the range is the CF001GZ 40V Max

‘swing fan’, ideal for keeping air circulating and

staying cool in all seasons.

Brushless angle grinders GA022GZ, GA023GZ,

GA028GZ and GA029Z have been added to the

XGT 40V Max line up. Launched in June 2020,

XGT 40V Max is the highest power cordless

solution from Makita – offering the high-output,

durability and fast charge times needed for highdemand

applications.

To improve comfort on-site, Makita has also

added the cordless, portable CF001GZ 40V Max

swing fan to its XGT range. The ‘ultra-quiet’ fan

has three wind speed settings with a maximum

air speed of 120m/min - 190m/min, depending

on the setting. The fan can run for up to 730

minutes when using a 2.5Ah battery without

oscillation, or 655 minutes using a 2.5Ah battery

with oscillation. www.makitauk.com

COOL AND SMART THIS SUMMER

Makita has expanded its XGT 40V Max range of cordless

power tools with four new brushless angle grinders.

Everyone needs to be cool, dry and safe at work – to maintain wellbeing and efficiency on-site. That’s why

Snickers says its new Topwear will make work ‘a real breeze’ this summer.

With brand new LiteWork trousers and shorts, plus a special offer 100% cotton t-shirt ‘two-pack’, Snickers says there are

three different easy-care colour and design options to complement whatever you’re wearing. There are also new hoodies,

sweatshirts and hi-vis ProtecWork protective wear in a range of styles and colours that are super-light and quick-drying with

advanced ventilation to keep you cool when it’s warm. They all feature body-mapping designs for what Snickers calls ‘an

amazing fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort, all day, every day’. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

REWRITING THE RULES OF GRINDING

Norton has expanded its Quantum3 offering with the addition of a range of light comfort grinding (LCG) discs for

multiple applications. Faster, smoother and more precise than the 7mm counterparts, Norton says these 3mm

lightweight discs are ‘rewriting the rules of grinding’.

From tight spaces and t-sections to corners and curves – the new Norton Quantum3 LCG wheels grind it all, providing

easier access and control, and better visibility when in use. The new grinding discs remove light welds, burrs and excess

material quickly and effectively, while users can expect speed, accuracy and comfort through reduced vibration. Norton says the Quantum3 LCG discs are a

cost-effective solution for smaller jobs that need extra precision and are a great alternative to flap and fibre discs. www.nortonabrasives.com

DRIVING FORCE: NEW SCREWDRIVER RANGE

Hultafors Tools has launched a new range of screwdrivers for professional craftsmen and women.

Hultafors Tools has

launched a new

screwdriver range.

With VDE Screwdrivers specially designed for electricians – including tested and certified SL/PZ and VOLTAGE TESTER models –

there’s over 80 other SLOTTED, PHILIPS, POZIDRIV, TORX STUBBY Screwdrivers, plus Hex Drivers and Bit Holders that can be bought

individually or in sets – or by size – to suit the jobs you have in hand. Researched and developed with craftsmen and women for

professional use, they all have a superb ergonomic design for optimal comfort. The long rubber-coated handles ensure grip for

precision and maximal transmission of power. The permanent marking of type and size on the top, as well as the handle’s colour,

make it easy for the user to select the right screwdriver. Find out more at: www.hultafors.co.uk

58 TC AUGUST 2020

ROOF

TUBE

maximise the exposure and make video content more accessible

www.roof-tube.co.uk

The first dedicated site exclusively for

Roofing – Cladding – Insulation video content.

Channels - Build your own channel and create a new audience for your content

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front of a new audience

For more information contact

andydunn@media-now.co.uk or jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk

ROOFERS

THEY CAN

TRUST

Register NOW to start your journey and one of the RoofCERT team will be in

touch to guide you through the process.

Register at www.roofcert.co.uk/tc

• Clear proof of your credentials

• Confidence in your own skills and knowledge

• Ability to easily manage your training

• Stand out from your competitors

• Online and face-to-face assessments available

Interested in finding out more about putting your company’s

operatives through RoofCERT accreditation? Call 020 3940 0053

August 2020

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