October 2020

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Overcoming ChallengesTHE TOOLS TO KEEP THINGS MOVINGOur working environment on and off site has changed dramatically since the Covid-19pandemic began. Below, Victoria Ramwell, of cold-applied liquid waterproofingmanufacturer Kemper System, explains some strategies to help us adapt.Problem solving on site at the best of timescan be tricky. If a contractor needs adviceon a particular issue about the roof at anystage of the project, technical teams from theroofing manufacturer should be on-hand to helptrouble-shoot. This can be prior, during or postinstallation of the roofing system.Yet, when faced with a global pandemic we’represented with a multitude of challenges. Accessis restricted, social distancing rules and travelrestrictions can all prohibit technical personnelattending site. This can potentially delay theproject or in a worst-case scenario, set up aroofing system to fail if problems have not beenaddressed and resolved.When budgets are tighter than ever and time onsite is restricted, many manufacturers andcontractors have had to adapt during thepandemic to ensure projects finish on time andwithout any issues.Off site, we have all turned to technology tocommunicate using virtual conference callsrather than face-to-face meetings. And this issomething that has been seen to work on site,too.Digital problem solvingNew digital tools have been rolled out across thesector to help boost productivity for contractorsand specifiers across the UK.This technology can use real-time video to makeproblem solving on a roof quicker and moreefficient. For example, the sort of software whichKemper System has utilised is a digital tool calledtele-LOOK, which enables survey andspecification reports to be generated withinhours, instead of days.The software allows members of the technicalteam access to the camera on acustomer’s smartphone, providing areal-time view of the area to berefurbished. Both parties cancontinue to speak to each other, soimmediate waterproofing advice andsupport can be given and if required,photos and notes can also be generated to assistwith reporting.One of the biggest benefits of this kind oftechnology is the time saving. If a contractor is ona roof and needs some advice about a particularissue, such as waterproofing a complex detail,you can offer that instantly ensuring no delays tothe project.Similarly, if a specifier needs a report for a projectthat is located hundreds of miles away from themanufacturer’s office, they no longer have to waitfor someone to travel there – if travel is evenpossible during local and national restrictions.Manufacturers can simply launch the tool, reviewthe site, and create a report on the same day theyrequest help. No matter where contractors arelocated, a solution like this can save a significantamount of time, boosting efficiencies andensuring seamless projects, surveys andspecifications.Project spotlightDuring the national lockdown in March whenmany construction sites still remainedoperational, the Merton Hotel in Jersey undertooksome essential maintenance work whilst the hotelwas closed to many guests. This included therefurbishment of the outdoor balconies from hotelrooms using Kemper System’s AC Speed PMMAsolution.Because of travel restrictions across the UK,Left: Victoria Ramwell, Kemper System.members of the technical team atKemper System were unable to goto Jersey to inspect the works asthe project got underway. Instead,the team used the tele-LOOK technologyto regularly speak with the contractors on sitethrough every stage of the process.This included pre-installation support rightthrough to signing-off the finished balcony areas.The technical team at Kemper System were ableto see the product being installed as it happened,and advise contractors every step of the way.The advantage of such technology meant anypotential issues were dealt with immediately, andthe end client had a sound waterproofing systeminstalled without any delays to the project.Tele-LOOK has already been used successfully byKemper System in Germany, and has now beenrolled out nationally in the UK.Plan for changeAs we enter some uncertain times for our sector,it’s more important than ever to reassess workingpractices and adapt accordingly as our way of lifecontinues to change throughout the pandemic.Safer and more efficient ways of working duringthese trying times will be at the forefront of anybusiness, and it’s important to keep abreast ofthe customer’s needs to ensure mistakes aren’tbeing made and projects can complete on time, tospecification and within budget.Contact Kemper System01925 445532www.kempersystem.co.uk@KemperSystemUK36 TC OCTOBER 2020
X-TWO fromVELUX Commercial XtraliteX-TWO sets a new standard in PVCu rooflights, featuring innovative interlocking and interchangeable kerbs that can be raisedor lowered to any depth. The unique construction used on X-TWO offers a flexible solution with a host of Xtra benefits:Triple glazed with U dvalue of 1.6 W/M2.KReduced risk of cold bridging & condensationUnique mounting systems for easier attachment and installationUp to 40% more light transmission with vertical kerb optionIncreased ventilation levelsEasy opening and ventilation controlAvailable in either polycarbonate or glassFour glazing colour options availableEnhanced security options20 year insurance backed guaranteeX-TWO is offered as a bespoke construction product with a wide range of shapes and sizesavailable in manual or electrically operated systems.Get in touch for a fully comprehensivesite survey & technical advice.Call us on 01670 354 157 or visit xtralite.co.uk
Page 1 and 2: OCTOBER 2020SpecifyresponsiblyIt’
Page 3 and 4: Editor’s CommentMATT DOWNSEDITORI
Page 5 and 6: REGULARS18 THE APEXJackie Biswell l
Page 7 and 8: #ValueMattersNo fuss flat roofing.
Page 9 and 10: THE MULTI-AWARD WINNINGALUMINIUM RO
Page 11 and 12: Handrails:- EasyGuardfree-standing
Page 13 and 14: Tapered insulation...all routes lea
Page 15 and 16: GREEN, BROWN & BLUE ROOF SYSTEMS, S
Page 18 and 19: The Apex: Mental HealthTREATING MEN
Page 20 and 21: SIG RoofingCLAY TILES: AN EYE-CATCH
Page 22 and 23: Perfectly PitchedA GUIDE TO THE VAL
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Page 27 and 28: Takeadvantage of ourtele-LOOK servi
Page 29 and 30: Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Cont
Page 31 and 32: GUARANTEEAvailable Stock on Crest N
Page 33 and 34: A DIFFERENTCLASS IN GLASSTAKE POLE
Page 35: Traditional and modern gutters, pip
Page 39 and 40: Reliabilityfrom the forestto the ro
Page 41 and 42: the structure to be fixed in place
Page 43 and 44: Promotingsystems-basedsolutionswww.
Page 45 and 46: PITCHED ROOFINGPRODUCTS DESIGNEDFOR
Page 48 and 49: New Roofing products UpdatesINVERG
Page 50 and 51: Galvanic CorrosionMIXING METALS: AV
Page 52 and 53: Cladding UpdatesA RIBA-approved CPD
Page 54: TrustMark CommentGREEN HOMES GRANT:
Page 57 and 58: FOR FLAT ROOFING CONTRACTORSTHINNER
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Page 66 and 67: Updates#UNITEDBYINSPIRATIONGlobal w

October 2020

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