May 2021

MAY 2021
The self-adhering externa al
airtight & vapour permeab ble
membrane
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Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
The self-adhering externa al
airtight & vapour permeab ble
membrane
Whilst the events of the past year or so have had an impact on all areas
of life, training and teaching have been hit particularly hard.
As expected, this has had an impact on the roofing sector’s flagship
accreditation scheme RoofCERT, which was building up a head of steam prior
to the first lockdown. But as NFRC CEO James Talman points out in his column
on page 18, progress has still been made over the last year despite “three
lockdowns, CITB spending cuts and roofing contractors being exceptionally
busy.” As James explains, “through adaptation and innovation” over 100
roofing operatives have still been accredited with “700 more in the pipeline.”
Looking forward it’s going to be a busy time for RoofCERT as training and
assessment restrictions lift, and as James says the important work of creating
relationships with housebuilders – which will increase the exposure of utilising
RoofCERT accredited roofers to the wider industry – will take centre stage,
alongside opening up the Experienced Worker Route to accreditation which will
help push towards the target of 2,000 accredited roofers.
Elsewhere in this issue, in his regular column John Mercer tackles eaves
details (page 20); Marley’s Stuart Nicholson says don’t get left behind on the
solar surge (page 22); the team at Quantum Insulation talk BBA Information
Bulletin No. 4 (page 59); and Rob Firmin discusses water flow reducing layers
on page 60. So read on for all this and much more!
Front cover courtesy of A. Proctor Group. The team discuss issues
around moisture management when utilising CLT construction on page 48.
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at www.greenscapemag.co.uk!
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MAY 2021 TC 3

Contents
3 KEY FEATURES
22
22 FUTURE ROOFS: PV
Marley’s Stuart Nicholson says with the changes
to Part L next year, many new build roofs will
include solar PV as standard, so roofers need to
make sure they don’t miss out...
30 HIT SHINGLES!
SR Timber’s Shaun Revill believes that the
combination of lockdown and the focus on
sustainability means there’s never been a
better time to add shingles to your offering
34 MATERIAL CHOICES
SIG Design & Technology’s Paul Jacobs says
designing and installing roofing using multiple
materials is a great business opportunity, but it
can be a risky challenge for the roofer
30
FURTHER READING
Pic credit: Featherstone Homes
24 TRAINING DAYS
We talk to Roof Slate Lecturer Steve Dowell of South
Devon College in our CUPA PIZARRAS college focus
32 ROOFLIGHTING REVOLUTIONS
Total Contractor takes a look behind the scenes at NARM to
hear about the challenges its tackling in rooflighting
40 EPDM & MODULAR BUILDING
Adrian Buttress explains why he believes EPDM can
play its part in ‘circular construction’
50 CLADMASTER PART 2
Vivalda’s Andy Thomas address the common mistakes
made when ordering fixings for cladding projects
34
56 PIR / FLAT ROOF FOCUS
Nigel Blacklock of Bauder and the IMA explains why PIR
is a great fit for flat roofing applications
60 ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT:
Rob Firman talks water flow reducing layers in the first
of a new series of articles from Polyfoam XPS
4 TC MAY 2021

REGULARS
18 NFRC ROOFING FOCUS
James Talman provides an update on RoofCERT
which, despite the challenges of last year, is
still making progress and is set push on
further with new initiatives
20 PERFECTLY PITCHED
In his latest consultant case study, John
Mercer discusses a clay plain tile roof project
he was called to which was suffering water
ingress through the fascia and bargeboards
59 QI BY QI COLUMN
In the latest instalment of their regular
column, the experts at Quantum Insulation
focus on what’s changed in BBA Information
Bulletin No. 4
SECTIONS:
TOTAL
ROOFING
20
TOTAL
CLADDING
48
INDUSTRY NEWS
06 PUSH THE BUTTON...
The NFRC has launched a new app which puts all the
latest Health & Safety updates in roofers’ hands
08 MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
The LRWA says its new Product Register will help users
make an informed choice when it comes to liquid systems
TOTAL
INSULATION
56
VEHICLES, TOOLS
& WORKWEAR
10
68
MAY 2021 TC 5

Industry News
More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk
IOR URGES ACTION
FOR SITE VISITORS
The Institute of Roofing (IOR) is urging site
visitors to apply for a Professionally
Qualified Person (PQP) CSCS card to
address concerns raised by manufacturers
about access to construction sites.
The problems follow the withdrawal of the
CSCS visitor card which stopped being issued
at the end of February 2020. Existing visitor
cards remain valid until their listed expiry date.
Recent reports from manufacturers have
highlighted that without this card, members of
their inspection teams are struggling to get
onto site to carry out their role for projects.
The IOR has investigated the issue and found
that the PQP card is the most appropriate
alternative. Valid for five years, a PQP card
certifies that the holder is a qualified member
of an approved professional body, and has the
skills and knowledge required to work on a
construction site without special supervision,
even if they are not typically based on site.
The IOR is an approved body, so all its
members can apply for a PQP card, which can
be done via the CSCS website. Applicants will
need to supply proof of membership. Stuart
Hicks, CEO of the IOR, said: “Our membership
can be used as proof of qualification, or
working towards a qualification, which is the
criteria needed to apply for a PQP card. Gaining
this card will overcome the issues that visiting
staff from manufacturers and other disciplines
have experienced in gaining access to
construction sites to carry out their work. If any
of our members have colleagues that would
benefit from this route to a PQP card, they will
need to apply for an IOR membership via our
website and achieve a grade of Associate,
Member or Fellow. This will depend on meeting
certain qualification criteria which can be
viewed on our website.”
www.instituteof roofing.org
HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
NFRC has launched a brand-new app focused Commenting on the launch of the app, Bob
on health and safety for NFRC members and Richardson, NFRC Head of Technical and Training,
their operatives. The app fully digitalises the said: “This app provides an important day-to-day
popular ‘Health & Safety Passport’, which reminder for operatives – even when there is no
previously had been a printed booklet that phone signal – on the safe working practices that
operatives could carry with them on site. This must be considered an essential part of all site
will mean operatives will now have access to working. It contains a wealth of information, from
all the health and safety information they need working at height to fire safety to Covid-safe
from their smartphone.
guidelines, complementing site-specific health
and safety documentation.
As part of the launch, the Passport’s content has
been fully updated to include recent changes in He added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has
legislation and guidance, and new sections giving demonstrated the importance of being agile and
advice and information on mental health and getting critical information and updates out to the
Covid-19. NFRC says the app is future-proofed to industry quickly. Through this innovative new app,
allow the team to remotely update information as we will be able to update the Health & Safety
and when it is required, so operatives always Passport in real-time, rather than reprinting and
have the latest information
distributing thousands of booklets every time
when they open the app.
health and safety legislation changes.
Contractors can therefore be assured that
As a Member Benefit, the
the information their operatives have is
app will only be
the most up-to-date.”
available for NFRC
Members and their
He concluded: “We hope that this is
operatives, and any
just the beginning and if the app
roofing operatives who
proves popular, we will be able to
have not received their
expand the content to include other
log-in details are
NFRC technical guidance and in
encouraged to contact the
time other areas of NFRC
NFRC Helpdesk.
activity.”
ONDULINE IS NOW PART OF ONDURA GROUP
Onduline, the lightweight roofing
and professional customers.
specialist, has announced it is now
The Group brings together three
part of the newly-created Ondura
leading companies under one roof:
Group, an international business
Onduline, for lightweight roofing
dedicated to waterproofing
solutions and pitched roofs, alwitra,
solutions for buildings.
high quality waterproofing systems for flat
The Group has been formed by Naxicap Partners roofs, and CB, façade and roof membranes for
following the acquisition of the Polish company CB pitched roofs.
in 2019, and of Germany-based alwitra.
Paul Duffy (pic), MD for Onduline in the UK, said:
Ondura says it provides a unique solution for “As part of Ondura Group we can offer an even
waterproofing roofs and buildings for both private wider portfolio of solutions to our customers.”
6 TC MAY 2021

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Industry News
More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk
NEW AJW CATALOGUE
DELIVERS SO MUCH
AJW Distribution has launched a
comprehensive new catalogue which not
only showcases its range of roofing and
cladding solutions, but also provides its
customers with an extensive range of
product information.
The company wanted to make the buying
process easier for its customers when
deciding which product to use for each
project; for example, ensuring they purchase
the right tile for the low-pitched extension they
are working on.
AJW says the new catalogue also gives
customers a guide which they can showcase
to their client so they are aware of what tiles
they can choose for their project.
A spokesperson for AJW explained: “The
Marketing team have done an outstanding job
working on this catalogue through the Covid
Pandemic. We are extremely proud of what we
have achieved and what we will be presenting
to our customers. We have received great
support from our suppliers and showcase a
number via adverts and case studies throughout
the catalogue.”
Marketing Assistant, Cintia Woods,
commented: “For me, it has been a pleasure
to be able to create these exceptional 400
pages filled with key information on the
products and eye-catching adverts, all
delivered with a fresh and clean design. I hope
you will like it as much as we do at AJW.”
For more information, please visit
www.ajwdistribution.com
LIQUIDS: MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
The Liquid Roofing and
The LRWA says every product in
Waterproofing Association
the Register is listed with key
(LRWA) has launched a free,
features and a link to further
online tool that enables users to
information such as approved
quickly assess the suitability of
applications, evidence of
liquid roofing systems.
durability, and properties in
relation to fire. There is also a function that allows
Aimed at contractors, specifiers, and distributors,
different liquid systems to be compared.
the LRWA says the Product Register compiles
information from third-party certifications, Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, said: “Selecting an
including agrément and European Technical inappropriate product can result in a project failing,
Approval (ETA) certificates, into an easy-to-read so verifying the performance of a liquid is essential.
format, and it allows the user to search for a The data in agrément and ETA certificates will
preferred manufacturer via a drop-down list or a confirm whether the system will meet specified
product name if known.
requirements, but this information can be difficult to
understand and one of our biggest concerns is that
Alternatively, if the user is unsure about which liquid
people don’t read it properly. This can lead to
roofing system to use, they can carry out a search
inaccurate assumptions or a reliance on
using six filters, which will create a random list of
manufacturers’ product claims, some of which can
potential products.
be misleading. The Product Register has been
The filters include the material, for example, designed to overcome these issues. It brings verified
polyurethane; the type of roof that needs
product data into one place, which is easy to search
waterproofing such as inverted, pitched or a terrace; and navigate, enabling anyone seeking to install or
the level of foot traffic; the required lifespan of the specify a liquid waterproofing solution to make an
roof area; what type of substrate will be coated; and informed decision.”
whether it is a new build or refurbishment project. https://product-register.lrwa.org.uk
GRO’S MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW
GRO, the Green Roof
with Queen’s University in
Organisation, has seen a big
Belfast with regards to their
influx of new members this
plans to improve biodiversity on
year, including the likes of
the campus.
Proteus Waterproofing,
In the Republic of Ireland, Noel
Mobilane UK, the Green
also explained he has his first private biodiverse
Infrastructure Consultancy, HUBBUB and Greater
green roof installation approved, is working with
Manchester Combined Authority, and the most
Trinity College in Dublin and has recently been in
recent addition is Sweeney Landscape Design.
discussions with Guinness regarding greening
As a leading Green Infrastructure contractor their Enterprise Centre. Noel says his long-term
based in Belfast and operating in both Northern ambition is to establish an Irish Green
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Sweeney Infrastructure Association modelled on GRO to
Landscape Design Managing Director Noel represent both the North and South of Ireland.
Sweeney explained in his application that he
currently has his first private biodiverse green Find more green roof and associated news and
roof installation approved and is in discussion content over at www.greenscapemag.co.uk
8 TC MAY 2021

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Industry News
More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk
NORTH EAST ‘GET READY FOR ROOFING’ PROGRAMME LAUNCHED
Two North East roofing contractors have joined
forces with Redcar and Cleveland College to help
tackle the industry skills gaps and kick-start
high quality, long-term career opportunities.
Working in conjunction with the college, Stocktonbased
Barclay Roofing and Redcar’s AAA Roofing
have developed an intensive six-week course that
aims to give people who are currently unemployed
the opportunity to test their suitability for a career
in the trade.
Funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined
Authority, those that complete the ‘Get Ready for
Roofing’ programme will receive a guaranteed
interview for a six-month kickstart paid work
placement, and the chance of future employment.
Esme Flounders, Business Development Director at
Barclay Roofing, said: “Here at Barclay Roofing we
are finding it more and more difficult to attract
skilled workers into our business. We know this is an
industry-wide issue, but it is particularly pertinent
across the Tees Valley because of a historic lack of
dedicated training resources in this area. Although
we are fortunate to have very low staff turnover,
with many of our skilled tradespeople being of
long service, as one of the larger roofing
contractors in the region, we feel a responsibility
to our industry to change this and secure the longterm
future of our trade.”
By working directly with employers, the new course
has been created to test aptitude for a career in
the technically demanding roofing industry and
includes everything a candidate will need to safely
work on site and begin longer term accredited
training. Offering an introduction to construction
skills, working at heights, health and safety,
asbestos and abrasive wheels awareness, the
course also covers personal development,
interview skills and the CSCS Test and Green Card.
With the potential to move into employment
following the work placement, Esme added that
Esme Flounders, Business Development Director at Barclay
Roofing and Ben Blackburn, Managing Director of AAA Roofing.
the course is a huge step forward for construction
skills in the Tees Valley, as those who wish to
follow an apprenticeship in a roofing discipline
must currently travel to Newcastle or Leeds.
There are 16 work placements available between
the two employers. Whilst needing a good head for
heights, potential recruits must be aged 18 to 24,
claiming Universal credit and be referred to the
programme by their JCP Work Coach. Candidates
and employers who are interested in learning
more can contact the team on 01642 865561 or
email employability@stockton.ac.uk
RUSSELL SUPPLIES MOD PROJECT IN SOUTH
Russell Roof Tiles has been selected for its to bring all units back from Germany. This
first Ministry of Defence (MOD) re-roofing programme includes funding for accommodation
project in Oxfordshire – the latest in a long improvements and will provide about 1,500 new
line of MOD contracts.
homes for Service families, 4,500 new single living
accommodation bed spaces and working, technical
The manufacturer says it created a specific delivery
and training infrastructure.
schedule to hit extremely tight deadlines supplied
by the main contractor, leading infrastructure firm Russell Roof Tiles says it was able to provide the
Amey. With an estimated completion date of necessary advice to ensure that the tiles and
Autumn 2021, the development is part of the Army accessories ensured consistency and longevity for
Basing Programme (ABP) in Shrivenham,
MOD while minimising future lifetime costs of the
Oxfordshire.
roof once installed.
The Army Basing Programme (ABP) is a £1.8 billion For the Oxfordshire project Russell Roof Tiles is
capital infrastructure programme, delivering Service supplying tiles from its Commercial Range –
Family Accommodation homes for Service personnel Highland in Cottage Red. The Highland tile is a
and their families, as well as refurbishing key traditional flat roof tile with a mock joint which is
infrastructure. It is providing the facilities to enable laid broken bonded. The manufacturer says the
nearly 100 Army units to relocate, reconfigure, Russell Commercial Range tiles are traditional sized
disband or re-role and deliver the Government’s interlocking tiles in a variety of profiles which
Strategic Defence and Security Review commitment provide a cost-effective roofing solution.
SOLAR SHOWS UP!
175 MW of photovoltaic (PV) solar capacity
was installed across the UK from January –
March 2021, new figures released by Solar
Energy UK and Solar Media show.
This significant growth over the winter period
brings the UK’s total installed PV capacity to
more than 14 GW, generating enough
electricity to power over 3 million homes.
Ground-mounted solar parks form 70% of
the new capacity, while post-subsidy rooftop
markets also continue to thrive. Rooftop solar
capacity has seen 14% year-on-year growth.
Subsidy-free solar PV in the UK now exceeds
1 GW, or 7.3% of total installed capacity. On
a rolling basis, 660 MW of new capacity was
installed in the 12-month period to 31 March
2021, and the UK could be on track to deliver
a gigawatt of new solar capacity this year.
10 TC MAY 2021

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Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with
Counterweights used on un-secured ends only. Placed at 2m
centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.
Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm
bonded to the base plates.
Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For
leading edge protection HSE/SR 15, September 1988.
Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material
quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk
Ladders:- Easy Fit
Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 –
To comply with the standards for
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dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461.
All typical ladders bespoke – email
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Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy
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Rest Platforms and ladders with special
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Industry News
More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk
BOND IT EXPANDS AND RESTRUCTURES
Bond It, one of the UK’s fastest growing
manufacturers of sealants, adhesives and
building chemicals, has announced it is about
to undergo a huge change as we enter quarter
2 of 2021.
On the back of its recent acquisition of the Rescue
Tape brand of self-fusing Silicone Tape,
manufactured in North Carolina and distributed
through warehouses in North Carolina and Los
Angeles, the company has now successfully
launched the Bond It brand into the North
American market.
As a result, David Moore, one of the company’s
founding partners, will take on the role of CEO of
Bond It Group and will split his time equally
between the UK and the USA to oversee the
smooth integration and distribution of Bond It
products into the States.
To help him in this role, Bond It has announced
the appointment of Dean Morgan as Managing
Director of the UK operation. Dean will bring with
him a wealth of experience of manufacturing, as
well as already having a long established
relationship with Bond It.
David Moore explained: “Dean was instrumental
in guiding Bond It through the implementation of
ISO 9001, 140001 and the recent 450001
FOUR IOR HONORARY FELLOWS ANNOUNCED
The Institute of Roofing (IOR) has named four
honorary fellows in recognition of their longstanding
service and outstanding contribution
to the roofing industry.
The honorary fellowships have been awarded
worldwide to Detlef Stauch, Peter Plum, Reid
Ribble and Dr Bill Chan.
Graeme Millar, board director at the IOR, said: “All
four honorary fellows have made massive
contributions to the roofing industry and are still
Global expansion and restructuring of Bond It: Dean Morgan,
left, has been appointed Managing Director, Bond It UK, with
David Moore, right, becoming CEO of Bond It Group.
systems and has worked with us for 12 years as a
consultant.
“I believe Dean is the right person to guide Bond It
to its next level of evolution.”
Dean has gained over 40 years of experience in
various manufacturing companies and has indepth
knowledge of trouble shooting, product
development, management systems and driving
improved financial performance.
The company says he will be a major asset in his
new role and will direct the company looking to
streamline the processes already existing as part
of its ISO Management System, looking to improve
efficiency, productivity and quality of the
reputable Bond It brands.
www.bonditgroup.com
doing so. Their dedication is truly exceptional, and
this has had a positive impact both in the UK and
right across the world.”
Stuart Hicks, CEO of the IOR, added: “It is
fantastic to see honorary fellowships being
awarded across four different continents and to
people who have demonstrated some of the
strongest and most impressive skills across our
industry. Their valued contributions have helped
to shape standards and enhance professionalism
in the UK and internationally.”
CUPA COMMITS TO
COLLEGE STUDENTS
Spanish slate manufacturer CUPA PIZARRAS
has announced it is continuing its college
sponsorship scheme for a third year and
extending it to include an additional college.
The annual program includes CPD
presentations, free of charge slate pallets and a
trip to CUPA PIZARRAS’ quarries in Spain, when
COVID-19 allows.
Recommended to CUPA PIZARRAS by the
National Federation of Roofing Contractors
(NFRC), the colleges were chosen for the
outstanding achievements of their students.
Currently on the sponsorship scheme are South
Devon College, Leeds College of Building,
Newcastle College, Edinburgh College, Dundee
and Angus College and finally Bolton College,
which was a new addition this academic year.
CUPA PIZARRAS says a core part of the
sponsorship includes the presentation of its
RIBA-approved CPD, The Definitive Natural
Slate, to the colleges. This CPD covers
everything a construction professional needs to
know about natural slate, from production
process to installation.
“Despite many of the colleges having to switch
to online learning over the past year, restricting
the students’ hands-on learning, all the
students have been able to benefit from the
online CPD seminars, YouTube training videos
and technical guides that we were still able to
provide,” commented Julian Gomez, Director of
Marketing at CUPA PIZARRAS.
12 TC MAY 2021

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Industry News
ROOFING MOVES &
APPOINTMENTS
• NARM, the National
Association of Rooflight
Manufacturers, has
appointed Tom Ogilvie as
Chairman. He takes over the
role from Jim Lowther, who has
announced his retirement following many
years of service to NARM and the broader
rooflight industry.
• SPRA has announced that
Anthony Hogan has joined its
team as a Technical Expert.
Anthony commented: “I am
delighted to be joining SPRA as
it is such a highly respected organisation,
and I look forward to working with Ronan
and the rest of the SPRA team.”
• Kemper System has
appointed Peter Barber as
Technical Sales Manager.
With more than 30 years’
experience of the building
materials and flat roofing industry, Peter
will be responsible for building client
relationships across the south of England.
Working with specifiers and contractors,
he will focus on developing opportunities
for specification both in the new build and
refurbishment sectors.
• Nicola Trainor has joined
Russell Roof Tiles as
Logistics Manager at its
Burton HQ. She joins the
manufacturer with over a
decade’s worth of experience in the
transport sector. As Logistics Manager,
Nicola’s primary focus is to plan and
manage the dedicated transport team and
hauliers, despatching goods from its three
plants to construction sites across the UK.
MARLEY TAKES BIGGER STEP INTO SOLAR
Marley has acquired Viridian Solar.
The acquisition builds upon a commercial
partnership between the two companies
announced in 2020, that saw Viridian Solar’s
BIPV added to Marley’s extensive range of roofing
products to complete a comprehensive roof
system offer for the UK building industry.
Established in 2003, Viridian Solar has gone on to
build a strong reputation as an innovative
“Our ambitious growth plans will now be
manufacturer of high-quality, roof-integrated
supported by the resources and reputation of
solar PV systems, supplying all the major UK
being part of one of the biggest and most
housebuilders.
respected names in the roofing sector, with the
The deal will see Viridian continue to operate as a backing of Inflexion Private Equity Partners, who
standalone entity, retaining its existing
manage assets of £5.4bn globally.”
management team and continuing to support its
David Speakman, CEO of Marley, added: “The
customers directly.
acquisition brings together two complementary
Stuart Elmes, CEO of Viridian Solar, commented: companies, both of which are influential players,
“The last eighteen years have just flown by and, with highly regarded reputations in the
whilst we are proud of what we have achieved as construction market. Viridian’s strong relationship
a team, our eyes remain firmly on the future. We with housing developers and solar distributors is
are looking forward to working with our new complemented by Marley’s commercial reach into
colleagues at Marley to open an exciting new social housing and among roofing installers.”
chapter in the development of Viridian Solar. More from Marley on page 22
SIG UK ACQUIRES F30 BUILDING PRODUCTS
SIG UK has announced that Bristol-based The SIG UK Leadership Team will work closely
construction product supplier F30 Building with staff at F30, investing in its people and
Products has joined the SIG group.
systems to create a strong framework for the
future and to further strengthen the business’s
F30 Building Products is a national supplier with
first-rate service to customers by growing its
a broad range of specialist products. Established
already extensive product range.
in 2012, the company says it prides itself on its
staff’s technical expertise, the non-biased advice Rob Pearce, Managing Director at F30 and
and high levels of customer service they provide, Divisional Director of SIG Construction
along with its comprehensive stock range and Accessories South, said: “This move is in line
commitment to next-day delivery.
with continuing efforts by SIG to strengthen its
local service and increase its offering to
SIG UK says F30 Building Products, which
customers nationwide. I look forward to working
operates from branches in Bristol and Plymouth,
with my new colleagues and expanding our
will continue to trade under its current name and
capabilities for the benefit of customers in the
branding but with the full support of SIG
South West and throughout the UK.”
Distribution’s local network.
14 TC MAY 2021

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Roof Tube: Video Content
PRESS PLAY ON QUALITY CONTENT
FOR YOUR SECTOR...
Roof Tube is the new platform for digital content from the leading players in your sector.
Easily accessible on any device, Roof Tube is packed full and constantly updated with
practical, informative and entertaining video content, including how-to’s; project and
product focuses; installation advice; training and webinars; plus interviews and opinions
from those operating throughout the roofing, cladding and associated sectors.
In the second instalment
of Vivalda Group’s CladMaster
series, Vivalda London Branch
Manager Andy Thomas outlines
three things you need to get
right when ordering fixings.
With this year’s LRWA Virtual
Dragon Team Challenge under way,
follow the progress on social media
and take a look back at last year’s
event over on Roof Tube
E
TUBE
PRACTICAL VIDEOS
INSTALLATION ADVICE
STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE
THE ONLINE
COMMUNITY FOR
ROOFING AND
CLADDING
INDUSTRY
16 T C MAY 2021 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION CONTRACTORS

Technical Roofing
Consultant John Mercer
provides practical advice
and guidance on how
to reduce the risk of
efflorescence forming on
concrete roof tiles
The experts at
Made for Trade have
produced a short video
to show just how easy
the Korniche Lantern is
to install! You really could
be ‘fitting in minutes –
glazing in seconds… and
having a brew before you
know it!’
So head over to www.roof-tube.co.uk to view all these videos and so much more, or
if you’d like to make the most of your digital content, contact Andy or Jake on
01892 732 047 to put your company and products in front of your potential customers!
FIND US AT WWW.ROOF-TUBE.CO.UK
ESSENTIAL READING FOR ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION CONTRACTORS
MAY 2021 T C 17

NFRC Roofing Focus
FUTURE PLANS FOR ROOFCERT AS
MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD...
In his latest column, James Talman, NFRC CEO, gives an update on RoofCERT which,
despite lockdowns and other challenges, is making good progress but still needs further
sector support reach its goals.
Despite three lockdowns, CITB spending
cuts, and roofing contractors being
exceptionally busy, RoofCERT, through
adaptation and innovation, has still been able to
accredit over 100 roofing operatives over the last
year, with 700 more in the pipeline.
As training and assessment restrictions start to
lift, the programme can now support those in the
pipeline to achieve their full accreditation. We are
also able to proceed with a several exciting
initiatives which have been delayed due to
lockdown.
Partnership with housebuilders
One of the key focus areas for RoofCERT this year
will be the home building industry. We are
pleased to have the support of the Home Building
Federation (HBF)’s Home Building Skills
Partnership and are currently working
collaboratively with several large housebuilders,
one example being Redrow Homes.
The quality of new build homes is in the spotlight
currently and this is reflected in the strategic
aims of virtually all of the top ten housebuilders
as set out in their
Annual Reports.
RoofCERT is designed to
help housebuilders
improve quality and
productivity, as well as
help them to identify
any skills and
knowledge gaps. This in
turn will lead to the
development of learning
and training content as
part of the Continuous
Professional Development of
operatives.
“We are one of
the few sectors in
construction that have
created an initiative
like this, and we should
be proud of that”
Experienced Worker Route (EWR) moves
one step closer
There are two main routes to RoofCERT
accreditation for operatives, qualified roofers –
those who hold a vocational qualification – and
experienced roofers with more than five years of
experience through the Experienced Worker Route
(EWR).
Due to the impact of Covid-19, we have not yet
been able to launch EWR so have had to rely
solely on roofers with a vocational qualification.
However, as lockdown has started to ease, we are
now scheduling 100
EWR assessments as
part of a pilot
programme with the
CITB. This will provide
essential feedback for
the roll out of EWR for
those thousands of
experienced roofers who
don’t have a vocational
qualification and whose
CSCS card will need
renewing by 2024. All
Left: James Talman, NFRC.
“One of the key
focus areas for
RoofCERT this
year will be the
home building
industry”
CSCS cards renewed through the Experienced
Worker Route will clearly recognise the RoofCERT
on the card with full details of the individuals
skills on the card’s microchip. We will be
publicising more details on this shortly.
We need your support
So whilst we are progressing in several areas, we
cannot do this alone.
We are one of the few sectors in construction that
have created an initiative like this, and we should
be proud of that. Our initial ambition is to achieve
2,000 accredited roofers which will provide a
platform to develop a sustainable model for
industry to run itself. To achieve this we really
need your support.
If you are a contractor, sign your operatives up; if
you are an operative, start the RoofCERT journey
by booking a knowledge test; if you are a training
provider or part of a training group, could you help
us facilitate health and safety training and
knowledge tests? If you are able to help in any
other way, let us know.
Find out more about RoofCERT / NFRC
https://roofcert.co.uk/
www.nfrc.co.uk
18 TC MAY 2021

Perfectly Pitched
CONSULTANT CASE STUDY:
EAVES DETAILING IN FOCUS
Technical Roofing Consultant John Mercer teamed up with roofing expert Chris Thomas
for a survey of a traditional handmade clay plain tile roof, which had suffered from water
ingress through the fascia and bargeboards. As John explains, as is often the case, the
issue was with the detailing at the eaves and subsequent troughing in the underlay…
Irecently inspected a traditional handmade
clay plain tile roof where water has been
running through the fascia and bargeboards,
causing damage to the timberwork.
I was accompanied during the inspection by Chris
Thomas, whom I persuaded to come out of
retirement temporarily to assist me. Chris has a
vast wealth of knowledge on roofing, and he wrote
an article many years ago on eaves detailing, so it
was great to have him along.
One of the most common problems I
come across when carrying out
roof surveys is the detailing at
eaves, and in particular the
lack of support for the
underlay behind the fascia
board or eaves tilt fillet. This
causes a trough in the underlay
directly behind the fascia, which can
trap and collect water.
“It is important that the underlay be laid to
ensure that any water in the batten cavity can be
drained safely into the gutters”
Left: John Mercer, Technical Roofing Consultant.
The water invariably leaks
through the underlay as it
finds its way through any cuts
and nail holes.
The importance of the
underlay’s function as a watertight
layer is often overlooked. The underlay
is the last line of defence if water is driven
through the tiling in extreme weather conditions,
and with the use of vapour and air permeable
membranes there is the likelihood of
condensation forming within the batten cavity.
Therefore, it is important that the underlay be laid
to ensure that any water in the batten cavity can
be drained safely into the gutters.
Manufacturer’s details always show the underlay
fully supported at eaves, whether it be by a
plywood board or proprietary plastic underlay
support tray, though it is surprising how often
these are omitted.
Above: Roofing expert Chris Thomas, who accompanied John on this survey, checks the roof pitch at the eaves.
It is not good practice to continue the general
underlay into the gutter as it will degrade through
exposure to sunlight, therefore the common
solution is to install proprietary plastic eaves
support trays which not only support the underlay
behind the fascia at the correct fall, but they also
extend into the gutter and are UV-stable. The
alternative solution is to fit a timber support and
lay a minimum 300mm wide strip of 5U
bituminous underlay at eaves, which being
resistant to UV degradation can extend into the
gutter.
20 TC MAY 2021

Above left: Diagram shows air path through eaves ventilator. Right: Wrongly installed underlay with sag behind fascia.
The rafter pitch on the roof surveyed is 45
degrees, therefore it should be quite simple to
provide a support for the underlay at the eaves.
Unfortunately, the fascias are set too high,
resulting in a ‘bellcast’ eaves detail. This does
not contravene BS 5534 recommendations for
double lapped plain tiles, provided that the tiles in
the bellcast section of the roof are still set above
their minimum recommended roof pitch, which in
this case they are. But it does make correctly
detailing the eaves support and underlay more
difficult. A fall in the underlay must be
maintained behind the fascia; if this is not
possible, it would be necessary to lower the
fascias. The eaves detail was further complicated
because there are over fascia ventilators
installed, therefore an air path from the
ventilators to the roof space must be maintained.
The distance between the top of the fascia and
fascia ventilator to the first course under-eaves
tiling batten was too short to fit standard plastic
underlay support trays without having to cut each
tray. Therefore, the solution found was to install
specially cut softwood timbers to support the
underlay to the correct fall towards the gutter,
shaped to maintain the air path from the eaves.
The diagram above left shows the detail.
When constructing a roof, the fascias or tilt fillets
should ideally be set to support the tiles at the
same relative pitch as the tiles above. This
becomes even more important where the roof
pitch is at, or close to, the minimum
recommended roof pitch of the tiles. If the tiles in
the eaves courses are set below their minimum
recommended pitch, there is a risk of water
ingress through the tiling at the point in the roof
where there is most water as it runs down from
the roof slope above.
For double lapped plain tiles, a change in pitch –
which is what a bellcast eaves is – affects tiles
in several courses up from the eaves, not just at
the point of the change in pitch. For single lapped
tiles, a bellcast eaves is not recommended
because it directly affects the way the tiles
overlap and can interfere with the headlaps’
normal water-shedding function.
Have you got a pitched roofing query or topic you’d like
John to discuss? Email mattdowns@media-now.co.uk or
contact John on the details below:
Contact John Mercer
www.johnmercerconsultant.co.uk
@Johnmercer3
In summary:
• Set the fascias or tilt fillets to support
the eaves course tiles at the same relative
pitch as the tiles above.
• Ensure there is full support behind the
fascia for the underlay to lay at an
adequate fall towards the gutter.
• Do not extend the roof underlay into the
gutter. Install proprietary underlay support
trays or use strips of 5U bituminous
underlay which is more resistant to UV
attack.
• Ensure a clear air path is maintained for
ventilation at eaves into the roof space.
MAY 2021 TC 21

Solar PV Opportunities
FUTURE ROOFS WILL BE SOLAR
ROOFS – SO DON’T MISS OUT!
When changes to Part L are introduced next year, it is anticipated that many new build
roofs will include solar PV as standard. Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley,
says all contractors should consider adding solar services to avoid losing revenue.
In January, the Government set out the draft
regulations for the 2025 Future Homes
Standard, which will require all new homes to
be highly energy efficient, with low carbon
heating, and be zero carbon ready by 2025. To
ensure the industry is prepared for this, new
homes will be expected to produce 31% lower
carbon emissions from 2022 as part of changes
to Part L of the Building Regulations.
This improvement in energy efficiency cannot be
made by simple enhancements to the building
fabric and at this stage, solar PV on the roof with
an efficient gas boiler appears to be the easiest
and most cost-effective way for housebuilders to
meet the new Part L targets.
Indeed, if the changes to Part L have the impact
and effect that we expect, around 33% of the roof
covering in new builds could be in solar PV,
alongside continued growth in the retrofit market.
In a highly competitive market, the ability for
contractors to offer these increased solar services
could be the difference between winning or losing
jobs, or risk losing revenue to subcontracted solar
installers.
The future roofing market & solar PV
Solar PV represents such an important part of the
future roofing market that we have recently
acquired Viridian Solar, the manufacturers of the
PV panels in our Marley SolarTile.
The acquisition of Viridian Solar allows us to offer
a fully integrated, easy to install, solar PV roof
system solution from a single source.
Integrated PV systems, like our Marley SolarTile,
are designed so they can be installed by roofing
contractors because they simply replace a section
of roof tiles or slates, acting
as a seamless part of the
roof design. They are easy to
install with a simple push
together design and
electrical connection can be
done once the roofer has
finished fitting the panels, so it
doesn’t hold up the job. It is fully
compatible with our full roof system
and is covered by the 15-year system
warranty.
So what can contractors do now to
prepare for the changes to Part L?
1. Become MCS certified or form a solar
partnership The Microgeneration Certification
Scheme (MCS) covers installations of products
used to produce electricity and heat from
renewable sources, including solar. So, while you
don’t have to be certified to install Marley
SolarTile, it is required that the whole project is
overseen and signed off by an MCS certified
installer.
Therefore, you can either form a partnership with
a certified electrical contractor or become MCS
certified to help differentiate your business. To
apply, you will need to get the appropriate training
for solar PV connection and apply to a
certification body to arrange assessment. More
information can be found at Becoming certified -
MCS (mcscertified.com).
2. Take advantage of free training and
resources To help you make the most of solar PV
opportunities and gain confidence in installation,
we will be running free training courses
throughout 2021, with face-to-face training
programs taking place when
national lockdown
restrictions and social distancing
guidelines are eased. There are also
easy to follow demonstration videos
and estimating tools on our website.
3. Familiarise yourself with the solar PV
systems available Look for a reliable and highquality
roof-integrated solar PV system, as almost
all new builds favour these over ‘on-roof’
traditional panels because of their superior
aesthetics. With an integrated system, both tiles
and PV are installed together, so there is no
modification to the roof tiles, securing the
warranty.
Our integrated SolarTile is compatible with all our
clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV
can easily be incorporated into any roof design.
The advantage of our system is that it has an
integrated tray so no counter battens are
required, making it easier to install with higher
wind and fire resistance than separate tray
systems.
4. Seek advice For advice on getting started with
solar you can speak to your local Marley roofing
specialist or visit www.marley.co.uk/solarinstall
Contact Marley
01283 722588
www.marley.co.uk
@MarleyLtd
Left: Marley recently acquired
Viridian Solar, who manufactures
the PV panels in its Marley
SolarTile. Inset Stuart Nicholson,
Marley Roof Systems Director.
22 TC MAY 2021

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Training Focus
A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO
COLLEGE SPONSORSHIP
Throughout the academic year, CUPA PIZARRAS has been proudly sponsoring six
different colleges across the UK to help students expand their skillset and succeed in
their studies. In the second instalment of this series, Total Contractor met with Steve
Dowell, Lecturer of Roof Slate at South Devon College, to discuss the impact of the
sponsorship on his students and to hear how he has changed his teaching methods to
adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Could you tell us about the sponsorship
and how your students have benefitted?
CUPA PIZARRAS’ college sponsorship provides
pallets of free slate to the colleges for use during
training as well as training videos and merchandise.
It is an incredible opportunity that ensures we have
enough slate to teach all the required practices.
Roofing materials can be expensive to purchase
and of course we do experience a high level of
material wastage with the students who are just
starting out; with breakages, not cutting, dressing
or holing the slates correctly. The donation of
these slates means students are able to keep
practicing until they are competent with their
tools and know how to set roofs out properly.
Under normal circumstances, there is also the
opportunity for four apprentices from each college
to visit Spain and see CUPA PIZARRAS’ quarries.
We’ll obviously have to see how things are given
the pandemic, but in previous years this really
helped to stimulate some healthy competition
within the class for a spot on this trip, which has
led to improved attendance, attention to detail,
and all written course work completed to a high
standard.
The sponsorship makes a big difference to the
students. Being an apprentice can be challenging
as it is necessary to juggle both learning new
skills and working. I think being backed by a highquality
product manufacturer, providing us with
slate and training really gives the students the
confidence to succeed.
Despite many of the challenges we faced when
we had to switch to online teaching over the past
year, restricting the students’ hands-on learning,
all the students have been able to benefit from
the online training videos and technical guides.
Due to COVID-19, how have your
students been impacted?
It has been difficult for them
because their practical skills have
been impacted and this will have to
be taught at some point. However,
they have had the advantage of working
with roofing material non-stop for the past 12
months. They are also all fortunate because none
of them were furloughed during the pandemic and
were able to gain some real hands-on experience
at their apprenticeships, which is one of the most
important parts of their education.
How have you changed your teaching
techniques to adapt to the current
situation?
Although we are not in a classroom setting, we
have ensured that all our students still receive
quality training and learning. Naturally, we moved
everything online and we have continued with
face-to-face video meetings. While the students
were working at their apprenticeships, I would
visit them on site to make sure everything was
running smoothly for them.
As we are all working and teaching remotely, it is
important to me that the students are still able to
Above: Apprentices from South Devon
College, one of the colleges CUPA supports.
connect with one another. The
pandemic can be isolating and I did
not want them to feel as if they were
having to learn alone. When we had online
classes, it was great to see them catch up amongst
themselves and to still develop that friendship
despite us all being in separate locations.
How has CUPA PIZARRAS provided support
to your students during the pandemic?
The students have not only had hands-on
experience with CUPA PIZARRAS slate, but have
also been greatly supported with online CPDs,
YouTube videos and technical guides. CUPA
PIZARRAS has given the students a diverse
approach to understanding and learning the
products and the benefits of using them. Although
the pandemic has changed the way we learn,
CUPA PIZARRAS has remained dedicated to the
students’ learning.
Contact CUPA PIZARRAS
www.cupapizarras.com/uk/
@CUPAPIZARRAS_en
24 TC MAY 2021

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Underlays
ROOFSHIELD EXPOSURE TESTS
The A. Proctor Group’s technical team carried out in-house exposure tests on
Roofshield in 2019 – purely for their own knowledge – which proved very timely and
provided some interesting findings for projects that were left exposed during
lockdown…
In early 2019, the A. Proctor Group’s (APG)
technical team began in-house testing to
measure the effects of extended outdoor
exposure on the performance properties of their
popular air and vapour permeable roofing
underlay, Roofshield.
Their timing was impeccable. Soon after the 12-
month test was complete, Covid-19 forced the
closure of some building sites across the UK while
at the same time the full effects of Brexit began to
be felt on supply chains, particularly that of roofing
battens and tiles. With this combination of
scenarios beyond anyone’s control, contractors had
no choice but to leave roofing membranes exposed
for longer than manufacturers’ recommendations.
The results of APG’s extended exposure testing
could not have arrived at a better time.
The maximum recommended exposure time for
any construction membrane is determined by
extensive testing by the manufacturer which looks
at the membrane’s basic components, any
additives, and the structure of the final product
itself. For some of the higher regarded
membranes, these recommendations are backed
up by independent third-party testing like LABC
and BBA. But, APG says, sometimes testing by
well-known industry figures in laboratory
conditions, however rigorous, isn’t the type of
reassurance people are looking for.
Never mind the chaos of a global pandemic or the
radical shakeup of a country’s well-worn economic
model. Everyday scenarios like delivery delays,
scheduling mix-ups, and even inclement weather
are what make ‘how long can a membrane be left
exposed for?’ one of the most common questions
that comes to APG’s technical department.
The original purpose of APG’s in-house tests then
Above: A. Proctor Group’s Roofshield underlay.
was not to re-write Roofshield’s 20+ years tried
and tested performance specification, rather, by
simulating a normal delay to a roofing project,
APG wanted to give contractors that extra bit of
reassurance.
It is important to understand here that, given the
purpose of the experiment, the ad hoc nature of
the test, and the small sample size, that the
findings of the 12-month trial described here are
anecdotal only. The results will not inform any
future changes to Roofshield’s current installation
guidance, performance specification, or
accreditations by third parties.
The test was carried out at the APG’s head office in
Blairgowrie, Scotland, between Jan 2019 and Jan
2020. The test consisted of sheets of Roofshield
being mechanically fixed to an angled wooden rig to
mimic a typical pitched roof installation. The
angled plane of the ‘roof’ was then oriented to be
south-facing to receive maximum UV exposure, and
care was taken to position the rig so that any risk
of shading was minimised.
Over the next 13 months, samples of the exposed
membrane were tested on a quarterly basis by
the independent testing organisation BTTG. A
sample of the membrane was tested at the
beginning of the trial to set a baseline against
which subsequent performance measurements
could be compared. The samples were tested
using the standard metrics for air and vapour
permeable roofing underlays: water penetration,
air permeability, and vapour permeability.
The results for air and vapour permeability were
excellent, with very little loss in performance.
While the samples’ performance with these
metrics did decrease gradually over time, the
results remained within Roofshield’s published
BBA-certified performance specification for the
entire 12-month experiment.
The 3, 6 and 9-month Roofshield samples all
achieved Class W1 for water penetration.
Considering the BBA Site Practice Bulletin Number
2 guidance is to protect any membrane that needs
to be left exposed for more than a few days with a
tarpaulin, APG regards this as outstanding.
This ensured that once the building sites were
open and the primary water shedding layer
installed, the roof underlay would perform its
main function of secondary water shedding,
vapour and air permeable. There was no need to
strip roofs and install new underlay.
The APG technical team wish to stress the results
of this or any other in-house test are not a licence
to ignore published guidance – and point out that
in the case of Roofshield, current recommendations
for handling, installation, storage, and maximum
exposure times should be followed. If a delay in
installing the primary covering – the slates, tiles –
on your roofing project is inevitable, APG says it is
always best practice to protect Roofshield with a
tarpaulin as soon as possible to keep UV exposure
to an absolute minimum.
Contact A Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
26 TC MAY 2021

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Pitched Roofing
EFFICIENCY UP BUT NOT AT EXPENSE
OF QUALITY OR SUSTAINABILITY
Chris Piper, Sales Director for Housing Developers at Ibstock PLC, which includes the
Forticrete brand, provides his insight into the latest trends and developments in roofing
technology that are supporting roofing professionals in achieving a more efficient and
sustainable method of building.
Whilst 2020 saw unprecedented
disruptions to the sector, the
environmental credentials of both new
and existing residential properties continued to be
a key focus, as sustainability targets outlined by
the government’s Future Homes Standard placed
further pressure on professionals, not only with
regard to their methods of construction, but the
environmental credentials of the materials used.
Last year, contractors also worked extremely hard
to sustain an increased rate of building in a bid to
overcome the backlog in new developments due
to lockdown, whilst simultaneously meeting the
significant increase in demand caused by the
extension of the Stamp Duty holiday and the
confirmation of the Affordable Homes
Programme.
Roofing solutions that support professionals in
achieving a faster, more efficient rate of building,
without compromising on quality or visual appeal,
are therefore currently the most popular type of
materials being required and installed.
Fewer tiles
Products such as Forticrete’s large
format SL8 roof tiles are leading the
industry in fulfilling each of these
requirements, by offering
superior coverage benefits, as
just eight tiles are required
per square metre versus the
usual 10 per square metre for
a traditional large format roof
tile.
This results in a 20% reduction in the number of
tiles handled and laid, actively supporting
developers in increasing the efficiency,
productivity, quality and overall sustainability of
their builds.
Aesthetics count
As the importance of aesthetics also continues to
be a key driver for Britain’s construction industry,
roofing contractors are searching for new roofing
materials that offer an enhanced or unique visual
appeal, without compromising on quality,
performance or sustainability.
This can be achieved by installing lightweight and
durable alternatives to natural clay and slate roof
tiles, which proactively reduces the
environmental impact whilst
simultaneously improving the overall
thermal efficiency of the property.
By choosing concrete roof tiles
Left: Chris Piper, Sales Director for Housing Developers
at Ibstock PLC, which includes Forticrete.
rather than slate or other natural
materials, professionals can improve the
sustainable performance of their project
by reducing the amount of quarrier aggregate
used.
In response to this, Forticrete has substantially
reduced the embodied carbon within its popular
Gemini concrete roof tiles by using Lafarge
Cement’s SustainaCem to provide developers
with a more durable and environmentally friendly
tile that delivers increased longevity and
minimises product waste.
Due to Gemini’s innovative ‘double cambered’
design, the interlocking roof tile also requires
fewer tiles to cover the same area when
compared to a conventional double lapped plain
tile. This successfully aids developers in further
reducing the environmental impact of their
development, whilst simultaneously minimising
overall build costs.
Following the challenges of 2020, it has become
more important than ever for customers to work
in close collaboration with manufacturers to not
only understand build schedules and align
product supply as closely as possible, but support
the development of roofing products that support
professionals in achieving an increased rate of
efficiency, without compromising on quality or
sustainability.
Contact Forticrete
www.forticrete.co.uk
@Forticrete
28 TC MAY 2021

From vents and outlets to edge trims and cappings...
Areco are the UK’s leading distributor of flat roofing accessories
With over 50 years experience of manufacturing and
distributing renowned brands such as Glasstrim,
Nutrim, V-Trim and Rofycom, Areco has over 40,000
metres of roof edge trim in stock for next day delivery.
A full range of Roof Drains, Termination Bars, Breather
Vents and Paving Supports mean we have the right
product for your project.
Areco also offer a bespoke metal fabrication service
for flashings and wall cappings.
www.areco.co.uk
• technical knowledge and advice
• nationwide express delivery
• competitive rates
tel: 01922 743553
t: 01922 743553 e: sales@areco.co.uk
ARECO, Unit 2A Coppice Park, Coppice Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands WS9 9AA

Shingles
LOCKDOWN SHINGLES SUCCESS
SHINES A LIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY
The use of shingles on roofing projects is often as much about the aesthetics as it is
about making a roof watertight. Shaun Revill, from SR Timber, believes that the
combination of lockdown and the sustainable roof movement means there’s never been
a better time for shingles to become more widely adopted in the UK housing market.
SR Timber has seen a 25% increase in
sales of shingles in the last 12 months. It
may not sound like much, but that’s a big
increase on a product that usually ‘ticks along’ in
sales terms.
This growth has been fuelled by the rise in home
improvement projects, and feedback from our
merchant customers suggests that shingles have
been predominantly used on structures such as
summer houses and outhouses, as opposed to
full roofs. Most notably, shingles have been used
to replace felt roofs to enhance the aesthetics.
It’s a small but important step in the awareness
of shingles as a roof covering, and it goes to show
that their use isn’t exclusively for the kinds of
houses you see on TV shows such as Grand
Designs.
The aesthetics of shingles, especially as they
weather over time, is the reason many architects
specify them – but we’re seeing the momentum
of sustainable roofing as another equally
compelling reason for the wider adoption of
shingles on more mainstream housing
developments.
Groundswell in the use of sustainable
materials
You only have to look through the pages of Total
Contractor to see the increasing amount of
articles referencing the sustainability of materials
used in general UK construction – as well as
housebuilding.
This is being driven from government level with
bold initiatives such as The Future Homes
Standard – which will see changes to Part L and
Part F of the Building Regulations for
new dwellings. To be brought in
by 2025, this will require newbuild
homes to be futureproofed
with low-carbon
heating and world-leading
levels of energy efficiency.
Then there are industry initiatives such
as ‘Wood CO2ts less’, which is the brainchild of
a group of timber federations. It aims to create
more sustainable buildings through methods such
as the Chartered Institute of Building’s ‘Carbon
Action 2050 toolkit’. The ‘Wood CO2ts less’
campaign’s organisers are calling on the
construction industry to continue engaging in
climate-friendly actions by using more wood.
Whichever way you look at it, shingles are ticking
all these boxes.
Sustainability starts in the forest
Shingles are a truly renewable product with a low
carbon footprint according to the Cedar Shake &
Shingle Bureau. For instance, our suppliers in the
forests of Canada have a policy to re-plant three
trees for every one harvested within one year and
to the exact species ratio of the trees that were
harvested. Our PEFC-certified shingles offer a full
chain of custody to demonstrate complete forestto-roof
sustainability and traceability.
Quick facts about shingles
• Shingles can be fixed at a roof pitch as low as
14 degrees.
• The life expectancy of shingles is in excess of 50
years – when treated with Tanalith E preservative.
Left: Shaun Revill, Trading Director at
SR Timber.
• Western Red Cedar
Shingles are classified as
‘durable’ and offer excellent
natural insulation properties,
with a value of K = 0.1067
W/M.
• Blue Label Shingles (which SR Timber
supplies) are 100% heartwood and edge grain, so
the grade won’t include knots or sapwood and
can be used on all roof and vertical applications.
• Standard shingles (random widths from 75 mm
to 325 mm) are typically 400 mm (long) x 10 mm
(butt) x 2 mm (tip).
• The use of silicon bronze nails or stainless
steel fixings is very important, as other metals
react with the tannins in the shingles, and this
will cause staining on the shingles.
• Shingles are always sold by the bundle. The
coverage of the bundle is dependent on the pitch
of the roof, as different batten gauges are
recommended for different pitches. For example,
most roofs are above 22 degrees, and the
coverage is 2.28 m² per bundle when using a 125
mm batten gauge.
Find out more about shingles:
https://sr-timber.co.uk/Product/sr-timbercedar-shingles/
Contact SR Timber
01623 446800
https://sr-timber.co.uk/
30 TC MAY 2021

Specialist flat roofing and waterproofing components
CLASS
A1
FIRE RATED
Non-combustible, aluminium adjustable paving support
• Approved Document B compliant
• No additional plastic or rubber
components required
• 76mm diameter head with 4 paving
spacers; easy installation
65-475mm
• 112mm base with perforations for
water drainage
• Thread with 2 locking allowing fine
adjustment
• 2 tonne uniformly distributed load
• 3 tonne concentrated load
• All components 100% recyclable.
InStar’s MeT-PeD is a BS13501-1 Class A1 external pedestal solution specifically
designed for use with paving and ceramic surface finishes on external balconies.
Can also be used on roof terraces.
For more details please visit: www.instar-uk.co.uk
or contact T: + 44 (0)1858 456949 E-mail: info@instar-uk.co.uk

USE 20 % RO OFLIG HTS
Rooflights
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE QUIET
REVOLUTIONS IN ROOFLIGHTING
Total Contractor takes a look behind the scenes at NARM, the National Association of
Rooflight Manufacturers…
The last two decades have seen huge
advances in the design and application of
rooflighting, bringing important advances in
building performance and safety. Many of these
have been the result of intense R&D efforts by
leading manufacturers. Behind them has been
one supporting organisation that’s driven the
changes in UK standards & legislation that have
made these improvements a day-to-day reality
across all sectors of the construction industry and
to the wider public.
NARM, the National Association of Rooflight
Manufacturers, represents manufacturers and
suppliers of all types of rooflights and has played
a pivotal role in establishing the effects of
rooflighting on building performance and in the
development of rooflight standards which protect
the market-place from potentially poorly
performing products – as well as promoting best
practice among specifiers and installers.
Recognised as the UK’s leading independent and
impartial authority on rooflighting, NARM’s
Technical Committee comprises a team of leading
experts, each having been selected from within
NARM member companies, to represent the
Association. Their work has underpinned many
im-portant developments and continues to inform
and support the industry.
The sustainability revolution
Soon after NARM’s formation in the late 1990s,
independent research commissioned by the
Association showed that minimal losses in
thermal insulation brought about by the
installation of rooflights are greatly offset by the
energy savings resulting from reduced demand
for electric lighting. Recognising the potential for
lower carbon emissions resulting from reduced
requirements for electric lighting, a NARM
campaign was launched to bring these
findings to a wider public, using
the slogan: For a smaller
carbon footprint, add more
rooflights (see right).
Since then, NARM has also
been instrumental in
collecting, analysing and
interpreting rooflighting data upon
which the evolving rooflighting
requirements in The Building
Regulations Approved
Document L (Conservation of
fuel & power) are based.
Further studies commissioned
by NARM have highlighted
means by which solar
overheating in buildings can
be controlled, and the
potential for greater energy
savings through the
integration of automatically
controlled electric lighting,
FOR A SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT
THE ONLY SAFE CHOICE
F O R
G L A Z I N G
O V E R H E A D
LAMINATED
INNER PANE
E N D O R S E D B Y
with natural daylighting.
Thanks to NARM’s pioneering
work in the field, the
sustainability benefits of
increased natural light
levels are now widely
understood and applied
across the built environment.
Today, NARM’s freely available online
Technical Library
contains a wealth of
impartial, up-to-date
information covering the
subject of energy
performance in respect of
glass, thermoplastic and
GRP rooflights.
The safety revolution –
for roof workers
Since its inception, NARM
has focussed considerable
resources on improving the
32 TC MAY 2021

Images opposite, top to bottom: NARM provides a library of freely available technical info on its website; NARM’s ‘carbon footprint’ campaign raised awareness of the role of rooflights in building
energy efficiency; NARM’s current campaign for the use of laminated inner panes on glass rooflights is bringing pressure on the British Standards Institute for a regulatory amendment.
safety of roof workers.
As we know, working on roofs is a high-risk
activity because it involves work at height – and
falls through fragile materials, such as aged
rooflights and asbestos cement roofing sheets,
have historically accounted for a high number of
deaths and injuries.
To address this issue, the ACR[M]001 ‘Red Book’
test was developed by the Advisory Committee for
Roofwork (now Advisory Committee for
Roofsafety), drawing on data supplied by NARM –
an ACR member organisation. This defines a test
for non-fragility which can be applied to any roof
assembly, intended to indicate whether the roof
can support the instantaneous loads imposed by
a person falling or stumbling onto it. It is not a
product test but products such as rooflights can
be tested as part of a roof assembly. It sets a
minimum standard for non-fragility and all
professionals involved with roofing should be
familiar with it. The Health and Safety Executive
and many other prominent roofing trade
associations are also member organisations of ACR.
NARM’s on-line Technical Library contains a
number of documents covering non-fragility in
respect of rooflights, including a handy
‘Quickguide’, which outlines the key points of the
ACR[M]001 test and classifications.
The safety revolution – for building
occupants
During the last year, NARM has launched a
campaign to support the requirement for
laminated inner panes on glass rooflights for
important safety reasons, bringing pressure on
the British Standards Institute for a regulatory
amendment.
Current British Standards still permit the use of
toughened glass (non-laminated) for inner panes
of glass rooflights in some instances, bringing the
risk of shattering and falling glass into the room
below. Using laminated glass inner panes
significantly reduces this risk and is the reason
behind the NARM campaign to ensure all glass
rooflights have laminated inner panes, following a
number of concerning incidents involving poorly
designed or installed glass rooflights – without
laminated inner panes.
NARM has also published a number of technical
documents relating to fire safety, including a new
‘Quickguide’ entitled ‘Definition of geometric free
area for Smoke Vents’, published in early 2021.
Continuing progress on many fronts…
The NARM Council, committees and working
groups meet regularly on-line to address current
issues and drive new initiatives. As examples, the
“NARM has launched a
campaign to support
the requirement for
laminated inner panes
on glass rooflights”
Association is currently consulting its
membership regarding the CPA’s CCPI (Code for
Construction Product Information). NARM has
also recently published a post-Brexit Statement
on the Construction Products Regulation, and the
changes to Product Standards, CE marking and
the introduction of UKCA and UKNI marking of
products. This document, along with many others,
is also available on the NARM website.
NARM represents leading manufacturers and
suppliers of all types of rooflights into the UK
market and works closely with a number of
organisations and other trade associations.
NARM is a member of the RIBA CPD Providers’
Network; The Construction Products Association
and Eurolux, the European trade association
representing rooflight suppliers.
Contact NARM
www.narm.org.uk
@_NARMUK
MAY 2021 TC 33

Multiple Materials
CHOOSING MULTI MATERIAL
MEMBRANES FOR YOUR PROJECT
Designing and installing roofing using multiple materials is a great business opportunity
but it can become a risky challenge for the roofing contractor. Paul Jacobs, SIG Design &
Technology’s Installation and Training Manager, discusses the skills required for multiple
waterproofing projects and explains how it can provide opportunities for work.
What is the best waterproofing system for
my project? It’s a question we’re always
asked at SIG Design & Technology and
its unlikely that one product will provide all the
answers.
Creating the perfect roof has never been more
challenging and product selection should follow a
structured approach. Sourcing products that meet
the client’s brief and the performance
requirements of the project e.g. a waterproofing
solution that can handle complex detailing or a
cost-effective single ply to replicate a metal roof.
Ideally, the roof should be designed by a single
supplier who takes responsibility that it meets the
statutory requirements and planning regulations.
Finally, it should be installed to a high standard
and the whole system covered by one single
point guarantee.
Imperial Court
AJ Lucas, one of our Design &
Technology Accredited Contractors
(DATAC) has recently finished a newbuild
of luxury apartments on Streatham
High Street, London. Comprising of four different
waterproofing areas, Imperial Court exemplifies
how correct specification and contractor
experience in multiple materials met the
requirements on this project.
Main roof: the large, warm roof design is enclosed
by upstands on all sides and supports an array of
free-standing solar panels. With limited detailing, a
single ply membrane provided a cost-effective
solution that was quick to install and can support
foot traffic during maintenance and inspections.
The PVC membrane is suited to a fully
bonded approach and was installed
on a plywood substrate.
Balconies: each apartment has
been designed with an enclosed,
private balcony. Although single ply
membranes are suitable for these areas,
detailing and manoeuvrability in such a small
space can be difficult. As an alternative, AJ Lucas
used a cold-applied liquid membrane which is
fast-curing and with virtually no fumes was much
easier to work with in the confined space. A more
robust felt system which offers excellent strength
and tear resistance was selected to waterproof
the four ground floor balcony areas.
Communal courtyard: providing a play area and
seating for residents, the communal
courtyard is a concrete structure
designed with zero falls. The
waterproofing layer is overlaid with
pedestals and paving slabs making
access for maintenance difficult.
Whilst single ply can be used in this
situation, special attention would be
needed to protect the membrane during and after
installation, making its use more complicated. For
this area, AJ Lucas used a hot melt membrane
which has self-healing properties and has been
designed to last the lifetime of the project.
Working profitably on multi material
projects
Be clear on what is being asked of you and make
sure you get the pricing right from the start. Ask
questions if the drawings aren’t clear and make
sure your quote doesn’t miss out whole roof areas.
Sometimes areas on a project can be
split over multiple drawings. Try
going back to the drawing board
and colouring up a roof plan as you
price, it’s effective and it works.
Make sure you are 100% certain as to
where your elements stop and start. It’s
sensible to either ask the question or put a
qualification in your tender. Find out if you can
start and stop at sensible break points and how
many visits are needed. And discuss sequencing
plus area release schedules, even on simple
projects.
Getting advice
We supply a wide range of products and systems
from various manufacturers and we’re ideally
placed to offer contractors advice on our systems.
At Imperial Court we worked with AJ Lucas to select
the most suitable membrane for each area, plan
the schedule of works and time deliveries as
required. SIG also designed and supplied a tapered
insulation scheme for each area of the project
working to U-values supplied by the architect.
Of course, successful installations don’t happen
by chance and DATAC contractors receive training
in the products they work with. Our courses teach
them not only the skills needed to install the
waterproofing elements correctly, but also to
understand the whole system, including how
different materials interface with other building
elements.
Contact SIG Design & Technology
www.sigdandt.co.uk
@SIGDesignTech
34 TC MAY 2021

Advertorial: Britmet
BRITMET LITESLATE: A TRULY
BRITISH SUCCESS STORY
Britmet started its journey into the
composite slate tile market in 2017 in a
bid to create an authentic, sustainable,
lightweight slate.
After research began, Britmet originally specified
a synthetic tile to be manufactured in China to
research and test UK product demand. In a very
short space of time, the market demand was
confirmed but due to quality control issues, a
decision was made to bring the manufacturing
process over to the UK.
In 2018, the lengthy research
and design process began.
Britmet used real Welsh
slate in order to perfect
the aesthetics and
performance qualities of
the LiteSlate. By January
2019, the development of the
first mould for the LiteSlate had
begun and the machine was delivered
and set up in the UK production plant.
Britmet accomplished its goal of perfecting the
natural slate surface by May 2019, ready for the
product launch at the FIT Show at the NEC. Due
to a long list of leads, full production of the UK
LiteSlate quickly followed with stock retention
plans in place. In summer 2019, the LiteSlate
passed its fire testing with a BS476-3 Fire Rating
and new mould designs were developed.
Increasing customer demand for the composite
slate caused production to double less than a
year after the product launch, and by the end of
July 2020, production tripled to produce multiple
riven edges, offering more of a natural slate effect
finish. There are now seven production lines
manufacturing the Liteslate, ensuring that 14
slates are made every 45 seconds to meet
customer demand. These are stocked in Britmet’s
70,000ft² premises in the West Midlands, as well
Images show Britmet LiteSlate with its multiple riven edges which give a natural slate-effect finish.
as through Britmet’s 100
nationwide stockists – and
the list of stockists is growing
on a weekly basis.
Furthermore, Britmet says the LiteSlate is
designed with the environment in mind. Over
90% of the Polymers that LiteSlate is made from
are recycled. In 2021, Britmet says it will recycle
over three million kilograms of polypropylene
during the manufacturing process.
The LiteSlate tile range has also been expanded
to seven different colours – the largest standard
colour range on the UK synthetic slate tile market!
Despite having all the characteristics you can
expect from a traditional slate, the LiteSlate won’t
break, chip or delaminate thanks to a
sophisticated, ground-breaking design. At only
12kg per sqm, the LiteSlate is incredibly
lightweight with low-pitch capabilities down to 14
degrees. As the Liteslate is compression moulded,
it has detailed impressions displaying where to fix
the slate, making it even easier for installation
(including DIY). It is also easy to cut as you only
require a sharp, fine-tooth saw or sharp blade.
“The LiteSlate tile
range has been
expanded to seven
different colours”
Britmet’s Liteslate is decorated with many
accreditations and certifications, including a
BS476-3 Fire Rating and a 40-year weather
penetration guarantee. Overall, LiteSlate is a high
performance, synthetic slate tile that makes a
superb modern-day alternative to traditional slate
roofing for all projects.
Contact Britmet
www.britmet.co.uk
@Britmet
36 TC MAY 2021

sales@britmet.co.uk | 01295 250998 | www.britmet.co.uk | #TheBritmethod
Low-Pitch
Lightweight
Sustainable
Liteslate
designed with the environment in mind
Lightweight Composite Slate | Lightweight Granulated Tile Panels | Lightweight Tile Effect Sheets | Flat-to-Pitch Roof Systems
Structural Liner Trays | Door Canopies | Decorative Exterior Paint
RAISING THE STANDARDS IN LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING

EPDM Focus
RUBBER STAMPED: A BUSY AND
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EPDM...
Durable, cost-effective and easy-to-install, it is no surprise that an increasing number of
roofers are turning to EPDM as a solution for flat roofs. Below, George King, Divisional
Managing Director at SIG Roofing, takes a closer look at the benefits of EPDM – and
considers how its popularity could be set to grow and grow.
An established roofing membrane solution
in large-scale commercial applications for
some time, Ethylene Propylene Diene
Monomer (EPDM) is fast becoming recognised as
an attractive option for domestic properties, too.
Indeed, while flat roofs used to be the sole
preserve of garage conversions and single storey
extensions, they are an increasingly popular
choice for new build domestic properties – and
that’s a trend we expect to grow further still
across the next few years.
The reasons behind EPDM’s surging popularity
are clear. Cost-effective and durable, EPDM
delivers a fantastic return on investment for a
property, with some systems accredited by the
BBA and affording an expected lifespan of 35
years. This means EPDM can be specified and
installed with utmost confidence – giving
homeowners total peace of mind.
Beyond durability, EPDM has been especially
designed to deliver ultimate flexibility. This is an
important consideration as it means it can bend
with normal levels of structural movement;
something that can lead to breakages or tears in
other systems. What’s more, the UV stability of
EPDM means it maintains flexibility for longer –
even when other systems have aged and become
brittle.
Correct installation
As more and more homeowners switch-on to the
benefits of EPDM, this undoubtedly creates
exciting new market opportunities for roofing
contractors. But for those benefits to be fully
realised, it’s absolutely essential to ensure that
the EPDM is installed correctly.
“As more and
more
homeowners
switch-on to the
benefits of EPDM, this
undoubtedly creates
exciting new market
opportunities for
roofing contractors”
That’s why SIG Roofing has created a series of
‘how-to’ video guides for our EPDM range; arming
contractors with all of the information they need
to ensure the solution is correctly installed. The
comprehensive guides can be found at
www.fix-r.co.uk, and provide step-by-step
support in installing EPDM; from the laying of the
initial membrane to using the correct perimeter
trims and kerb systems.
Alongside this, we have made prolonged
investment into our own EPDM market offering –
FIX-R EPDM and FIX-R Reinforced Single Ply. Our
FIX-R EPDM roofing membranes, which both have
BBA Approval, are flexible, aesthetically pleasing
and manufactured to last – and can be installed
with confidence for 35 years. Requiring no heat or
Left: George King, SIG Roofing; Above, left:
FIX-R EPDM & FIX-R Single Ply; Installation.
flames during installation, FIX-R
EPDM significantly reduces risk to
contractors while driving down on-site
insurance premiums.
Our Reinforced Single Ply is also quick and easy
to install, reducing associated installation costs
across the project. Furthermore, the product is
supplied in roll form, making it the ideal solution
for larger scale or commercial projects, while
FIX-R EPDM, which can be cut to size for a
single-sheet application, is ideal for smaller
roofing jobs.
As with the material itself, the popularity of EPDM
looks set to last. As the country gears up for a
post-lockdown boom in new-build housing – as
outlined in the Prime Minister’s ‘build, build,
build’ address last year – demand for EPDM
looks set to go through the (flat) roof. With our
robust range and step-by-step installation
guides, we are seeking to arm contractors with all
the tools they need to take advantage of these
upcoming opportunities.
Contact SIG Roofing
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
38 TC MAY 2021

We are
HIRING
Alincourt
ROOFING
Due to our continuing expansion programme, we are now looking for another member
of staff to join our busy office as an assistant contracts manager.
This is an exciting role which would suit someone who already has previous knowledge of
roofing and maybe looking for a change.
We can offer our full support and on going training to unlock your potential to grow and
develop within our company.
Must have a full clean driving licence and CSCS card.
Ideally in East or West Sussex, Surrey area due to the locations of our ongoing contracts.
If this is of interest please send an email: office@alincourt.com
For furt
ther inf
ormation
or a hire quotation call
Email: sales@co
oker
erhire.com
www.cooke
erhire.com
MAY 2021 TC 39

EPDM & Modular Construction
CIRCULAR ECONOMY: CHOOSING
THE RIGHT ROOFING MATERIALS
From electronic goods to clothing, the circular economy concept of reduce, re-use and
recycle has been successfully applied across a multitude of industries – but to a lesser
extent for construction and building components. Adrian Buttress, Managing Director at
Permaroof, explains why he feels EPDM rubber roofing can contribute to circular
construction through modular building.
Circular economy is gaining more attention,
particularly because it brings a potential
solution to the tension between the
growing demand and the limited supply of
materials.
The climate change emergency is the biggest
challenge facing our planet, and it is no secret
that the construction industry consumes a
significant number of global resources and
generates a vast amount of rubbish.
In fact, the sector is the largest consumer of
natural resources and the biggest contributor of
waste. However, it can counteract this – and
improve its reputation – by supporting the shift
towards a circular economy through the use of
more reusable and recyclable building stock.
When we usually talk about the circular economy,
we think of consumer goods with a relatively
short life. However, the principles can be applied
to the construction industry, where the product is
the building itself.
Modular construction – which involves creating
property components in a factory environment
and then transporting the modules to
site to be assembled – perfectly
fits the ideology of circular
economy. It can also
potentially be a key driver in
carbon footprint reduction in the built
environment industry and improve its
sustainability credentials.
And this idea is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Last year, the UK unveiled its Circular Economy
Package, which committed to a 65% municipal
recycling rate by 2035, and in tenders, subcontractors
are being asked to demonstrate their
commitment to waste reduction.
Creating sustainable cities
Due to its resource and waste
reduction, reusability,
Left: Adrian Buttress, MD Permaroof.
Continued on page 42

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MAY 2021 TC 41

EPDM & Modular Construction
Article
Continued from page 40
adaptability, and recyclability of all components,
modular construction offers a multitude of
environmental advantages. It is also
demonstrated that prefabricated buildings are key
to material savings, waste reduction, re-use of
components, and various other forms of
optimisation for the construction sector.
Modular builds are a new breed of structures that
will be the cornerstone of modern, sustainable
cities due to their ability to be modified,
deconstructed, and relocated – re-using their
parts almost like LEGO blocks.
Factory fabrication offers a very attractive option
for projects where timescales are tight, or site
and weather conditions are challenging. However,
it is important the right materials are specified to
offer improved building quality and long-term
performance.
Choosing the right materials
In recent years, we have seen a surge in demand
for modular construction – not just for residential
properties, but also for public buildings such as
schools and hospitals, as well as commercial
properties like hotels and shopping centres.
One of the key strengths of modular builds is the
speed of construction and arrival on site, which is
where EPDM membranes truly shine as they can
be fully adhered or mechanically fixed to the roof
deck offsite.
Requiring no torch or hot works of any kind during
installation, their cold-applied systems are very
useful within the factory environment – as
opposed to pitch roofs, which need to be installed
once the modular is in place, requiring additional
days and leaving the module temporarily open to
the elements.
On any site, once the EPDM roofing membrane
covers the deck, the roof is completely watertight.
As much detailing as possible is also carried out
in factory conditions. This minimises the
substrate’s exposure to dust, pollution, and
moisture – significantly reducing the risks
associated with external conditions.
EPDM membranes are strong
and flexible, with
excellent puncture
resistance,
ensuring a
resilient solution
within a busy
factory
environment.
Water-based
adhesives have also
been developed to
ensure the factory
installation process is safe and
virtually odourless, addressing the
management of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and solvents in a factory environment.
“While modular
construction may not
always be the right
choice for every
project, it is
increasingly being
considered as an
alternative”
More importantly, EPDM membranes are
completely aligned with modular building
concepts, allowing not only design flexibility but
also the possibility to adapt to future changes,
dismantle, re-use or relocate the building – even
decades after its initial construction.
If the building must be modified or relocated after a
long time, detailing and sealing the bay-to-bay joins
can be easily done, giving life once again to an old
material but performing like a new membrane. The
customer has the freedom to relocate and adapt the
building modules after construction – truly
contributing to circular economy.
Another consideration when creating modular
buildings is creating the structure using steel. Steelframed
buildings are fast, cost-efficient methods of
construction and have taken the market by storm in
recent years.
Contact Permaroof
01773 608839
www.permaroof.co.uk
@PermaroofUK
The buildings are
manufactured to last
utilising galvanised
steel, which is
one of the
strongest
materials
used in the
industry – with
the added
bonus of not
burning in a fire or
rotting and allowing
moisture to sink through.
As well as their strength, durability and how
quickly they can be constructed, some steelframed
buildings on the market are made from
60% recycled materials and fully recyclable when
they come to the end of their life, again, fitting
with the ideology of the circular economy.
Conclusion
While modular construction may not always be
the right choice for every project, it is increasingly
being considered as a potentially advantageous
alternative to conventional building
methodologies, meeting market demands as well
as the challenges posed by sustainable building
practices.
And as the largest contributor of waste,
construction is a key industry in moving towards
a more sustainable model of re-use, recycling
and zero waste.
This is why it is so important that building
product manufacturers work together with the
modular sector to ensure the buildability and
performance profiles of their products meet the
requirements of modular buildings, bringing more
flexibility to this growing trend and supporting
circular construction practices.
42 TC MAY 2021

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SINGLE PLY ROOFING SECTOR
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MAY 2021 TC 43

Roofing Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
MARKET INSIGHTS DRIVE KLOBER
Based on recent customer insights and home
improvement trends, Klober has revealed a
number of range extensions to offer its
distributors and contractors more choice, with
more developments to follow later this year.
fluctuations and weather
conditions continue to
compromise traditional sand and
cement mortar methods to fix
ridge and hip tiles, sales of dry
support tray, and roll out rafter
tray must work together. This new
option offers an economic
solution by providing all the
necessary components required
ridge systems continue to soar.
in one pack.
Distributors and contractors can now benefit from
As such, Klober has extended its
the new range extensions which include Klober’s
Pauline Manley, Marketing
portfolio with the addition of its
new Secret Gutter, a 6m Dry Ridge Kit (pictured),
Director at Klober, said:
6m Dry Ridge Kit, well-suited to
and an updated 3-in-1 Eaves Ventilation Pack.
“Customer insights are really important to us and
clay and concrete applications, which comes in
With the race for space being a number one home
every year we make sure we’re investing in the
black and is perforated for ventilation. This is an
improvement trend for 2021, Klober anticipates an
solutions that are going to make their lives easier.
entry level product to sit alongside Klober’s
increase in demand for suitable roofing products.
It’s especially important to us that we are offering
premium roll fix brand.
Klober’s new GRP Secret Gutter joins the existing
our customers choice to suit their exact
PVC version, and is well-suited for dormer
conversions due to its ability to provide a
secondary line of defence against wind driven rain
at wall abutments. It is a high-performance
continuous abutment soaker typically used with
flat interlocking tiles. Also, as temperature
Finally, in response to demand for more solutions
that are quick and easy to install, Klober has
expanded its eaves ventilation offering by offering
more sizes of its 3-in-1 Eaves Vent Pack.
According to Klober’s technical team, for eaves
ventilation to be effective, the fascia vent, felt
specifications. All three of these latest range
extensions answer a specific customer challenge
or industry trend. And it doesn’t end there as we
have more to come later in the year so watch this
space!”
www.klober.co.uk
TOP PROJECT FOR GREENOUGH
Greenough & Sons Roofing Contractors has been appointed to deliver a £1.5m contract to reroof
part of Manchester Town Hall by lead contractor LendLease, following a competitive tender.
The win represents the largest single project in the Anglesey, North Wales-based family owned
business’s fifty year history, and will be delivered as part of the far-reaching restoration of the historic
Grade One listed building. The ‘Phase One’ roofing contract will include removing and replacing 2,800m²
of Cumbrian roof slate, as well as updating the roof timbers, replacing 65 tonnes of leadwork and
refurbishing glazed skylights. The slate will be sourced from the same Burlington slate quarry that was used in the original build some 150 years ago,
while the old lead work will be melted down and reincorporated into the building restoration.
The company aims to start site work on the 62 week programme in Autumn 2021, and will also explore and deliver ways to share its unique roofing skills
with the local community and heritage enthusiasts. The project is yet further recognition of the business’s reputation for delivering historically sensitive
heritage roofing projects across Wales and the North West of England. This includes a major contribution to the restoration of Chester Town Hall
(completed in 2011), which like Manchester Town Hall is built in the celebrated Gothic Revival style.
The company also recently completed a large heritage roofing contract on the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. Greenough & Sons Director
Jonathan Greenough said: “This is tremendous win for the company in what is a special year as we mark our 50th year as a company. Our growing
success in the heritage market has, over the years, been inextricably linked to our unique knowledge and skill with Welsh Slate. But a contract of this
size, complexity and character demonstrates how we have evolved as a business.
He continued: “The contract is also a further tribute to David Greenough, my father and company founder, who sadly passed away in May 2020 aged 78.
It’s very fitting that the company’s highest profile project to date should be so close to his childhood home in Swinton, Salford.”
www.greenoughroofing.com
44 TC MAY 2021

STAY SAFE
with GRP rooflights from Filon
Safety is at the front and centre of our product policy:
Our technical expertise has contributed directly to UK rooflight non-fragility classification
over decades, with Filon personnel playing key safety roles in influential trade associations
including NARM (National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers) and ACR (Advisory
Committee for Roofsafety).
Our unique, patented Fixsafe system is the only solution that allows profiled rooflights to be
safely installed from within the building envelope, without the need to access fragile roof areas.
We offer a range of fire grades to provide compliance with Building Regulations.
Our Supasafe triple reinforced rooflights provide high impact resistance, spanning and
load-bearing capabilities.
We’re the UK’s longest established manufacturer of profiled rooflights by continuous process,
with a successful track record of excellence in design, product performance and customer
support. As you’d expect, we’re also currently employing Covid-secure working practices
throughout our operations.
Filon: truly a ‘safe pair of hands’ for specifiers.
Telephone 01543 687300 Email: sales@filon.co.uk
www.filon.co.uk

Roofing Updates
An extensive portfolio of professional sealants
and adhesives, the Trade Mate range was
created to provide a go-to solution to tackle
every challenge a tradesperson might
encounter on site, including a number of
products for roofing applications.
A mainstay of Geocel’s product line up for more
than two decades, Geocel says the primary aim
of the comprehensive Trade Mate range is to
offer easier product selection for users. Each of
the 23 products have been specifically
formulated to provide a sealant or adhesive that
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
TRADE MATE RANGE REVAMPED
enables the best possible finish, every time.
With its new premium packaging, each product’s
intended application has been accentuated to
make it even easier to quickly identify on shelf
the ideal solution for the required job.
The range includes sealants specifically for
roofing applications, such as the Lead and Gutter
Seal, Roofers Seal and All Weather Seal.
On the relaunch, Andy Cummins, Senior Product
Manager at Geocel, commented: “By refreshing
SIKABIT MEETS SHOOL REQUIREMENTS
LOREM roofers IPSUM to find DOLOR sealants and SIT adhesives AMET,
specifically formulated for the required
CONSECTETUR ADIPISCING ELIT
SED DO EIUSMOD TEMPOR
our range of high-quality products they can now www.geocel.co.uk
be quickly identified on shelf, making it easier for
application – to ensure they always get the very
best results.”
The roof refurbishment of Portland School, Birkenhead was completed to the highest standards of safety
and without disruption to school activities, thanks to the combined efforts of Holloway Cook Associates
and Sika’s specialist Roof Refurbishment team.
The main school building has had many additions over time, resulting in 24 roof areas at varying levels and with
various roof build-ups. The whole of this 1600m² roof was in need of refurbishment as part of a programme of maintenance and upgrades following the
school’s transition to academy status. The Co-op Academy Trust developed a specification requirement for the project which included the use of a bituminous
system with an extended service life. The SikaBit 25-year system was selected from Sika’s wide portfolio of roofing systems as an ideal solution for this
application. Safety precautions were paramount due to the live school environment. Working with a roofing provider that could offer a Safe2Torch system with
self-adhesive membranes for torch-free zones was imperative. Sika’s Roof Refurbishment team was able to do a full site survey and provide a Safe2Torch
plan for the installation. Roofing contractor Holloway Cook Associates took on the role of principal contractor, including design, health and safety and
installation within a turnkey package. The quality and durability of the finish was also a key requirement of the project. The SikaBit system, combined with the
skills and experience of the team at Holloway Cook, answered this need with neat detailing across all roof areas. www.sika.co.uk/roofing
RAINCLEAR’S NEW ADJUSTABLE OFFSET
Rainclear Systems has introduced a new 2-part, adjustable offset to the Infinity Galvanised Steel and Colour
Coated Galvanised Steel range, which is available to buy online at www.rainclear.co.uk.
Danny Norris, Sales and Customer Services Executive at Rainclear Systems, explained: “Until now, the only way
to create an offset in the Galv Steel and Colour Coated Galv Steel downpipes was: 1. Using the 60mm fixed offset
Rainclear has added a new adjustable offset
(for example: GST80OS60) for up to a 60mm projection; 2. Using 2no. 70 Degree Bends together for up to a 210-
to its Galvanised Steel Range.
255mm projection depending on the diameter of the pipe (and a 240mm drop); 3. Using 2no. 70 Degree Bends
along with a cut down length of pipe in between – with some of the 3mtre length of downpipe going to waste if it couldn’t be put to use elsewhere.
“Rainclear have worked with the manufacturers to create a 2-part, adjustable Offset – in Galvanised Steel and currently in 4 of the 7 Robust Coated
Galvanised steel colours we stock, in the 80mm and 100mm diameter pipes – to add a solution for offsets of up to 700m. With this new 4th option there
is no need to cut into a full 3mtre pipe length.”
Find out more at: www.rainclear.co.uk
46 TC MAY 2021

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To discuss showcasing your video content, contact Andy or Jake on:
01892 732 047
or email andydunn@media-now.co.uk / jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk
MAY 2021 TC 47

Cover Story: A. Proctor Group
CLT SOLUTIONS FROM A. PROCTOR
The experts at A. Proctor Group discuss the issues around moisture management when
utilising Cross Laminated Timber construction.
CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is growing in
popularity and can offer many advantages
as a sustainable energy efficient building
method. It has been used in many construction
projects, predominantly within the commercial
sector such as schools and hospitals.
CLT is an engineered timber product produced in
a controlled factory environment from sustainably
sourced timber. It is formed of kiln-dried spruce
or pine boards which are laid on top of
each other at 90° – three, five,
seven or nine layers
depending on structural
requirements – and
then coated with a
layer of adhesive and
subjected to
immense hydraulic pressure to
create large, stiff, dimensionally
stable panels. Often referred to as
‘Super Plywood’, CLT offers high
strength and the structural simplicity
needed for cost-effective buildings,
as well as a lighter environmental
footprint than concrete or steel. It
also provides numerous other
benefits, including quicker
installation, reduced
waste, improved
thermal
Above: Fig. 1: External walls
(warm wall construction –
breathable insulation)
Service Class 1 for both sides
of the CLT.
1. Cladding spaced off the
insulation; 2. Drained and
ventilated cavity;
3. Reflectashield TF 0.81;
4. Breathable thermal
insulation; 5. Wraptite; 6. CLT;
7. Procheck Adapt (if required
ponding hygrothermal checks);
8. Optional drylining and
battened service zone.
performance and design versatility.
The STA have recognised this and
produced a comprehensive
document in March 2017 - The STA
Advice Note 14, Robustness of CLT
structures. This document provides
good practice guidance for the
design, detailing and installation of
CLT building structures. A critical
element to their successful use is to
ensure good moisture management,
as whilst the system is robust, poor
installation can let the design down.
Fig. 1(Above produced by STA)
shows how a CLT structure is built
up with the correct installation of

insulation on the outside of the frame. The CLT
should always be on the warm side of the
insulation to avoid unnecessary moisture
fluctuations which also brings the added benefit
of mitigating any potential cold bridging issues,
as they are adequately catered for with the
external envelope of continuous insulation. It is
preferable for this insulation to be moisture open
to allow the wall to breathe and reduce the risk of
built-up moisture within the envelope. The cavity
provides extra protection throughout the life of the
building. The STA produced further guidance in
January this year (Laminate/Mass timber
structures- Durability by Design Technical Note
23). This note concludes with some best practice
advice which includes the following:
• Ensure the external wall make up allows for
vapour diffusion from the interior to exterior
vented spaces (BS 5250 Standard to be
referenced and followed in a design)
• Air leakage control membranes and sealants
checked to avoid moisture vapour traps
• Thermal Insulation should be placed on the
exterior side of the laminated mass timber
panels.
BS 5250 gives good guidance in the moisture
management of CLT structures. This advice
incorporates many of the above principles and
the placement of membranes to reduce the risk of
damaging moisture issues.
The A. Proctor Group provides a self-adhered,
vapour permeable, air tight “breather membrane”
that can be installed either behind or in front of
the insulation. This decision can be made
dependent upon the project location and works
programme for follow-on trades. In some
circumstances it may be appropriate to utilise the
membrane in both locations. Once Wraptite is
applied to the CLT on the outside, the envelope is
immediately protected from water ingress such
as rain during the construction, which may be
beneficial if the insulation is not to be installed
immediately. The unique properties of Wraptite
also provide the airtight line on the external side
of the CLT panels offering long-term protection
and less risk of damages to the airtight layer from
internal finishes. The high vapour permeability of
the Wraptite provides the “breathing wall” which
will help reduce any potential moisture build up
that may have happened during the build process
and wet trades.
As Wraptite is vapour permeable, it is moisture
neutral and protects the building from unwanted
moisture build up once it is occupied – such as
heating/everyday occupier activities. Its
characteristics therefore keep the envelope free
from the risks of interstitial condensation.
Once the insulation is installed, depending on its
type , it may be advisable to install a second
layer this time on the cold face (outside) of the
insulation, to avoid moisture pick up through the
insulation and potential loss of thermal
performance. This can include the use of a
reflective material to further enhance the thermal
performance of the structure, this time with APG
vapour permeable Reflectashield TF 0.81.
For any moisture concerns or questions, The A.
Proctor Group has years of experience in across
all areas of the building envelope, such as
pitched roofs, walls and floors. Our team of
technical experts at Head Office and external
Regional Technical Sales Managers are all very
well educated in the company’s HAMM (Heat Air
Moisture Movement) principles to ensure an
effective balance is reached, ensuring a healthy
building envelope.
Visit A. Proctor Group’s website where you can
find details on all APG solutions along with links
to our informative range of webinars.
Contact The A. Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
MAY 2021 TC 49

Fixings & Projects
CLADMASTER 2: FIXING SYSTEMS
In the second instalment of its CladMaster series of videos, Vivalda focuses on fixings and
Andy Thomas, Vivalda London’s Branch Manager, addresses the common mistakes made
when ordering fixings for cladding projects.
Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest independent
supplier of non-flammable cladding, has
unveiled the second video in its ‘CladMaster’
series designed to improve installers’ practical
understanding of cladding materials, fixing
systems and fire safety challenges.
The second video, entitled ‘Three things to get right
when specifying a fixing system’, looks at common
mistakes made by installers when ordering fixings
for cladding projects. Vivalda London’s Branch
Manager Andy Thomas, who is featured in the
video, said: “We often find that it’s the simplest of
oversights that can cause the biggest headaches
for installers. Three of the most common slip-ups
we see are; contractors failing to
order cladding and fixings at the
same time; ordering cheaper,
non-approved fixings and failing
to invest in the right tools to ensure
the fixings are properly installed.
“In our experience, getting these very simple
things right from the start of a project can save
huge amounts of time, money and risk. Poor
specification of fixings can even invalidate
warranties on the cladding installed. The Grenfell
tragedy should serve as a constant reminder how
materials must conform. Guesswork can be fatal.
Andy Thomas, Branch Manager,
Vivalda London.
“In the bigger scheme of things,
it’s easy to see how fixings
sometimes get overlooked, but in
practice they are a vital element of
the cladding system that accounts for a
large part of the budget. It’s just not worth trying
to cut corners where fixings are concerned and
we would encourage contractors to spend more
time ensuring that they have the right fixings and
tools specified for the job.”
View the video on www.roof-tube.co.uk
www.vivalda.co.uk
CLASSIC COPPER WRAP
Anew Pre-Prep school in Oxford has
become the latest educational facility to
feature innovative copper rainscreen
cladding panels from Proteus Facades.
Combining tradition with modernity, Proteus HR
TECU Classic Copper panels clad the entire exterior
façade of a new extension on Newton Lodge, a
historic building at Summer Fields Preparatory
Boarding and Day School in Summertown.
Newton Lodge is one of the oldest structures on
the 70-acre school site and was previously used
as a boarding house for pupils. The addition of
the new extension, alongside a complete
redevelopment inside and out, has transformed
the Lodge into the state-of-the-art ‘Summer
Fields Pre-Prep School’ for children aged four to
seven.
Proteus HR TECU Classic, a bright, shimmering,
multi-tonal ochre-red copper cladding that will
gradually fade over time to Verdigris green, was
installed by J & PW Developments. The copper
cladding wraps around the entire external façade
of the extension, developed by main contractor
Edgar Taylor.
Designer Oxford Architects specified the copper
rainscreen cladding – including pre-formed
corner panels, window reveals, heads, sills and
rooflines – to create a clean modern look. It is
envisaged that this innovative approach will both
contrast and complement the historical character
of the original Victorian-built Newton Lodge and
other buildings dotted throughout the school
grounds.
Proteus HR is an integrated modular rainscreen
panel system featuring an aluminium honeycomb
core, structurally bonded between two thin
gauges of lightweight metal skin. This creates a
lightweight, strong and versatile cladding system,
whilst the sheer, smooth aesthetic of the optically
Newton Lodge: Proteus Facades fabricated the entire copper
façade at its advanced manufacturing facility in Lancashire.
flat panels achieves pure architectural sightlines.
The honeycomb core also helps optimise the
gauge of copper skin, contributing to budget
expectations, and creating a rigid, slimline
cladding panel.
Inclusion of the Proteus HR slimline panels at
Summer Fields contributed to overall energy
efficiency by allowing incorporation of high levels
of insulation within the underlying structure,
whilst still maintaining the rear ventilated cavity.
The copper cladding also provides Summer Fields
with outstanding mechanical abrasion and
weather and corrosion resistance properties as
well as being maintenance free.
www.proteusfacades.com
50 TC MAY 2021

WHAT
DOES
YOUR
HOME
SAY
ABOUT
YOU?
SAY IT WITH
CARE
www.cedral.world
SAY IT WITH
SUSTAINABILITY

Project Focus
A CLASS ACT CLADDING PROJECT
Total Contractor takes a look at the recent Ilkley Grammar School project which utilised
systems from Shackerley to help extend and enhance its facilities.
Ilkley Grammar School in Bradford, a high
school for students aged 11-18, is part of the
Moorlands Learning Trust. Set in beautiful
surroundings on the edge of Ilkley Moor, the
school has a traditional 19th century main
building, along with a host of enviable facilities,
including tennis courts, a drama studio and an
indoor swimming pool.
Bradford Council has invested in extending
capacity and enhancing facilities still further with
the construction of a new teaching block,
designed by Langtry Langton Architects. This
three-storey building comprises 15 English and
humanities classrooms, a new dining
hall, offices and toilets.
Part of the design brief required
a building sympathetic to the
local built environment in
Ilkley, which is characterised
by dark grey slate and creamcoloured
Yorkshire sandstone.
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite
ventilated façade system in a natural creamybeige
honed LOPAR colourway and contrasting
Rio Black enabled the architectural team to
deliver a natural aesthetic in-keeping with the
local built environment, while offering
reduced structural loadings, cost
advantages and long-term
maintenance benefits.
SureClad Ceramic Granite
The new, stand-alone teaching
block is part of a wider build
programme at Ilkley Grammar
School to enable clusters of classrooms
by academic subject.
Tony Hubbard, from Langtry Langton Architects,
explained: “The challenge for the project was to
deliver the range, scale and layout
of facilities required to increase
the school’s student intake,
while providing a new building
that is both practical and
appropriate for the campus in
terms of materials, height and
style.
“Using local stone would have been the obvious
choice for the façade, but this not only had
implications for the cost of the stone but also for
the cost of the wider build, because of the
structural loading, lead times and build times
involved. We had never used
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic
Granite façade system before,
but it offered us an excellent
match for the aesthetic we
were trying to achieve, along
with significant cost savings on
the building structure and
buildability benefits.”
Low maintenance façade
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite also
offers a low maintenance solution that retains its
high-quality appearance over time – even when
specified in pale colourways – thanks
to the impervious nature of the
material. Resistant to
discolouration due to U/V or
pollution, Shackerley’s
SureClad Ceramic Granite will
not be damaged by the effects
of freeze/thaw conditions and is
resistant to abrasion, graffiti and
algae growth. It is also certified as an A1 noncombustible
material to BS EN 13501-1.
To create contrast with the pale-coloured LOPAR
SureClad Ceramic Granite panels, Langtry
Images show Shackerley’s SureClad
Ceramic Granite ventilated façade
system which was used at Ilkley
Grammar School.
Langton Architects also
specified the Shackerley
SureClad system in Rio Black.
This colourway has been used to
create horizontal details at the top and
bottom of each elevation and for the window
reveals and soffits.
Tony Hubbard continued: “The Shackerley team
was very helpful and provided fully-mounted
samples to aid our product selection process.
Being able to specify both façade materials from
the same supplier and inspect the samples made
specification much easier.”
Ease of installation
The SureClad system was pre-fabricated as
installation-ready panels at Shackerley’s ISO
9001 accredited factory in Lancashire. Each fullytraceable
consignment was sent to site on a justin-time
basis, aligned to the installation schedule
of the cladding contractor, Specialist Cladding
Systems (SCS), part of CA Group.
Kevin Baynes, Project Manager at SCS
commented: “The lightweight SureClad panels
are not only ideal for a lighter structure but are
also much easier to handle on site. For this
project we used the SureClad Hang On system,
which was very easy to work with, and
Shackerley made it easy to identify each panel on
the installation schedule, which helped the
project run smoothly.”
Contact Shackerley
01257 273114
www.Shackerley.com
52 TC MAY 2021

Cladding & Sheeting Updates
SAFE SOLUTIONS
MechSlip, the innovative brick slip cladding Extremely lightweight, the mechanically fixed
system developed by Ibstock Kevington and brick slip system delivers all the benefits of a
Ash & Lacy, has been awarded BBA
natural clay brick but is more than 50% lighter
certification, incorporating a third-party than traditional masonry, reducing structural
assured A1 Fire Rating.
loads. What’s more, it is the first brick system to
use Ibstock Brick and contain no combustible
The certification is an important step forward for
parts – a key safety consideration.
the MechSlip solution, as it means it can be
specified and installed with confidence on highrise
residential buildings above 18 metres. The off-site and delivered to developments ready to
The system is also adaptable to being assembled
accreditation affords MechSlip compliance with install – an innovation that is both labour saving
Approved Document B of the Building
and cost effective.
Regulations, which addresses fire safety matters
Iain Durrant, Managing Director at Ibstock
within and around buildings.
Kevington, said: “The MechSlip system is the
Born out of a partnership between the UK’s result of prolonged investment and collaboration
largest brickwork special shape and masonry between Ibstock Kevington and Ash & Lacy, and
fabrication company, Ibstock Kevington, and Ash represents a game changing solution for
& Lacy, specialists in engineered building
architects and specifiers. Achieving BBA
envelope systems, MechSlip is totally unique to certification is a vital step forward for the
the UK market.
product. Stringently tested in a real world testing
MechSlip from Ibstock Kevington and Ash & Lacy.
environment, achieving one of the highest fire
safety ratings available means MechSlip can be
specified and installed with utmost confidence.”
Adam Taylor, Commercial Director at Ash & Lacy,
added: “Lightweight, easy-to-install, aesthetically
pleasing and rigorously tested, MechSlip
represents a total package solution for architects
and specifiers. The collaboration between Ibstock
Kevington and Ash & Lacy has enabled us to
combine our individual expertise to create a
cladding system that meets the exacting needs of
the architect and specifier of today.”
https://mechslip.co.uk
MAGPLY DELIVERS FOR FIRE SAFETY
Widely specified for its fire resistance and all round stability in the cladding build-up to
apartment blocks, as well as a render backer and sheathing board, IPP’s highly versatile Magply
boards have been employed by a regional developer as a fireproof sarking board beneath
traditional thatched roofing for a development in a beautiful Dorset village.
The 12mm thick version of the high performance MgO material was selected by Poole-based Charlew
Developments, to comply with the project architect’s performance specification for the solitary
thatched roof building on a nine house scheme in the village of Owermoigne, near Dorchester.
Backed by BDA Agrement certification, Magply MgO
boards present a fire-safe and environmentally friendly
alternative to conventional plywood or OSB products.
Reflecting an aesthetic ethos similar to that adopted for Prince Charles’ landmark Poundbury development on the outskirts of Dorchester, local planners
made the inclusion of a thatched property a stipulation of planning permission for the development and the exterior to the four bedroom dwelling also
includes panels of flint-work between the bands of handmade brick which form the window surrounds.
The thatch was installed by specialist roofing company RV Miller from Keynes Wareham in Dorset. The overall roof construction saw the 12mm Magply
boards being nailed down across the main rafters and covered by a breather membrane before battens were secured in the conventional manner,
running across the pitches. The authentic reed thatch was then laid up the pitch and shaped around the eyebrow dormers at the roof edge and verges.
The site agent for Charlew Developments, Jules Peach, commented: “The project architects, Anders Roberts, specified the use of a one hour fire
resisting board to be installed beneath the thatch covering. I researched a number of different board types before talking to our merchant, Travis
Perkins, which recommended the Magply product. We have found the boards very straightforward to cut and fix before covering them with the breather
membrane and battens.” www.magply.co.uk
54 TC MAY 2021

GREAT
PROFIT MARGINS
REPLACEMENT ROOF MARKET,
A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR INSTALLERS.
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01772 828060 | SALES@SUPALITEROOF.CO.UK | WWW.SUPALITEROOF.CO.UK

PIR Insulation
A PIR-FECT FIT FOR FLAT ROOFS
Nigel Blacklock, of flat roofing specialists Bauder and vice-President of Insulation
Manufacturers Association, looks at the benefits of using a reliable, durable system
incorporating PIR insulation in flat roofing applications.
Roofs must offer year-round protection
against the elements, therefore insulation
that offers excellent thermal performance
and durability is absolutely crucial. Insulation
plays an important role in protecting the built
environment and helping buildings achieve the
net zero 2050 targets. PIR products offer the best
solution when it comes to selecting an insulant to
suit a range of building types and can be used in
flat, pitched and tapered roofs. PIR continues to
be the maintstay of flat roofing with around 70%
of flat roofs using this versatile insulation.
Thermal performance
As a result of its excellent thermal performance,
with a design lambda value typically as low as
0.022W/mK, PIR insulation offers one of the
thinnest methods of achieving the current U-
value requirements of Building Regulations and
Technical Standards – an essential characteristic
in the drive to reach net zero carbon goals in
2050.
Tapered insulation
Tapered roofs have become
increasingly popular but
provide their own unique
challenges. To maintain
thermal performance of a
heated building, BS 6229:2018
states the minimum U-value of
0.35W/m²K must be achieved at any point on the
roof. Whilst vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are
very thin and offer excellent thermal performance,
they are very expensive and are used sparingly,
usually in conjunction with PIR. However, it is
possible to achieve this required minimum U-
value with PIR tapered from 60mm upwards, thus
demonstrating the design flexibility of the product
including an effective drainage scheme.
Strength and stability
Strength and stability is important to provide a
solid, stable substrate for the waterproofing.
PIR’s compressive strength and dimensional
Left: Nigel Blacklock of Bauder
and Vice President of the IMA.
stability is integral to its specification
for a range of flat roof applications
which means it is able to withstand
foot traffic; a major benefit in relation to
roof maintenance, as well as protecting the
waterproofing itself. Many common waterproofing
systems are bonded to the insulation so the
interlaminar strength of PIR adds to the overall
excellent performance of flat roofing systems
under wind loading.
All these characteristics provide the long term
and reliable performance that have become the
minimum expectation of a high performing flat
roof system.
All-round performer
PIR insulation is able to achieve the highest fire
classification of Broof(t4) when tested in
accordance with TS 1187 and classified to EN
13501-5.
In terms of performance, PIR is a true all-rounder.
As well as its key role in flat roofing it can be
used in all types of wall and floor projects too, as
its strength, durability and thermal performance
are important in creating healthy, comfortable
buildings. By helping to decrease the energy
consumption of such properties, PIR not only
plays a part in reducing household bills, it is
contributing to the cultivation of a built
environment that is just as remarkable for its
long-standing sustainability.
Contact IMA
www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk
@IMA_Org
56 TC MAY 2021

Insulation solutions
for flat roofs
Recticel Insulation is an experienced flat roofing partner,
providing innovative and reliable insulation solutions for
flat roof applications.
Discover the ideal solution for your flat roof project at
recticelinsulation.co.uk

Fabric-First Approach
ACHIEVING AS-DESIGNED ENERGY
PERFORMANCE ON PROJECTS
By Simon Blackham, Technical Manager at Recticel Insulation.
get out of life what you put in’ is an
often repeated phrase which could just
‘You
as easily apply to building design. A
property’s energy performance is hugely
dependent on the quality of insulant materials
installed within walls, floors and roofs. It’s why
taking a fabric-first approach and prioritising the
composition of a building’s key structural
elements is seen as crucial to achieving a desired
level of sustainability.
Poorly-insulated homes not only prove costly to
the householder in terms of higher-than-average
fuel bills, but the environment also pays a price.
A report by the Institution of Engineering and
Technology (IET) and Nottingham Trent University
revealed that energy use in UK homes accounts
for about 20% of UK greenhouse gas emissions,
three-quarters of which derives from heating and
hot water. A reduction in this figure will be among
measures needed to be taken if the UK’s
government pledge for carbon neutrality by 2050
is to become reality.
Building priorities
When it comes to a building’s
design, prioritising the fabric,
including the structure of
walls, floors and roofs, will
ensure a property – if built and
insulated correctly – will have an
increased capability to perform as
intended.
The fabric-first process enables homes to achieve
lower U-values and improved airtightness without
the need to install renewable technologies such
as air source heart pumps and biomass boilers –
equipment that can be costly and complicated to
maintain and operate. This fabric-led approach
also means a home’s thermal efficiency can be
significantly improved without radically rethinking
the way the building itself is designed and
constructed.
A key part of achieving this fabric-first approach
is through the correct specification of materials
and understanding how materials perform with
each other i.e. as a system.
Furthermore, manufacturers are
continually looking at ways to
improve buildability through
products that offer simpler and
more reliable methods of
installation to aid contractors and
ensure buildings are built asdesigned.
Benefits of PIR
One example of innovation designed to aid
building is the development of polyisocyanurate
(PIR) insulation, which is rapidly becoming the
go-to solution for specifiers in search of a more
reliable, durable and sustainable alternative to
mineral or glass wool. The panels satisfy two vital
factors for designing effective insulation solutions
for new, as well as existing buildings: low thermal
conductivity and durable performance. Such
properties are a prerequisite for ensuring homes
perform as designed and in the long-term,
creating healthy, comfortable interiors which are
cost-effective to maintain.
With lambda values as low as 0.022 W/mK, PIR
insulation panels provide excellent performance.
This, coupled with their slim composition, means
they require less space to achieve the same U-
value as other insulation materials. For mineral
wool to attain the same level of thermal
performance as a PIR panel such as Recticel’s
flagship full-fill cavity wall product Eurowall+ –
which helps to achieve a 0.18 U-value with a
90mm-thick panel in a 100mm cavity – a much
thicker insulation and overall wall width would be
required. Once the cavity width grows, wall-tie
lengths have to be increased and window and
door lintels expanded. The whole building process
becomes more expansive and costly, as original
58 TC MAY 2021

(QUITE INTERESTING)
INSULATION FA
ACTS
By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd)
designs and the property’s overall thermal performance risk being
compromised.
PIR’s structural strength also enables a consistent performance that will
last for generations; negating costly repairs and maintaining its thermal
qualities. PIR insulation is also renowned for its adaptability. It is the ideal
solution for a range of applications such as floors, walls, pitched and flat
roofing.
Innovations, such as the tongue and groove joint which features on all four
sides of Eurowall+, have helped further establish PIR performance levels.
The 10mm air gap, which is created by a 90mm Eurowall+ PIR board
achieving a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K in a traditional 100mm masonry cavity
wall, makes for a more convenient fit for bricklayers when it comes to
installing the insulation. This approach to recording lower U-values while
maintaining traditional cavity widths and ensuring build quality means asdesigned
can be achieved.
Future comforts
Fabric-first involves taking a reassuringly back-to-basics approach to
building design. It provides a solid foundation for achieving thermal
performance that is optimal and consistent. Specifying first-rate insulants
for a property’s structural framework will significantly reduce the risk of a
second-rate outcome in terms of its sustainability. Such considerations are
vital if we are intent on reducing the built environment’s carbon footprint for
the safety and comfort of future generations.
BBA
Building Bulletin 4,
what is it and what’s changed?
Guidelines for Eur opean Technical
Appr
oval of Inverted R
oof
Insulation Kits
Part 1: General
So, what has changed in the decade since this IB No 4 was originally
published?
Drainage
Zero pitch roofs
U-value corrections
https://www.quantuminsulation.com/downloads/
Next month’s QI by QI – ‘What are the impacts of
multi-layer insulatio on
in an inverted roof
oof?’
Contact Recticel
www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/
@RecticelInsulUK
MAY 2021 TC 59

All You Need to Know About:
WATER FLOW REDUCING LAYERS...
In the first of a new series of articles from Polyfoam XPS, Rob Firman (pictured) looks at
water flow reducing layers (WFRLs) – an essential part of inverted flat roof construction.
Designers and installers of flat roofing solutions are often expected to be experts in the products
they’re using, as well as how to use them. Such expectations can be unrealistic when the
marketplace is full of conflicting advice concerning what you ‘should’ know about every available
system or component. In this new series of articles, I will look at the different parts of flat roofing design
and construction and explain what contractors need to know. This month, I will focus on water
flow reducing layers (WFRLs), which are an essential part of inverted flat roof construction...
What is the role of a WFRL on an
inverted roof?
An inverted flat roof features the waterproofing
layer installed directly on the structural deck.
Above the waterproofed deck, an inverted roof
system, or ‘kit’, is loose laid and secured by
ballast. The system is a combination of thermal
insulation and a membrane, called a water flow
reducing layer. The ballast is typically gravel or
paving slabs.
This arrangement allows a roof to be waterproofed
sooner and protects the waterproofing layer from
UV exposure and freeze thaw actions.
Why is it important to install a WFRL
correctly?
Because of the location of the waterproofing
below the thermal insulation, WFRLs were
developed as a way to limit the ingress of
moisture into inverted roof systems.
The membrane is loose laid over the thermal
insulation layer and acts as a barrier to
significantly reduce the volume of rainwater
reaching the waterproofing.
The WFRL is not a waterproof layer and no
standards or guidance relating to inverted roofs
suggest otherwise. Some moisture is still
expected to reach the waterproofing layer and
relevant corrections are applied to U-value
calculations accordingly.
If you have to obtain U-value calculations for an
inverted roof construction, there are two
adjustments that should be applied:
• The thermal conductivity of the
insulation should be adjusted by a
moisture correction factor.
• A rainwater cooling correction should
be applied to the whole calculation to give the
final U-value.
Both adjustments are important, but the accuracy
of the rainwater cooling correction is particularly
dependent on a high quality WFRL installation being
achieved on site. A poorly installed WFRL, or no
WFRL at all, would lead to a much greater level of
rainwater cooling occurring on the completed roof.
How should a WFRL be installed?
The structural roof deck should be fully
waterproofed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s design guidance and details.
Insulation suitable for inverted roof applications –
such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) – should then
be loose laid in a brick bond pattern, again in
accordance with instructions and details provided.
A summary of WFRL installation:
• Lay the WFRL over the roof insulation at right
angles to the slope of the roof.
• Make sure all side and end overlaps are a
minimum of 300mm, and that end overlaps are in
the direction of the downward slope.
• Turn up the membrane at upstands and
penetrations so it finishes above the surface of
the ballast.
• As both the insulation and the WFRL are loose
“WFRLs were developed
as a way to limit the
ingress of moisture
into inverted roof
systems”
laid, it is recommended to install
only as much of the system as can
be ballasted at the time. Further
guidance is available in LRWA
Guidance Note 14.
What are common issues with WFRL
installation?
BS 6229:2018 refers to post-construction damage
as being one cause of poor WFRL performance, so
another reason for laying ballast on an advancing
front is to protect the membrane from site traffic
as materials are moved across the roof.
Correct drainage and roof falls are a topic for
discussion all on their own, but they are critical to
the success of a WFRL installation. Back falls
should never be allowed to occur on a roof, and
are a potential reason for worse than expected
performance of a WFRL. If a back fall causes
rainwater flow across the roof in the opposite
direction to the intended fall, it may flow under an
end lap.
Because a WFRL is an effective barrier to
rainwater, but not waterproof, the inverted roof
should be designed with dual-level drainage.
Rainwater outlets are detailed to drain at both
WFRL level and waterproofing level, and should
be installed accordingly. Part of that correct
installation is ensuring that the WFRL is turned
down at outlets.
Contact Polyfoam XPS
www.polyfoamxps.co.uk
@PolyfoamXPS
60 TC MAY 2021

NON-COMBUSTIBL E EXTERNAL UPSTA
AND BOARD
ROCKFACE A2
www.q
uantuminsulation.com
A2
MAY 2021 TC 61

Tapered Falls & Gutter Details:
MAINTAINING CONSISTENT
INSULATION PERFORMANCE
Designing tapered falls within flat roof insulation simplifies rainwater management and
offers advantages during the construction process, but there are additional considerations
when it comes to performance. Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Building Envelope,
ROCKWOOL UK, explores the benefits of tapered falls and how designers can maintain
consistent insulation performance across a flat roof while accounting for varying
insulation thickness.
Designing tapered falls is one of the most
common rainwater management strategies
for flat roofs, as the gradient ensures
water channelling towards gutter details and
ultimately helps to avoid ‘ponding’ on the roof.
Ponding can accelerate the degradation of roofing
materials, contribute stress to load bearing
elements and even encourage the growth of moss
and algae – making the reduced drying times
offered by tapered falls even more attractive.
During construction, creating the fall and
installing insulation can be achieved in a single
operation by specifying a tapered insulation
system. This helps simplify installation, reduce
site traffic and even cut down on costs.
Key considerations for insulating
tapered falls
Flat roofs featuring tapered falls must achieve
compliance with building regulations including
Approved Document B (ADB) and relevant sectorspecific
guidelines such as BB93 for education,
but there are also key considerations pertaining
specifically to tapered falls.
BS 6229:2018, ‘Flat roofs with continuously
supported flexible waterproof coverings – Code of
practice’ specifies that tapered falls should be
“designed with a fall of 1:40 to ensure finished
drainage falls of 1:80 are achieved”. This means
that insulation thickness will vary across the roof
to maintain the fall, making it more difficult for
designers to ensure that the roof meets the
designated thermal requirements.
As per BS 6229:2018, the roofs of heated
buildings “must be insulated to provide a U-value
that does not exceed 0.35 W/m²K at any point” –
a key consideration at gutter details, where
insulation will typically be at its thinnest.
Designers must then calculate the overall U-value
of the roof factoring in these gutter details as well
as the tapered fall, which is not a case of simply
averaging the insulation thickness across the
roof.
The correct method is given in Annex E of BS EN
ISO 6946, ‘Building components and building

“When designing
tapered falls, the
impact of varying
insulation thickness on
acoustic performance
must be taken into
account”
elements – Thermal resistance and thermal
transmittance – Calculation methods’. This
method accounts for varying insulation thickness
by using an area-weighted average of the
corresponding thermal performance to
accurately calculate the overall U-
value across the roof.
BS 6229:2018 and BS
8233:2014, ‘Guidance on
sound insulation and
noise reduction for
buildings’, also refer to the
acoustic requirements of flat
roofs. When designing tapered
falls, the impact of varying
insulation thickness on acoustic
performance must be taken into account, and
designers may require insulation that delivers
excellent acoustic performance to meet their
targets.
Managing interfaces between tapered
falls and gutter details
Forming tapered falls with a 1:40 gradient
contributes to water flow towards rainwater
outlets, but gutter details also introduce
insulation considerations. The insulation layer
within a gutter detail will usually be thinner than
most of the flat roof in order to maintain the
gradient required for drainage – and this must be
accounted for when determining the thermal
performance of the roof system as a whole.
In fact, thermal targets are especially relevant at
gutter details where rainwater is concerned, as
there is increased risk of condensation. The 0.35
W/m²K maximum U-value stated in BS
6229:2018 is in place
to avoid or reduce risk
of condensation, and
the document goes on
to state that care should
be taken to ensure
continuity of insulation at
junctions and penetrations.
Maintaining thermal performance via Annex E
calculations and continuous insulation will help
designers to address condensation – but
condensation is not the only risk associated with
flat roofs…
Flat roofs and fire risk
Whether used as a means of escape or a place of
refuge, flat roofs are a key part of a building’s fire
safety strategy. But while the combustible
cladding ban can extend to prohibit combustible
materials on upstands, balconies and terraces, it
stops short of requiring all areas of roof insulation
to be non-combustible. Given the absence of an
outright ban, designers must ensure that they are
familiar with the relevant standards for flat roofs.
Of particular importance are junction details
between the roof and compartment walls, as
covered in ADB Volume 2 Section 8.26. It is
essential that fire cannot spread via the roof
build-up, bypassing compartmentation to enter
new zones – nor go on to take hold within the roof
structure itself.
With all this in mind, there is an increasingly
common trend among designers to use noncombustible
insulation across the whole roof. This
avoids complicated zoning concerns and
streamlines the installation process – which is
especially valuable where contractors will already
be working around tapered falls.
Using non-combustible insulation materials is not
just a best-practice measure for ensuring
effective risk management in today’s market, it
also serves to futureproof buildings and
specifications against changing client demands
and an evolving regulatory landscape.
To support flat roof specification and installation,
ROCKWOOL has launched a new Flat Roof
Resource Hub which brings together all the key
information and resources that roofing
stakeholders may need – saving time and
simplifying flat roof design.
Contact ROCKWOOL UK
www.rockwool.com/uk/flat-roof-hub/
@ROCKWOOLUK
MAY 2021 TC 63

Insulation Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
KNAUF KEY TO DELIVERY
Four years ago, sustainable developer Citu System to install Supafil Frame – a high
set out to create homes 10 times more energy performance, non-combustible blowing wool.
efficient than typical UK houses. To do this,
Supafil Blowing Wool lends itself to offsite
the company invested in a state-of-the-art
production because it completely fills the cavity,
production facility where all the components
without any voids even around complex
for its properties are built offsite.
penetrations – something that can occur when
Thermal performance is critical to energy
insulation slabs or rolls are cut to size. It is also
efficiency. Citu wanted to go far beyond the a dry process, so operatives are not exposed to
regulations to achieve wall build-ups with an any harmful chemicals and it doesn’t require a
extremely low U-value of just 0.10W/m²K. This is dedicated production line.
at least three times better than the U-value
Instead, the system comprises a blowing
achieved in most new build homes and fifteen
machine and a filling plate. The system is
times better than older houses.
modular allowing for phased investment. Citu
Citu turned to Knauf Insulation for advice and opted to install the blowing machine in phase
support in developing the offsite capability one, which allowed them to manually fill the
required for this level of thermal performance. panels. Phase two saw the addition of the
Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team blowing plate, semi-automating the process.
undertook extensive calculations and
Supafil Frame can be run by a single operator,
recommended the Blowing Plate Insulation
Knauf Insulation’s Blowing Plate Insulation System ensures
that cavities are filled to the correct thickness.
fits easily into the existing production line, and
can even be moved quickly and swiftly to other
areas in the manufacturing facility depending on
Citu’s volume capacity requirements.
Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team
provided full training and support during each
phase of installation.
www.knaufinsulation.com
STO PRODUCTS USED IN EDINBURGH’S OLD TOWN
StoTherm Mineral insulation and StoSilco render were used to provide outstanding thermal performance on the
recently completed Peveril Securities King’s Stables Road mixed-use development in Edinburgh’s city centre. This
project illustrates Sto’s ability to work closely with specifiers, contractors and clients to ensure that the most
appropriate solution was chosen for this project.
Located in the Edinburgh Old Town’s historic Grassmarket area, the £40M King’s Stables Road development is a landmark
scheme delivering housing, premium student accommodation, a 4-star apart-hotel and various commercial units, set
around a number of public courtyards. “This was a large project for which a rainscreen cladding system was originally
considered,” said Sto’s Project Manager, Jim Reid. “However, budget constraints meant that an alternative solution was
required. The façades of the buildings feature numerous multi-level surfaces, and any alternative solution had to be able to
accommodate these and various other complex detailing requirements, while still meeting the budgetary requirements.”
Pic: Paul Zanre Photography.
Sto successfully worked in partnership with project architects, Fletcher Joseph Associates, and façade specialists AFS (Scotland) who installed the
StoTherm Mineral system. The result was a fully bespoke insulation system which satisfied all the project requirements. The mineral-fibre insulation
boards used in the StoTherm system provide excellent thermal performance along with unrivalled fire protection, great durability and impressive sound
insulation. The system’s efficient single-leaf construction does not reduce interior space and requires no additional expansion joints. This allowed the
smooth external surfaces which are used in the King’s Stables Road design to be created. Some sections of the development used Sto’s unique Sto-
Rotofix Plus adjustable spiral fixings to secure the insulation boards to the substrate.
“We’ve used Sto’s external wall insulation on many previous projects and find that it performs extremely well,” commented Steve Avery of AFS
(Scotland). “The StoTherm system is very straightforward to install, but still provides a high degree of flexibility which makes it a very practical
solution.” www.sto.co.uk
64 TC MAY 2021

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Insulation Updates
ISOGARD HD GROWTH
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
Permaroof has added Firestone ISOGARD HD for the insulation material in the UK.
to its growing portfolio of building products – Manufactured with a 100% fibreglass, mould,
making the innovative and environmentallyfriendly
polyiso board more widely available performing product – which adds structural
and moisture-resistant facer, the high-
to the UK market.
strength to an entire roofing system and helps to
absorb the effects of hail, foot traffic and other Adrian Buttress, MD at Permaroof, said: “When
Firestone ISOGARD HD – a 12.7mm thick polyiso
potentially damaging impacts – works to
foot traffic on a roof is heavy, mineral wood
board that has been designed for use as a cover
minimise energy use and reduce waste, helping boards run the risk of being crushed or, in the
board – launched in the US in 2017 and until
to ensure a healthy environment for current and case of plastic foam insulations, the adhesion of
now, had been sold in the UK on a low key,
future generations. It is also easy to cut and the facer to the foam can be affected. The
project-by-project basis. Permaroof has already
handle for quick installation around roofing Firestone ISOGARD HD cover board spreads the
sold more than 3,000m² of the product on a very
details such as drains or other penetrations, load and protects the boards underneath.”
low-key pilot scheme – showing a high demand
reducing installation time and labour costs. www.permaroof.co.uk
FUNDING BOOST FOR YBS INSULATION
Insulation manufacturer YBS Insulation has received a £250,000 loan to progress its growth plans.
YBS secured the finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund East & South East Midlands Debt Finance
Fund, managed by Maven Capital Partners. The business, based in Creswell, Derbyshire, will use the funding to
invest in new production machinery to increase its output capacity, as well as strengthening its sales and
Above: Simon Sharkey, YBS Insulation.
marketing function. The deal will help YBS continue to generate new business opportunities by enhancing its digital
presence, improving its e-platform and growing its social media presence. YBS specialises in producing building
insulation products for private homes and the construction sector such as multi-foil insulation, bubble laminates, cavity closers and foil membranes.
Simon Sharkey, Managing Director at YBS, commented: “This marks another exciting milestone for YBS as we look to continuously improve our customer
offering though new product developments and improved efficiency. We have significantly advanced the business over recent years, but this will provide
the investment to really accelerate our plans. Jonathan and Maven have been instrumental in securing this investment and we at YBS are looking
forward to building on this relationship.’’ www.ybsinsulation.com / www.mavencp.com
ROCKWOOL: ‘USE LESS, GREEN THE REST’ WORKS BEST
Trucost, part of S&P Global, has classified all ROCKWOOL Group products as having a positive impact on the UN Sustainable Development
Goals, while the company has met or exceeded two of its six sustainability targets ahead of time.
As governments and societies continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, greening the economic recovery takes on even greater significance.
ROCKWOOL Group’s Sustainability Report 2020 details the contribution the company’s product makes toward this goal, including updates on operational
improvements and progress on supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Reducing energy and resource consumption is essential to
addressing the global climate challenge, and ROCKWOOL products play a key role. “Saving energy first and then using renewables is the most costeffective
way of decarbonising society. That is why we continue saying the best approach is to ‘use less and green the rest’”, commented ROCKWOOL
CEO Jens Birgersson. Jens Birgersson continued: “We are proud that S&P Global Trucost has again classified all our products as SDG positive, meaning
they have a positive impact on reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we pursue a factbased
and auditable approach to document how we maximise our products’ impact and minimise the impact of our operations.” Notably, the S&P Global
Trucost organisation has assessed more than 15,000 companies globally and finds that ROCKWOOL is among top 10 when it comes to the positive
impact from its products. www.rockwool.com/uk/
66 TC MAY 2021

Article
Safety Products
A SHARPER FOCUS ON EYE SAFETY
AND FACE PROTECTION PRODUCTS
From the experts at Hultafors Group UK and Hellberg Safety...
Face Protection products, such as safety
glasses, masks and visors, have all been
brought into much sharper focus during the
Covid-19 pandemic. They’re all critical
components in the PPE framework that ensures
wellbeing and safety at work.
In business and industrial environments, the use
of Face Protection products should be second
nature. But believe it or not, a recent report
showed that many men are now more concerned
about face masks of the cosmetic kind than
personal safety and protection on site.
A poll of 1,000 people found that British males
spend an average £760-a-year on ‘essentials’ to
keep their skin in tip-top condition. That’s
probably far more than a single person would
spend on PPE in a year. What’s more it’s
estimated that the UK market for men’s face care
products is worth over £77 million a year!
But anti-wrinkle creams, facial washes, scrubs
and face masks will hardly provide proper
protection of vital facial features when working in
hazardous environments. Sadly, accidents
happen all the time, sometimes in the most
innocuous situations that we might ordinarily take
for granted – like strimming the garden, jet
washing the patio, cutting wood or drilling a wall.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, industrial and
construction-related work has a much higher rate
of facial injuries than any other with hazards many
and varied. Impact injuries can be caused by flying
objects such as stone or brick fragments, particles
of dirt and dust, tiny pieces of metal and splinters
caused by hammering, chipping, grinding,
machining, wood working, sawing, and drilling.
Chemicals and extreme heat sources are also
dangerous to the face. Splashes, fumes, vapours
and irritating mists can scald and burn while
welding arcs, UV radiation and intense light can
damage your eyes. The consequences of facial
injuries are serious, potentially life-threatening. Not
just time off work and loss of pay as a result of short
or long-term injuries, there’s the potential for
something more significant. An injury can cause a
lifetime of permanent disfigurement, even loss of
sight. Surely that’s a good enough reason for using
proper eye and face protection products all the time?
That said, some people will always find a reason
not to. Cheap face protection products are
‘uncool’, they ‘fog up’ and are often unwearable
because pressure, pinching and slipping points
are a nightmare for users, and the PPE ends up
on top of workers’ heads or in their pockets
instead of over their eyes.
What to look for in the best safety eyewear
Comfort, protection and fit is really important, as
are lightweight, durable materials to provide
complete protection and flexibility of design for
combination with other PPE including ear
defenders, safety helmets, and visors.
Also, look out for specially developed lens
technology for impact-resistance plus anti-scratch
and anti-fog coatings on both sides, as well as
styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.
Around the lens, ergonomic designs should
incorporate practical features, like a soft nose
bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, which ensure the
glasses stay in place and fit safely allowing you to
keep a sharp focus all day long.
What to look for in the best face
protection visors
BS EN 166:2002 is the International Standard for
eye and face protection covering personal
protective eye wear in the form of Visors and Eye
Shields, and it’s important to look for this standard
when you’re choosing what products to use.
Think carefully about hazards in the work
environment and look for a product that is
designed for a comfortable, tight and ergonomic
fit for maximum protection, especially so that no
objects get around the edges of the visor. The
visor should cover your face from at least the
forehead to the base of the chin.
The best quality Visors are available in different
materials, thickness and size which correspond to
specific hazard protection. You can even get Visors
that are treated with an anti-fog coating. Don’t
assume that a basic product that you might use
for strimming or jet washing will provide maximum
effective protection on a construction site.
Continued on page 70

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Safety Products
Continued from page 68
Top quality SAFE face protection from
Hellberg Safety
Hellberg Safety specialist PPE products include
highly advanced face protection products, noise
hazard protection and communication solutions
for personal safety and wellbeing on site.
Hellberg’s interoperable face protection products
offer helmet and visor solutions to suit a variety
of internal and external work situations. With a
standard product design across the range, users
are able to mix and match visors, carriers, and
hearing protectors for complete ‘headband-only’
or ‘safety helmet’ solutions that protect against
the hazards faced in differing task environments.
Everything single component in the Hellberg
Safety PPE range combines the hallmarks of
advanced technology, quality and comfort with
superb, practical protection for the hazards you’re
likely to face – whatever job you’re doing in highrisk
work environments.
Find focus with Hellberg’s range of allnew
specialist safety glasses and goggles
Renowned for its hi-spec PPE that includes
advanced hearing protection products, face
protection and communication solutions,
Hellberg Safety has launched a new range of
safety eyewear.
With a wide range of street-smart styles, from
basic to premium – the new range ensures a
consistently clear line of sight and safe vision for
professional tradesmen and women wherever
they’re working on site.
Built with lightweight, durable materials and
specially developed lens technology, the eyewear
provides complete protection, and comfort
throughout the working day and can be easily
combined with other PPE including ear defenders,
safety helmets, and visors.
With a focus on enhanced safety in all
conditions, Hellberg Safety Eyewear has
impact-resistant lenses with anti-scratch and
“Hellberg’s interoperable face protection
products offer helmet and visor solutions to suit
a variety of internal and external work situations”
“The new range
ensures a consistently
clear line of sight and
safe vision for
professional
tradesmen and women
wherever they’re
working on site”
anti-fog coating on both sides, and there are
styles that can be worn over prescription
glasses.
Around the lens, the ergonomic design,
incorporates practical features, like a soft nose
bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, making sure
the glasses stay in place and fit safely, allowing
you to keep your focus all day long.
With Hellberg Safety Visor Protection prices
starting at only £17* and good quality Eyewear
at £9*, it’s a worthwhile investment in longerlasting
Eye and Face Protection – and a lot more
effective than anti-wrinkle cream!
*RRP, plus VAT.
Contact Hultafors Group UK / Hellberg Safety
01484 854788
www.hellbergsafety.com
70 TC MAY 2021

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Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
MORE CORDLESS POWER
Makita has expanded its high-performance
40VMax XGT range with the launch of nine
new tools, including the company’s first twin
40VMax (80VMax) machines.
The new additions all feature Makita’s high
efficiency brushless motors and offer leading
performance and run-times due to advances in
battery technology and Makita’s innovative
brushless motors that minimise friction and
wasted energy within the machine. The new
40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary
Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable
speed control and two operating modes – rotary
hammer and hammer only. It has a rotary speed
of 150 to 310 rpm and delivers 1,100 to 2,250
blows per minute (bpm).
Makita has also launched a Brushless Combi Drill,
Brushless Brad Nailer and two Brushless Circular
saws, all of which utilise the powerful 40VMax XGT
battery system. The versatile HP002GZ 40VMax
XGT Brushless Combi Drill (pictured) has a
mechanical 2-speed control (high and low), a
variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for
full user control. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing
Manager at Makita UK, said: “We are delighted to
launch the new additions to the XGT range,
including the first of our 80VMax XGT line up.
These new high performance tools provide
customers with even greater choice in utilising
cordless power. With Makita’s expertise in battery
technology, users are now offered the
performance levels and productivity of specialist
corded tools but with all the safety and flexibility
that cordless offers.”
www.makitauk.com
STREET-SMART SHORT COMFORT ON SITE!
Combining 4-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with street-smart, slim-fit designs,
Snickers says its new work shorts are great for grafting in the warmer months.
These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric
with CORDURA reinforcements for durability and all-round mobility when you need it most.
The Men’s FLEXIWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams and also have easy-to-access
holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler pocket. The
AllroundWork women’s multi-purpose slim-fit shorts have 4-way stretch panels in the right places for
consistent comfort, practical pockets for optimal functionality and great freedom of movement.
For professional tradespeople who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who
want the ultimate in cool comfort this summer. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
STACKED IN YOUR FAVOUR
Milwaukee has introduced an essential range of PACKOUT Drawers that enable rapid and easy
access to your tools, even if they’re at the bottom of the PACKOUT stack.
Available in two options, the two and three drawer models both include steel ball bearings that
support up to 11kg per drawer and an advanced locking security bar – which can be locked with a
padlock – that prevents drawers from opening during transit.
Quick-adjust drawer dividers are supplied with each drawer, allowing users to organise their tools
and accessories exactly how they want them for speed and convenience. PACKOUT’s famous durable
construction enables a weight capacity of 22kg, plus its metal reinforced corners and impact
resistant polymer construction allow for the ultimate resilience.
https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu
72 TC MAY 2021

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Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
HULTAFORS ADDS TO OFFERING
The Hultafors Group has completed the
acquisition of the Fristads, Kansas and
Leijona protective wear brands
following approval by the relevant
competition authorities.
Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the
Hultafors Group UK, said: “All three are
well-known brands in professional
workwear with well-established market
positions in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and
will complement the Snickers Workwear
brand throughout the European market
very well indeed.”
With a portfolio of premium PPE brands that
includes Snickers Workwear, Hellberg Safety,
as well as EMMA, Solid Gear Safety Footwear
and Hultafors Tools, the Hultafors Group
serves markets throughout Europe and North
America.
Its aim is to continue to drive the
development of all its brands with a focus
on customer value, product innovation and
sustainability.
Find out more about the Hultafors Group
product range; call 01484 854788 or email
sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AMBASSADORS
Are you interested in testing a wide range of products from market leader WernerCo? If so, you could
become one of five Werner Approved ambassadors who will be asked to put a whole range of Werner
products to the test, and provide expert and honest product reviews.
The five successful individuals will receive a supply of the latest products from WernerCo, in addition to
several of its best-selling products to put to the test and review whilst on the job. As well as getting to test out
these brand-new products before anybody else, the Werner Approved Ambassadors will also take part in
marketing activity for WernerCo, featuring in social media content and photography, providing an opportunity to promote their own skills and businesses.
Joanne Mitchell, Head of Marketing at WernerCo, commented: “We are excited to begin the search for our very first team of Werner Approved
Ambassadors. To fully represent the wide range of applications that our products can be used for, we’re looking forward to appointing Ambassadors from
a variety of different trades such as builders, electricians, plumbers and decorators.”
Find out more info about how to apply in the news section at www.wernerco.co.uk
A FOCUS ON FALL PROTECTION
Newly released Toolbox Talks, designed to share specific safety messages on work sites, are now
available from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). They are two short presentations
aimed at explaining the use of personal fall-prevention equipment (PFPE) when using Mobile
Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and what to look for when checking PFPE before use.
IPAF’s Andy Access posters and Toolbox Talks are
available free to download from
The presentations are available in English with other languages to follow soon. They add to the existing
www.ipaf.org/AndyAccess and
suite of Toolbox Talks, which supplement the simple safety messages contained in the popular series of www.ipaf.org/toolboxtalks.
Andy Access posters for work sites. The Toolbox Talks can be found on the IPAF website at www.ipaf.org/toolboxtalks with IPAF’s Andy Access posters at
www.ipaf.org/AndyAccess. All are free to download and available to users of MEWP or Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) equipment.
Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, said: “These Toolbox Talks are already being used enthusiastically by managers and supervisors on a whole range of
sites. They are a simple way for employers to get simple safety messages across. IPAF is committed to delivering a range of Toolbox Talks to complement
the Andy Access series of posters and all are free for anyone to download.” www.ipaf.org
74 TC MAY 2021

GREENSCAPE
MAGAZINE
In collaboration with
the Green Roofing
Association.
If you supply green
roofing products to
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Ensuring Best Practice for Green Roof & Solar PV Projects
MAGAZINE
For advertising
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07963 330777
Jake Roxborough
07956 133314
In collaboration with the Green Roofing Association.
From the publishers of

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