March 2022

MARCH 2022 

SUPPORT IS BY Y 

OUR 

SIDE 

to inspect, record and audit installations of firestops, 

cavity barriers and acoustic barrier systems. 

The Siderise Inspector App provides a simple, easy-to-use 

process for recording the progress and quality of the installation 

of all of Siderise standard firestop, cavity barrier and acoustic 

barrier systems. It 

allows the user to effective 

ely digitally inspect, 

rec 

ecord and seamlessly sly audit the quality of the 

installa 

tallation tion work. 

Scan here 

for more 

information: 

>>> SAFE2TORCH FOCUS • CHANGING PERCEPTIONS • FLAT ROOFING • VENTILATION >>>

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Editor’s Comment 

MATT DOWNS 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK 

07963 330774 

SUP 

PORT IS 

BY Y 

OU 

R 

SIDE 

to inspec ct, record and audit installations of firestops, 

cavity ba rriers and acoustic barrier systems. 

The Siderise Inspector App provides a simple, easy-to-use 

Scan here 

process for recording the progress and quality of the installation 

for more 

of all of Sider rise standard firestop, cavity 

barrier and acoustic 

information: 

barrier system ms. It allows the user to effectively digitally inspect, 

rec 

ecord and seamlessly sly audit the quality of the installa 

tallation tion work. 

Competency has been a key word in construction for those throughout 

the supply chain over the last few years, and it’s clear it’s going to be 

central to decision-making when it comes to planning, designing and 

constructing projects moving forward. 

Like all those operating across construction, the spotlight is going be on 

roofing contractors and operatives to ensure best practice. With this in 

mind, in this issue we continue our focus on Safe2Torch. On page 14, as the 

NFRC continues to mark five years since the launch of the Safe2Torch 

initiative, Gary Walpole looks back on the major school fires in 2016 that 

brought about the sector’s greater focus on best practice for hotworks and 

correct use of gas torches, which then led to the Safe2Torch guidance as we 

know it today. As Gary explains: “The focus of the Safe2Torch campaign is 

ensuring that all duty holders, including the client, designer and contractor, 

have an understanding of the factors that contribute to fire risks, as well as 

the safeguards needed to mitigate these risks.” But as Gary explains, 

there’s still much more work to do, and we’ll be looking more closely at 

Safe2Torch and how the sector can ensure best practice and a wider reach 

for this important guidance in future issues of Total Contractor. 

Elsewhere in this issue, Jason Wright explains how we can ensure roofing 

isn’t a last resort for school-leavers (page 16); Sam Tebbs of Marley outlines 

how roofers can get ahead of the game when it comes to Part L (page 20); 

Iain Macpherson of TaperedPlus talks flat roof failures and how to eliminate 

ponding (page 40); and Bradley Hirst of Knauf Insulation provides his 6 top 

tips for a successful roof insulation installation on page 56. 

So read on for all this and much, much more! 

Matt 

Cover courtesy of Siderise Insulation. Graham Laws discusses 

the many benefits of remote tools – such as the Siderise 

Inspection App – for contractors and installers on page 48. 

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Contents 

3 KEY FEATURES 

42 

14 SAFE2TORCH FOCUS 

As NFRC marks five years of Safe2Torch, Gary 

Walpole looks back on how the guidance 

came about and explains why there’s still more 

to do when it comes to hotworks safety 

20 COUNTDOWN TO PART L 

With Part L changes on the horizon, Sam Tebbs 

of Marley says those roofing contractors that 

have taken the time to research, prepare and 

adapt their businesses to embrace the changes 

will be ahead of the game 

40 DESIGNING OUT FAILURE 

Ian Macpherson of TaperedPlus talks flat roof 

failure and explains how the company can assist 

contractors by designing an adequate fall into 

the roof to help eliminate ponding 

54 

FURTHER READING 

16 ROOFING: NO LAST RESORT 

Jason Wright explains why speaking to pupils earlier will 

help change perceptions of the sector and ensure they 

choose roofing rather than it being a last resort 

24 BATTENS: A CRITICAL ELEMENT 

SR Timber and Bloor Homes discuss the importance of 

and graded battens and their role in site safety 

28 ROOF SPACE VENTILATION 

Paul Manning of Manthorpe Building Products looks at 

the challenges around roof space ventilation 

32 ROOFS OF THE FUTURE 

BMI’s Paul Campbell explains how the role of continuous 

learning and upskilling is the key to solving the skills 

shortage and creating the roofs of the future 

24 

42 DECADES OF SLATE SUCCESS 

Ahmed El-Helw, founder and MD of SSQ, reflects on his 

time in the slate sector which began with a tough lesson 

but developed into a successful thirty-year partnership 

with the Del Carmen Quarry 

54 ASK A. PROCTOR GROUP... 

Can you improve the thermal performance of a home 

registered as a listed building? The experts explain all... 

4 TC MARCH 2022

REGULARS 

22 PERFECTLY PITCHED 

A topic that often crops up for John Mercer is 

how to mechanically fix individual replacement 

tiles – he explains all in his latest column 

52 ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW... 

....About: How lifecycle assessment is reported 

in EPDs. Rob Firman of Polyfoam XPS explains 

what contractors need to know about a 

product’s environmental impact 

56 KNAUF INSULATION 

TECH TALK 

Bradley Hirst gives his six top tips for a 

successful loft insulation installation 

59 QI BY QI 

The experts at QI discuss the benefits of coated 

VIPs in this month’s column 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

06 LEADWORK TRAINING 

Bellshill-based DMG Academy of Roofing now offers the 

LSTA City & Guilds accredited Basic Leadwork Course 

08 SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT! 

Entries are now open for the BMI’s Apprentice of the Year 

competition, have you got what it takes to win it?! 

SECTIONS: 

TOTAL 

ROOFING 

20 

TOTAL 

CLADDING 

46 

TOTAL 

INSULATION 

52 

8 

VEHICLES, TOOLS 

& WORKWEAR 

62 

MARCH 2022 TC 5

Industry News 

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

NEW LSTA LEADWORK TRAINING OFFERING FOR ROOFERS IN SCOTLAND 

The DMG Academy of Roofing in Bellshill, 

North Lanarkshire, is now a Lead Sheet 

Training Academy (LSTA) satellite training 

centre for Scotland and the wider area, 

offering the City & Guilds accredited 

Traditional Basic Leadwork courses. 

Launched by Darren McGhee, Managing Director 

of DMG Services Group, the DMG Academy of 

Roofing is located on Strathclyde Business Park 

and offers Roof Slating & Tiling Courses, but 

having noticed the poor standard of leadwork on 

sites he was working on and the lack of lead 

training provision in the area, Darren took the 

decision utilise his facility for leadwork training to 

upskill and raise standards in Scotland. 

Darren explained: “By offering these courses, we 

see a great opportunity to help roofing and 

leadwork in general, but to help it particularly in 

Scotland – if we offer the Basic Courses, we 

capture the attention of roofers and we can send 

them on for the Intermediate and Advanced 

courses, so we’re working with the LSTA to raise 

standards and promote best 

Operations, is pleased have 

practice in the industry.” 

Darren and his team on board 

providing quality training and 

Darren has brought on board 

excellent facilities in Scotland. 

Lead specialist Craig 

He explained: “For us, it’s all 

McCamley, Owner of CJM 

about quality provision and 

Leadwork Specialists, to carry 

making sure that the provision 

out the training at the DMG 

is in the areas that it’s needed. 

Academy of Roofing. Craig also 

It’s about positioning ourselves 

welcomes the move to raise 

where we know there’s demand, 

standards in leadwork and 

but we don’t take satellite 

recognises the need for the 

centres on lightly – we’ve been 

LSTA training provision in 

asked many times if people can 

Scotland: “There’s a severe 

become a satellite centre and 

skills shortage in Scotland, L-r: Darren McGhee, John Lewis and Craig 

McCamley at the LSTA Training Facility in Kent. I’ve refused, because of the 

especially when it comes to 

standard of the facilities. 

leadwork. We’re not bringing enough new guys 

through – a lot of guys are installing lead but not “Hence the reason I approached Darren – 

doing it correctly. Obviously guys up north coming because I knew he had set up an academy, they 

down south to train isn’t ideal – it’s a long have great premises, and that is all part of it for 

journey, hence the reason we’re getting this up me – making sure the environment’s right for the 

and running in Scotland.” 

people coming in.” 

John Lewis, LSTA Director of Training & 

Find out more at: dmgservicesgroup.co.uk 

GRO FOCUSES ON BEST PRACTICE WITH NBS PARTNERSHIP 

The Green Roofing Organisation (GRO) has 

announced a new partnership with NBS, the 

platform providing construction specification 

information used by architects, engineers and 

other building professionals. 

The organisations say the collaboration will help 

specifiers access the most accurate specification 

guidance to ensure the many environmental and 

health benefits that Green Roofs provide are 

realised. 

A key focus of GRO is ensuring that the expert 

knowledge its members have gained is shared 

with designers. Through this collaboration, GRO 

says its wealth of expertise covering different 

systems including, biosolar roofs and blue roofs 

will now be shared with NBS users, enabling 

them to benefit from these systems and ensuring 

best practice with regards to specification and 

installation. 

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, 

Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “Architects 

and landscape designers have been key in the 

transition of green roofing from niche to 

mainstream. Yet due to the rapidly evolving 

nature of the solutions available, it was crucial 

that we had access to experts in the field, who 

have real world knowledge of the realities of 

specifying, installing and maintaining these green 

roofs, along with the latest guidance around 

biosolar and blue roofs. Working with GRO will 

ensure that specifiers can be confident they’ve 

access to the latest and most trusted guidance.” 

Mark Harris, (pictured) Chair of GRO, explained: 

“NBS provides key resources for the design and 

specification of buildings 

in the UK, including the 

specification of roofing 

systems. Our 

collaboration with NBS has 

provided the opportunity to 

demonstrate our extensive knowledge and help to 

educate construction professionals. The 

organisation supports them in the specification of 

high quality green, blue and biosolar roofs, that 

positively contribute to climate change 

adaptation and mitigation.” 

GRO has developed and continued to update its 

Green Roof Code of Best Practice. The 

organisation has also created a professional 

installers qualification (L2 and L3) with Lantra, 

which has been available since 2019. 


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free-standing Guardrails 

*CurveyGuard – an aesthetically pleasing curved rail. 

*EasyGuard – raked or straight legs dependant on 

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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 

permanent ladders all mild steel then hot 

dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461. 

All typical ladders bespoke – email 

info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk for a 

survey check sheet. 

Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy 

to assembly; in manageable parts Easy to 

handle and install. 

Rest Platforms and ladders with special 

fixing requirements; solutions provided by 

Safetyworks in house. 

(All components for British Standard 

compliant ladders require steel components 

with timber and aluminium recommended 

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Industry News 

MCS DATA: SOLAR 

CONTINUES TO SOAR 

New data from MCS, the national standards 

body for 

renewables, shows 

solar photovoltaic 

(PV) panels 

installed on 

British homes 

equated to 3GW 

of electricity for the 

UK grid for the first time ever last year. 

MCS says this represents £20billion, the 

estimated cost of construction for the Sizewell 

C nuclear power plant, which will have an 

energy output of 3.2GW. With installation 

numbers soaring, the MCS installation 

database predicts that solar PV will surpass 

the Suffolk reactor’s output by spring this year. 

The data also shows that, in 2021, 61,455 UK 

properties had solar panels installed – an 

increase of 71% on the previous year 

(35,841*). This takes the total number of 

‘sunny roofed’ residential properties to one 

million, according to Solar Energy UK. 

Ian Rippin, Chief Executive of MCS, said: “The 

rate at which domestic solar PV systems are 

being installed is hugely positive and shows 

continued confidence in home-grown energy. 

Consumers are increasingly keen to invest in 

low-carbon technology for the home because 

installation costs are falling as energy prices 

soar. Behavioural changes brought about during 

the pandemic also continue to influence the 

purchasing decision. Every homeowner should 

feel empowered to find the right renewable 

energy technology to power their homes, 

particularly given the long-term economic and 

environmental benefits. These include saving 

money and the environment, adding value to 

their homes, and supporting the businesses 

that are certified to install them.” 

*Rate of installations impacted by Covid-19 

www.mcscertified.com 


APPRENTICE COMP IS OPEN FOR ENTRIES! 

BMI is calling all roofing apprentices and 

students studying towards their qualified 

roofer status to enter this year’s BMI 

Apprentice of the Year competition! 

The annual Apprentice of the Year competition is 

part of BMI’s commitment to support and nurture 

the future of roofing, as the contest seeks to find 

the UK’s most promising apprentices and future 

leaders in roofing. 

Every year, BMI invites roofing apprentices from 

across the country to come together at the annual 

Apprentice of the Year competition and test their 

skills in front of a panel of industry judges. The 

winner receives a cash prize of £1000 and the 

prestigious title of Apprentice of Year, as well as 

three years’ worth of training support from the 

BMI Academy. 

Last year, following an exciting and challenging 

two days, roofing apprentices Jamie Scott of 

Bourne-based Sandall Roofing, and Brandon 

McGrail-Manning of SPV Group, Walsall, were 

declared winners in the Pitched and Flat Roofing 

categories respectively. 

Brandon explained: “Winning the BMI Apprentice 

of the Year means a lot to me, I work with Building 

Futures which is a study programme which helps 

out young people who haven’t had the best of 

backgrounds, I want to bring hope to them and 

show them anyone can do it!” 

Jamie explained: “Taking part in the Apprentice of 

the Year has really opened my eyes to the 

opportunities roofing and construction can offer 

me. It has also shown me what I can achieve. I 

have met a variety of people from all different 

backgrounds throughout the competition, and all 

of them achieving so much has inspired me to 

push myself even harder and further.” 

The competition opened for entries on March 7th 

and judges will be looking at several aspects of 

the apprenticeship, from roofing skills to 

teamwork, with a focus on business acumen, 

presentation, and marketing skills. The 

Above: Jamie Scott (left) was crowned BMI Pitched Roofing 

Apprentice of the Year 2021, whilst Brandon McGrail- 

Manning took home the Flat Roofing trophy. 

competition is open to apprentices nationwide in 

both pitched and flat roofing, and the closing date 

for entries is April 29th. 

Held over two days on 20th and 21st July 2022 at 

the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire, BMI says this 

year’s theme is “Empower” and the company is 

looking for apprentices who can demonstrate how 

they empower themselves and others by playing 

an active role across the roofing community and 

beyond. Finalists will be coached during the event 

on a range of topics from presentation skills and 

social media for business, through to estimating 

and making technical assessments. 

Entries can be made online and applicants will be 

asked to answer questions to highlight their 

commitment to their roofing career, the industry 

as a whole, and to showcase their future 

leadership abilities. Mat Woodyatt, Technical 

Training Manager at BMI, explained: “We’re 

committed to supporting apprentices and the 

future of roofing, through the work at BMI 

Academy – our training platform which is open to 

roofers and roofing industry professionals at all 

stages of their career – as well as our continued 

support of colleges and training providers across 

the country. BMI Apprentice of the Year is our way 

to celebrate apprentices by encouraging them to 

showcase and develop their skills and explore 

where their career in roofing can take them – 

we’re really looking forward to welcoming this 

year’s finalists to the BMI Academy in July.” 

Vist www.bmifromtherooftop.co.uk for further 

information. 


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Industry News 

SAFETY & COMFORT: 

AS EASY AS 1,2, 3 

WITH SNICKERS 

Snickers Workwear has an extensive range 

of Hi-Vis men’s and women’s workwear for 

all kinds of working environments and 

light conditions. 

With jackets, trousers, shorts, toolvests, 

shirts and fleeces from Snickers’ LITEWork, 

FLEXIWork and ALLROUNDWORK families to 

choose from, there’s a host of different 

garments in the range to satisfy the specific 

requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 

protection levels. 

These ‘outstanding’ products combine with 

Snickers Workwear’s unrivalled hallmarks 

of functionality and comfort to satisfy the 

ISO 20471:2013 standard for high visibility 

warning clothes. 

With advanced designs, high-tech fabrics 

and performance reflection features, all the 

garments have durable colour-fast 

protection that will last for wash after wash, 

retaining shape, comfort and protection 

levels throughout the life of the garments. 

Added to which, Snickers Workwear says its 

Hi-Vis garments can be custom-profiled to 

ensure ‘stand out’ coverage for your 

corporate brand. 

For more information on the Snickers 

Workwear range of Hi-Vis Workwear, call 

01484 854788, visit 

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email 

sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk 

More on workwear and tools from page 62. 


WRAPTITE MEETS OFFSITE REQUIREMENTS 

The Wraptite external air 

higher level of insulation, 

barrier system from A. 

helping to reduce heating bills. 

Proctor Group has been 

The ease with which Wraptite 

chosen for developer Osco 

achieves a high level of 

Homes’ exciting low energy 

airtightness and its ability to be 

homes offsite project. 

joined across panels was key 

to its selection. 

Commissioned by Kirklees 

Council, the site will 

“Applying it in a factory 

demonstrate how high quality, 

environment, we can be 

energy-efficient housing can be 

confident of the quality of the 

achieved using offsite 

installation, and the specially 

construction. The bungalows 

provided Wraptite Tape means 

are designed to be light, 

making the joints onsite is 

spacious and desirable, but 

simple. 

must also mitigate fuel poverty 

“Wraptite performs really well. 

and provide a safe and healthy environment 

We used to use a membrane which would get 

where residents can live. 

damaged during transport, flapping around, and 

The superior airtightness performance of the would then be difficult to make the joints neatly. 

Wraptite membrane from A. Proctor Group is the Now, using the Wraptite detail means no edges 

perfect solution, delivering significant benefits to are exposed during transportation.” 

the combination of in-factory manufacture and 

The Wraptite air barrier system offers a safer and 

on-site housing construction. 

simplified membrane system. It provides a fully 

Gwen Beeken, Managing Director at Osco Homes, self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier 

described how Wraptite was key to achieving a certified by the BBA and combines the critical 

quality airtightness solution suited to offsite properties of vapour permeability and airtightness 

construction: “Although an essential requirement in one self-adhering membrane. The selfadhesive 

membrane is easily applied in the 

is that the homes had to meet Building 

Regulations, both the client and OSCO Homes factory, bonded externally to the substrate and 

were keen to exceed this. The use of high-quality ensures that the membrane is held firmly in 

panels, with a high-performance membrane, built place, even during transportation, maintaining the 

in a factory and assembled on-site, enables quality of the system from installation to build 

OSCO Homes to achieve a better airtightness and and completion. www.proctorgroup.com 

COST CONCERNS FOR SMALL BUILDERS 

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has promising to see a 3.5% increase in new work 

responded to the recent ONS Construction during December 2021, many local builders 

Output Data saying the 2% rise in construction remain fearful that increased costs facing 

output in December last year is positive, but consumers will precede a downturn in building 

masks a decline in domestic building work projects during 2022. As the cost of living 

which could dampen new work in 2022. increases, consumers have less disposable 

income to upgrade their homes and it will be the 

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of 

small construction firms that will suffer the 

Master Builders (FMB), said: “While it’s 

most.” 


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Industry News 


NEW ADVICE NOTE 

FROM MCRMA 

The Metal Cladding and Roofing 

Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) has 

published a new Advice Note titled AN 08 

The Building (Amendment) Regulations 

2021 interim guidance. 

This advice note is intended to address certain 

ambiguities in the new Approved Document 

AD-L Volume 2 Buildings other than dwellings, 

which MCRMA says it has identified in 

comparison with previous versions of the 

Approved Documents. The advice note offers 

interim comment until these issues are 

clarified by the relevant regulators. 

MCRMA says important amendments to 

Building Regulations and Approved Document 

L Conservation of Energy for England were 

announced in December 2021 and come into 

effect in June 2022, with transition regulations 

in place until June 2023. The key amendments 

relate to external wall and roof constructions 

for relevant residential and institutional 

buildings. 

MCRMA says changes to the Building 

Regulations and other government regulations 

for the construction industry which are 

currently under revision are expected to 

impose and regulate better levels of quality 

control and performance by the design team, 

product manufacturers, main contractors and 

sub-contractors, including sheeting and 

cladding installers. The advice note can be 

downloaded from: www.mcrma.co.uk/ 

SIG UK has appointed Mark Clark to the new role 

of Director of Sustainable and 

Renewable Sales. 

The company says his priority is 

to ensure SIG is supporting its 

customers with a comprehensive 

range of appropriate products to meet 

the increasing focus on sustainable and 

ALGECO: NEW NAME AND EXCITING FUTURE 

Elliott Group, Carter Accommodation and 

Procomm Site Services, leaders in UK 

modular services and part of Modulaire 

Group, have announced plans to unite under 

a common brand – Algeco. 

Discussing the adoption of the Algeco brand in 

the UK, the announcement explained UK 

customers will benefit from a “stronger, betterintegrated 

and structured organisation, with a 

renewed commitment to placing customer service 

excellence at the heart of the organisation”, and 

stated “Algeco shares the responsibility for 

developing sustainable futures for our customers, 

our business, and its products and services.” 

Core to this, the announcement explained, is 

“being a trusted solutions provider to the 

industries we support.” It continued: “We enable 

people to work more productively, improve their 

quality of life, and enhance their learning. We 

design and deliver whatever our customers need, 

whenever and wherever they need it.” 

The companies say the move will create a 

“single, consistent brand across the UK and 

Europe, to reflect the group’s position as a leader 

in European modular services and 

infrastructure”. The announcement continued, 

saying Algeco has a “proud heritage of serving 

customers across Europe, providing a strong 

basis for the single identity, which will facilitate 

growth in brand equity in the marketplace and 

allow UK customers to benefit from best practice 

sharing with Algeco in Europe, and producing 

innovative modular solutions.” 

renewable solutions. 

With a lifelong interest in sustainability and over 

three years’ experience within SIG, Mark brings a 

close understanding of the developing 

requirements of the customer base. 

Mark explained: “I believe that, as a society, we 

are at a turning point and our buying decisions 

The announcement concluded: “The adoption of 

Algeco as the single brand in the UK will create a 

common sense of identity and purpose for the UK 

business. We propose to make these changes 

effective from 31st March 2022.” 

John Campbell, Managing Director of Algeco in the 

UK, said: “Adopting the Algeco brand in the UK 

provides a link with our heritage, whilst also 

symbolising the transformation the UK business 

is currently going through as part of our group’s 

global ambitions. We have an exciting future 

ahead of us.” 

He added: “The Algeco brand has solid 

foundations built on excellence, sustainability, 

innovation and collaboration. These elements are 

cornerstones of what we call our customer 

obsession – continually looking for ways to 

exceed expectations, deliver best-in-class service 

and develop sustainable futures for our 

customers and colleagues.” 

The combined UK business will be headquartered 

in Peterborough, with a total of 23 site locations 

throughout the country servicing its portable, 

modular building and offsite construction hire and 

sales activities. 

SIG INCREASES SUSTAINABILITY AND RENEWABLES FOCUS 

will increasingly be influenced by the 

environmental impact of the products we buy. 

“As a major distributor we can play an essential 

role in the supply chain, understanding what our 

customers need and providing the authenticated 

product ranges that fulfil the increasingly 

demanding criteria being set by clients and 

legislation.” 


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STAND 

N11

Five Years of Safe2Torch 

HOW TWO SCHOOL FIRES BROUGHT 

GAS TORCH SAFETY INTO FOCUS 

As we continue our focus on Safe2Torch, Gary Walpole, Safety, Health and 

Environment Officer at NFRC, looks back on two school fires that shocked the sector 

and brought a greater focus on the safe and correct use of gas torches and hotworks, 

ultimately leading to the launch of the Safe2Torch guidance... 

In August 2016, there were two major school 

fires that took place a week before the start of 

the new school year, with the damage from 

the fires causing both school buildings to be 

destroyed. Both fires were caused by hot works. 

The devastation caused in the wake of these two 

fires shocked the industry and prompted a request 

that the sector work together to tackle the issues 

surrounding hot works and the use of gas torches. 

This then led to a working group being formed in 

late 2016 of both contractors and manufacturers. 

It was within this group that it was agreed that a 

safety initiative was needed to showcase best 

practice, and this where Safe2Torch originated. 

Principles of Prevention 

The focus of the Safe2Torch campaign is ensuring 

that all duty holders, including the client, 

designer and contractor, have an understanding 

of the factors that contribute to fire risks, as well 

as the safeguards needed to mitigate these risks. 

An important part of this is that the Principles of 

Prevention are implemented throughout the 

design, planning and construction phase by all 

the relevant duty holders. 

By applying these Principles of Prevention, the 

working group felt that the fire hazards were best 

identified at the specification stage so the fire 

risk could either be removed or managed by using 

flame-free alternatives. 

The end result of this working group was the 

launch of the Safe2Torch initiative in 2017, with a 

big social media campaign which encouraged 

both contractors and manufacturers to sign up to 

“There is still 

much more 

work to do. 

Sadly, 

Safe2Torch 

hasn’t been able 

to prevent all roof fires” 

and pledge to support the campaign. 

Guidance notes and a checklist were created to 

provide information on the skills, knowledge and 

experience needed to identify and control fire 

risks. The Safe2Torch checklist should form an 

integral part of the risk assessment and method 

statement where gas torches are used. Before 

starting any hot works, the checklist should be 

completed to highlight high risk areas where 

direct-torch application should be avoided. 

Following the launch of the Safe2Torch campaign, 

feedback was focused on the lack of training 

surrounding the safe use of LPG and gas torches. 

We therefore focused our efforts on supporting 

the contractors working with gas torches by 

providing them with a Safe2Torch training 

module. This was developed in 2019 and is being 

delivered by manufacturers who are best placed 

to deliver this as it can easily be incorporated into 

their existing operative courses. 

Left: Gary Walpole, NFRC. 

This training module has also 

been introduced as a training 

module within the new 

Trailblazer Apprenticeship to 

ensure new entrants coming into the 

industry understand how to use LPG and 

gas torches correctly. 

Still much more work to be done 

However, there is still much more work to do. 

Sadly, Safe2Torch hasn’t been able to prevent all 

roof fires. For example, there was a roof fire at a 

junior school in 2020 which prompted NFRC to 

issue a safety alert on the fire risks associated 

with so called ‘CLASP buildings’ such as this 

school. We also hear of anecdotal evidence that 

young people are still entering our industry 

without a full awareness of these issues. 

Since those devastating fires in 2016, the 

industry has really showed its commitment to 

understanding the serious issues of fire in 

construction, and that it was forward-thinking 

enough to be able to do something about it. 

However, until there are no more roof fires, there 

will always be a need for the campaign and 

there’s much more work still to do. 

If you haven’t pledged your support for the 

campaign yet, please do so at: 

www.nfrc.co.uk/safe2torch. 

Contact NFRC 

www.nfrc.co.uk/safe2torch 

@TheNFRC 


Total Talk: Jason Wright 

APPRENTICES: ENSURING ROOFING 

ISN’T A FINAL RESORT 

Total Contractor caught up with roofing contractor Jason Wright to discuss the 

importance of changing perceptions of the sector and to hear why he feels roofing 

needs to be presented to pupils earlier, so they make a conscious decision to pursue a 

career in the sector, rather than being pushed into it as a final resort. 

Alot of good work has been going on 

promoting the benefits of a career in 

roofing following National Apprenticeship 

Week (7th-13th Feb). And whilst those within the 

sector are well aware of the many opportunities a 

career in roofing can offer, taking the message 

further afield so we can attract the volume of 

quality new entrants to meet demand is a 

challenge that still remains. We caught up with 

contractor Jason Wright to hear why the age we 

speak to school children about a career in 

construction and changing outdated perceptions 

of the sector go hand-in-hand, and are key to 

broadening the pool of new entrants we attract, 

and more importantly, ensuring they have a 

passion for the craft. 

Jason Wright is a roofing man. He followed one of 

the more traditional routes into roofing. Back in 

2019 he told Total Contractor: “From the age of 8, 

every weekend and all school holidays I was 

taken to work by my father mainly to keep me out 

of mischief. By the age of 12 I was labouring for 

two roofers, and before I was 16 I had my own 

team.” 

Advocate of apprenticeships 

His career has flourished since then and he’s 

now the Managing Director of established 

contractor J Wright Roofing, sits on both the NFRC 

Heritage Committee and the NFRC Slating & Tiling 

committee, as well as the Craft Committee of the 

Worshipful Tylers & Bricklayers of London. 

Jason is also a strong advocate of 

apprenticeships having seen first-hand how they 

work for both the individual and the company. He 

told Total Contractor: “I took on my first 

apprentice back in 1997 because I saw the 

problems then of recruiting post-16 school 

leavers – by the time they’re 16, they’ve been 

pushed down the construction route for one of 

two reasons; they’re not academically gifted 

enough to go on to further education or Uni, or 

they’re what I call the ‘bad lads’ who’ve been 

given no guidance, no direction, so construction’s 

deemed their only route.” 

This, Jason says, also leads to bad experiences 

for the contractors recruiting apprentices and 

ultimately contributes to the low retention rates of 

apprentices who are understandably 

disinterested, as they’ve ultimately been forced 

into the sector rather than making their own 

choice: “What happens is you’ll get smaller to 

medium-sized contractors taking on these lads 

and they’re either too difficult to handle or the 

lads get disillusioned – you do get the odd rough 

diamond, but the dropout rate is staggering 

Jason Wright and members 

of his team discuss the 

opportunities in roofing 

with pupils. 

(Jason says over 70% of 16+ school-leavers 

that enter construction leave within 18 months) 

and what can you expect when they’ve been 

given no guidance, they’ve not made the choice, 

they’ve been pushed into the sector as a last 

option so there’s no passion for it.” 

Presenting to pupils earlier 

With this in mind, Jason feels construction – and 

roofing – needs to be presented to children at a 

younger age rather than being a final resort or 

afterthought. He points out there’s still a huge job 

to be done around changing outdated perceptions 

of the sector and improving the image of roofing 

and the wider construction industry. Jason 

explained: “We’ve got an image problem in 

construction right across the board – not just 

roofing. We’re still perceived by the education 

system and established elite as a ‘failure’; you’ve 

failed if you end up in construction – there’s a 

massive snobbery; if your son or daughter goes 

Continued on page 18 


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Total Talk: Jason Wright 

Continued from page 16 

into construction it’s a failure. The pressure in 

schools is still further education, further 

education, further education.” 

I mention the construction ambassadors and 

those from the sector entering schools, and 

whilst Jason feels there is progress being made in 

this area – he does this himself – he feels we 

still need to get to children earlier and have a 

more sustained interaction with them. Jason 

explained: “We’re giving these talks too late; once 

they get to 16 they’ve made their choice and 

they’re probably thinking further education or Uni. 

We need to be speaking to them in Year 9.” 

Construction departments 

Jason points to a successful initiative he started 

in 2008 with schools in his area whereby they 

connect with the pupils in Year 9 and run a 

vocational course over the next two years 

covering brickwork, joinery and roofing. This, 

Jason points out, gives children a much wider 

experience of what’s really involved in a career in 

construction and roofing. 

Jason has established a construction department 

in one school and trained up the arts teacher to 

be a hands-on construction tutor. He’s also 

replicating this format at another school. 

He explained: “So over that two-year period we’d 

go in one day a week – all voluntarily – to assist 

the tutor so he has the skills to support the kids. 

The hardest thing we had to do was convince the 

Head Teacher to let this be a two-hour lesson – 

ideally, we wanted the whole morning or 

afternoon – but she wouldn’t budge. So we had to 

do it in a two-hour session twice a week.” 

He continued: “We get to know the students, get 

to know their characters – we get to know the 

ones that have got a bit about them, get to know 

what their personalities are like and come 16, 

they get the opportunity to come for an interview 

for a two-year apprenticeship.” 

Jason feels an initiative like this is what is 

required to increase the numbers of new entrants 

Jason’s initiative with a local school has produced many skilled apprentices who have a passion for the roofing sector. 

to the sector, but more importantly he points out industry all need to be working together, but 

it will improve the retention of workers as they unfortunately education is the biggest stumbling 

know what the sector is about, and have made a block as you have a lot of schools that get paid on 

conscious decision to be there: “We proved over performance and their performance is measured 

many years it’s a successful model – we had on how many students go on to further education 

over 96% success rate from taking on a pupil and Uni – they have a vested interest to keep 

that we worked with through Year 10 and 11. bums on seats and until we change the policy 

and the curriculum, and government realise 

“There’s lots of success stories just from our 

there’s going to be no one coming in to carry out 

business – many of our apprentices have gone on 

these hands on skills to meet their everincreasing 

targets, which is chronic now – let 

to start their own businesses and they’re now 

employing their own staff. They’ve seen it work 

alone the next 5 - 10 years – we’re just not going 

for them and they see the value in apprentices.” 

to get anywhere.” 

And this is the key for Jason: “It creates the 

And that’s the very real worry – until we change 

legacy, keeps the cycle running – what better 

the perception of roofing and the wider 

outcome could you want? It’s a complete 

construction industry to external stakeholders, 

conveyor belt of talent and if you’ve not got that 

we’re going to be in the same position and having 

conveyor belt of talent coming through, you’re just 

the same conversations for years to come. As 

going to wither and die.” 

Jason has proven, a huge part of shifting the 

balance involves speaking to children earlier, 

A monumental shift is required 

presenting what the sector’s about so if they do 

So, can this model be adapted and replicated 

decide on a career in roofing or construction, they 

throughout the UK? Jason feels it can, but it will 

do so with enthusiasm and commitment rather 

take a monumental shift in how schools work and 

than it being a last resort. 

a concerted effort between the construction 

sector, government and education system. He 

explained: “It’s got to be a collaboration from the Contact J Wright Roofing 

top down – central government, education and 

www.jwrightroofing.co.uk 


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Preparation for Part L 

PART L: GET AHEAD OF THE GAME 

The countdown to Part L has well and truly begun, and as Sam Tebbs (pictured), Training 

Manager at Marley says, there’s never been a better time to assess what the changes will 

mean for your business, including not only what to watch out for but also how to 

maximise your opportunities for long-term gain... 

Successful outcomes are usually borne out 

of thorough preparation, and the roofing 

industry is no different. Whilst Part L will 

inevitably demand changes to working practises, 

those roofing contractors that have taken the 

trouble to research, prepare and adapt their 

businesses to embrace the changes, will find 

themselves ahead of the game. 

What Part L means for you 

The Part L building regulation covers the 

‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’ regarding both 

new construction projects and some refurbishment 

work for dwellings and other buildings in England. 

Put simply, it means that developers will be 

required to ensure that the buildings they produce 

meet the Government’s stringent energy targets – 

that new homes produce 31% less carbon 

emissions than at present. As such, they will be 

demanding both the high-quality products, such 

as solar photovoltaics (PV) systems, as well as 

the skilled workforce required to fit them, to 

enable these ambitious targets to be met. 

Crucially, with the demand for solar energy likely 

to drastically increase, roofing contractors who 

acquire the relevant product knowledge and 

installation skills now, will secure a real 

competitive advantage for themselves. 

Marley – there for roofers 

Marley prides itself in supporting the roofer with 

all aspects of work, from on-site health & safety 

and thorough installation guidance, through to 

business support. And, with Part L changes 

imminent, roofing contractors can rely on Marley 

to alert, guide, equip and train them with 

everything they need for success post June 15th 

when Part L is finally implemented. 

Train to gain 

Taking the lead, Marley has 

developed a free and 

comprehensive series of speciallytailored 

webinars to provide roofing 

contractors with invaluable information 

not only on Part L, but also the very real 

benefits of solar energy, focussing on Marley 

SolarTile, as well as the Microgeneration 

Certification Scheme (MCS) which covers 

installations of solar PV systems. 

The new ‘Introduction to Part L and 

solar roofing’ webinars aim to walk 

roofing contractors through six 

essential aspects of the new 

developments: 

• Understanding Part L 

• How Part L affects YOUR business 

• The future is solar roofing 

• How solar (PV) works 

• What MCS accreditation means for YOU 

• Installing Marley SolarTile 

There are currently three dates for the webinar: 

Wednesday 23rd March; Wednesday 27th April; 

and Wednesday 25th May, with more planned in 

the coming months. Available to anyone within 

the construction and roofing industry, simply visit 

www.marley.co.uk/partL for further details and 

to book your space. 

Marley SolarTile - the future is here 

Marley’s integrated SolarTile is compatible with 

all clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV 

can easily be incorporated into any roof design. 

Supplied as a complete kit, all 

components, such as adhesive 

flashing and fireproofing materials 

are included and, featuring double 

fixing to battens and trusses, 

there’s no need for counter battens so 

there’s no extra material costs. 

Coming in colour-coded boxes for ease of 

installation, the patented push-together design 

means that installation times of less than one 

hour per kilowatt peak can be achieved. 

In addition, for roofing contractors 

purchasing the full Marley 

SolarTile system, Marley is 

offering invaluable on-site 

installation training – for the first 

installation – to ensure customers 

maximise the opportunity presented by solar 

energy. Upon purchase, simply contact us to 

organise a date for one of our team to assist with 

your first on-site installation. 

At Marley, we want our customers to be prepared 

for the far-reaching effects of Part L. Of course, 

with change there are potential threats to a 

roofing contractor’s business, however, there are 

also great opportunities provided they take full 

advantage of the wide range of resources and 

innovative new products that are out there to help 

and support them. 

I would urge roofers to sign up for one of our 

comprehensive free webinars and to explore solar 

PV systems – the future is here! 

Contact Marley 

01283 722222 

www.marley.co.uk/partL 

@MarleyLtd 


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STAND 

N11

Perfectly Pitched 

REPLACING INDIVIDUAL 

TILES AND SLATES 

Technical Roofing Consultant John Mercer continues his focus on best practice when 

working on pitched roofs, this month providing key advice for roofers on how to 

mechanically fix individual replacement tiles. 

Ever since BS 5534: the British Standard 

Code of practice for slating and tiling was 

revised in 2014 to require that all single 

lap tiles be mechanically fixed on a roof, a topic 

that often crops up is how to mechanically fix 

individual replacement tiles. 

Prior to this change, it was common for some 

tiles on a roof not to be secured other than by 

being hung on the tile batten and, to some extent, 

relying only on their own weight and the 

surrounding tiles to remain on the roof. It was 

common practice for roofers to leave a few tiles 

unfixed and slide them up to leave the batten 

underneath exposed as a foot hold 

whilst working on other parts of 

the roof. 

Left: John Mercer, Technical Roofing Consultant. Above: Illustration showing tail clip placement. 

Single lapped tiles 

How a replacement tile is 

mechanically fixed depends to 

some extent on the original 

calculated fixing specification for the 

roof. The replacement tile’s fixings must be 

at least as strong as the surrounding tiles’ fixings. 

One option is to strip the tiling back from where 

the damaged tile is to the nearest ridge or other 

roof junction. This allows all the tiles, including 

the one being replaced, to be fixed in accordance 

with the calculated fixing specification. However, 

depending upon the location of the problem, this 

could potentially involve a considerable number 

of tiles being removed and replaced. 

To replace a damaged single lap tile without 

removing the neighbouring tiles, firstly insert a 

wedge – usually a piece of tile batten will suffice 

– under the tail of the tile to 

the immediate left of the tile 

being replaced. The type of 

fixings will determine how far it is 

possible to open the headlap; for example, 

tail clips will severely limit the lifting of a tile 

without damaging the clip or the tile. If it is 

possible to lift the tile, this will also lift the tiles 

immediately above the damaged tile, making its 

removal easier. 

The damaged tile and its fixings must be 

removed. A slater’s ripper tool can normally be 

used to remove the original head nails and then 

the broken pieces of tile can be taken out. If the 

tail of the tile is clipped, the piece of tile held by 

the clip can be rotated clear of the clip. The clip 

will then need to be removed or rotated clear 

before a new tile is inserted. Keeping the wedge 

“The type of fixings will 

determine how far it is 

possible to open the 

headlap – tail clips will 

severely limit the 

lifting of a tile” 

that is holding open the headlap in place, the 

replacement tile can then be inserted. 

Where the replacement tile needs to be twice 

fixed, a suitable roofing adhesive can be applied 

to the side interlock of the replacement tile to 

secure it in place, taking care not to block water 

channels which may otherwise cause a leak. 

Once the new tile is in position, the supporting 

batten wedge can be removed to allow the 


adjacent tile to be pressed into the adhesive. For 

the main mechanical fix, a hole can be drilled 

through the tail of the replacement tile, passing 

through the head of the tile below and directly 

above the tile batten. The tile can then be 

secured to the batten using a stainless-steel 

screw with a sealing washer. 

To avoid having to drill the tiles, an alternative 

option is to secure the tile using a specially 

made tail clip; there are several suitable types 

available from tile manufacturers. These secure 

the tail of the replacement tile in a similar way 

that a slate hook secures a slate, and are held in 

place by the head nail or screw of the tile below 

(see illustration left). 

Natural slates 

Many people will be familiar with the use of 

hooks to secure replacement slates. Firstly, the 

remains of the broken slate and its nails are 

removed using a slater’s ripper. Then, depending 

“Remember to treat any 

tiled or slated roof as 

fragile and use 

crawling boards 

and/or ladders, 

properly supported and 

anchored to prevent 

slipping” 

upon the type of hook to be used, the hook is 

either driven into or hooked around the slate 

batten. The replacement slate can then be inserted 

and secured by the hook at its tail end. The hook 

should grip the slate tightly enough to prevent wind 

rattle and lateral movement, but should not be so 

tight that it would damage the slate. 

Plain tiles 

Replacing double lapped plain tiles can be 

relatively straightforward on average domestic 

roofs because rarely are they all nailed anyway. 

Most nailing specifications range from the 

minimum – nailing every fifth course, up to 

nailing every second or third course in more 

exposed areas. Where every tile must be twice 

nailed, for example on vertical plain tiling, it may 

be necessary to strip back the tiling to a 

convenient junction such as the ridge or top 

abutment and then re-nail all the tiles. 

Finally, remember to treat any tiled or slated roof 

as fragile and use crawling boards and/or 

ladders, properly supported and anchored to 

prevent slipping. Use packing between the boards 

or ladders and the roof to avoid damaging the 

surrounding tiles or slates. When carrying out any 

roofing work, always ensure compliance with the 

relevant health and safety legislation. 

Contact John Mercer 

www.johnmercerconsultant.co.uk 

@Johnmercer3 

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Roofing Battens 

A CRITICAL ELEMENT OF ROOFING 

Roofers understand the risks of roofing work, especially when, according to the HSE, 

50% of fatal injuries result from falls from a height. But how can product choice help 

with safety and working at height? Two industry experts weigh in on the importance of 

graded battens and the role they play in site safety, as we speak to SR Timber and 

Bloor Homes to find out more. 

It starts with selecting the right 

product for the job, and according 

to the Health and Safety 

Executive document HSG33, that’s a 

graded BS5534 batten. But how are 

roofers to know if the batten they’re 

using is safe and graded? SR Timber 

Trading Director Shaun Revill 

understands the difficulty: “Those of 

us who have spent decades learning 

the craft can spot a graded batten 

but those less experienced have to 

rely on product markings to make it 

easier,” explains Shaun. 

Graded battens must be dimensionally accurate 

within tight tolerances on size and have the 

BS 5534 stamp. The SR Timber signature gold 

battens have always been manufactured to exact 

standards and with this comes more reassurance 

for roofers. “When you’re working at that height, 

you’ve got to trust the materials you’re working 

with. All our battens are full sized to the standard 

plus knot sizes, correct growth rings and slope of 

grain all conform to the British Standard, so 

there’s no doubt it’s a safe product” notes 

Shaun. 

But what does this mean for safety and roofers, 

especially when there’s cheaper unmarked batten 

products available? “It matters because of how 

critical battens are in roof construction. With 

exacting tolerances, battens need to be strong 

enough to support the weight of roofers, tiles, and 

hold fixing nails securely enough to cope with 

strong winds,” continues Shaun. 

“If the only thing keeping you on the roof is a 

“A substandard batten 

could end up being 

very costly” 

batten, you want that peace of mind which comes 

from it being graded. A substandard batten could 

end up being very costly,” Shaun warns. 

What about housebuilders? 

This feeling is echoed throughout the sector too. 

As one of the biggest house builders in the UK, 

Bloor Homes take roofers’ health and safety very 

seriously. Over the past decade they’ve created a 

list of specified products which are used in their 

developments. These products all meet strict 

standards for safety, reliability, and support. 

Everything relating to which roof tiles and battens 

to use are defined at a group level, ensuring high 

standards across developments. 

Chris Burton, Group Commercial Director for Bloor 

Homes, spoke on the importance this 

specification brings: “Using gold or red graded 

battens is an absolute mandate, with 

that comes the peace of mind that 

the product is safe, fit for purpose, 

and the guarantees we need to meet 

strict safety standards.” 

Graded battens become increasingly 

important when meeting quality 

control criteria, particularly in the case 

of the NHBC. “Bloor Homes has 

always been good in achieving the 

standards set by the NHBC. It’s 

important we comply with these to 

provide peace of mind to our 

customers, and this is only achieved by using the 

graded product,” explains Chris. 

Safety at heart 

It’s not just house builders whose minds are at 

ease with graded product. Contractors and 

roofers benefit from the cover and reliability 

afforded by the product. “Contractors know that if 

its gold, then that batten has met the quality and 

safety commitments made by SR Timber. We offer 

full liability and support for our product, that’s 

how much we trust it” Shaun says. 

Shaun points out SR Timber place safety at the 

heart of their manufacturing and purchasing 

process, “if a house builder or roofing contractor 

wants to be recognised for committing to safety, 

then SR Timber products only add to that 

reputation.” 

Contact SR Timber 

01623 446800 

sr-timber.co.uk/ 

@SR_Timber_ 


NOW PLAYING 

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THE SELF-ADHERING AIRTIGHT AND VAPOUR 

PERMEABLE MEMBRANE 

0:03 3:29 

01250 872 261 

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Advertorial 

ROOFING INNOVATION: 

YOU’RE OUR MOTIVATION 

The experts at Hambleside Danelaw outline why they take education so seriously and 

highlight the steps they take throughout the year to ensure new-comers, apprentices 

and established roofers are up to speed with the latest innovations and best practice 

roofing techniques... 

Above: Paul Lambert of Hambleside Danelaw presents to students. Paul delivers CPDs, product demonstrations, Q&As and more to roofing colleges and trade counters throughout the UK. 

Hambleside Danelaw are aware of the 

growing pressures caused by the skills 

shortage in the roofing industry and want to 

do all we can to relieve this pressure. That’s why 

roofing education is one of our main areas of focus. 

Our field tech support, Paul Lambert, had an 

extremely busy 2021! Travelling to colleges and 

training academies throughout the UK, Paul has 

delivered CPDs, product demonstrations, Q&As 

and more, furthering Hambleside Danelaw’s 

commitment to roofing education. 

Our team of Paul, Mike Lemmon and Ann Leeson 

supported DMG Roofing Training Academy’s grand 

opening in December ‘21, with Paul presenting to 

some of the new learners. 

Paul and Ann, as representatives of Hambleside 

Danelaw, were also invited by Stewart Rowles to 

watch a slating and tiling course and to see the 

facilities at the Master Roofers Academy in 

Salford. Hambleside Danelaw were also sponsors 

of the Great British Slate Off, run by NFRC, which 

showcases our commitment to educating the next 

generation. 

2021 was also a big year for our dry fix verge 

system offering following the launch of 

“This year, Hambleside 

Danelaw are 

continuing to support 

the education and 

growth of roofers” 

MidVerg20, as well as 2021 being the first full 

year that InVerg was available. 

Paul was able to provide face-to-face support in 

relation to these innovations (COVID-19 

permitting!), allowing the roofers to understand 

these latest products in more detail and enabling 

them to install the systems correctly. Paul was 

also able to assist in increasing general 

awareness of Hambleside Danelaw’s 

comprehensive roofing ancillaries offering. 2021 

saw Paul at Leeds College of Building, South 

Lanarkshire College, and CoRe Training Centre to 

name just a few. 

This year, we’re continuing to support the 

education and growth of roofers, from apprentices 

to masters, in a number of ways including: 

• By becoming Tier 1 Sponsors of Master Roofers 

• Dedicating resources and time to the 

production of a free learning platform (see the 

Hambleside Danelaw Hub) 

• And continuing to contribute to the high 

standards of the roofing industry. 

From Dundee to Newcastle, Fife to South Devon, 

over 15 colleges were visited in 2021! And with 

Hambleside Danelaw’s support, we believe the 

next generation are going to be literally raising the 

roof! 

Find Hambleside Danelaw’s events schedule for 

2022 on our website, or get in touch on 

01327 701 900 if you are interested in arranging 

an event. We also offer product demo days and 

training at merchant branches. 

Hambleside Danelaw would like to extend a thank 

you to all the colleges and training centres we 

have worked with this past year, and especially to 

the dedicated lecturers and tutors. 

Contact Hambleside Danelaw 

01327 701 900 

www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk 

@HambDane 


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45+ YEARS OF ROOFING INNOVATION

BS 5250 

TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF 

ROOF SPACE VENTILATION 

Paul Manning, Managing Director at Manthorpe Building Products, looks at the 

challenges around roof space ventilation for roofing contractors, and gives an overview of 

the solutions Manthorpe offers to help roofers meet the latest requirements of BS 5250. 

Manthorpe Building Products is a 

company that specialises in and 

understands the topic of ventilation 

particularly well. At Manthorpe, we’ve been 

developing innovative building products for the 

construction industry for over 30 years and have 

extensive experience in the use of plastics, as 

well as the expertise to develop and manufacture 

virtually all our products in-house. Alongside this, 

we continue to invest heavily in new technology 

and production processes. 

All Manthorpe products are 

independently tested when 

required via independent 

testing organisations, such as 

Building Research 

Establishment (BRE) and 

Warringtonfire, to meet British 

Standards and to achieve 

relevant accreditations. We pride 

ourselves on having close relationships 

with independent and national merchants, thus 

ensuring that our products are available from a 

wide range of outlets throughout the UK. 

Revisions to BS 5250 

In 2021, BSI Standards published a major 

revision to BS 5250: Code of practice for 

Management of moisture in buildings. So, it is an 

opportune time to revisit the topic of ventilation. 

Although the general approach to roof space 

ventilation and control of condensation has not 

changed markedly in this latest revision, it does 

contain new guidance on moisture risks other 

than condensation, a whole building approach to 

moisture-safe design, building context, the 

Images: Manthorpe offers a range of ventilation solutions including its Interlocking Plain Tile Vent. 

coherence of design and 

detailing interactions, as 

well as capacity and inservice 

conditions. It also 

covers the management of moisture 

risks in buildings undergoing energy saving 

measures. 

The revision acknowledges key changes in 

modern building design, such as reduced air 

permeability of the building fabric and higher 

thermal insulation, both of which have the 

potential to increase the risk of condensation. It 

also considers changes in lifestyle and the 

greater use of moisture-generating appliances 

such as showers and internal clothes drying. 

Climate change is also predicted to add to the 

moisture risk through milder, more humid winters 

and more frequent and heavier incidents of 

driving rain events. 

The differences between ‘as designed’, ‘as built’ 

and ‘in service’ conditions are now more clearly 

understood, as is the way occupants use the 

building, which may not always be in the manner 

intended, as well as the residual moisture held in 

the building fabric from the construction 

processes. This all means that the moisture risk 

evolves and changes over time and during the 

lifetime of the building, and designers are 

encouraged to allow for the worst-case scenario. 

As well providing guidance developed through 

modelling, BS 5250 gives prescriptive guidance 

based on the evidence of many years of 

successful use. This particularly applies to roof 

construction, where there is plenty of data and 

evidence to provide practical recommendations 

for the use of ventilation to prevent moisture risk. 

Whilst continuous eaves and dry ridge systems 

can generally be relied upon to provide the 



The changes to Part L 

are getting closer! 

That’s why we have launched a dedicated 

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to Part L. 

Get up to speed with Part L 

visit marley.co.uk/partl

BS 5250 


required ventilation into loft spaces for 

straightforward gabled roofs, sometimes the roof 

design means that extra ventilation is necessary. 

For example, where ridge, or high-level ventilation 

is required, but the ridge length is very short on a 

hipped roof, tile ventilators positioned in the hip 

end roof slopes are an ideal way to supplement 

the high-level ventilation of the roof space. 

Products to ensure compliance 

At Manthorpe we’re one of the UK’s leading 

experts on roof space ventilation and we offer 

some unique and innovative products to ensure 

compliance with BS 5250 and maintain a 

condensation-free roof structure. 

For example, the 

Cowled Universal Roof 

Vent (pictured right), or CURV 

for short, is possibly the only truly 

universal tile ventilator on the market. It can be 

used with a wide variety of single lapped roof tiles 

and slates, making it especially useful where the 

installer may not know what the roof covering is. 

It can be used with large and small format 

interlocking tiles, both flat and profiled in design, 

including deep bold roll styles of tile and, with a 

minimum roof pitch of just 12.5 degrees, it is one 

of the lowest pitch ventilators on the market, 

making it ideal for lean-to house extensions. The 

vent is fitted with a versatile flashing skirt which 

can be dressed to match the relevant profile of 

the roof covering and comes with an adhesive 

mastic backing which securely seals the flashing 

down to the roof. The hooded cowl protects the 

opening from the elements whilst providing an 

airflow path into the roofspace. An integral 4mm 

louvred grill within the cowl prevents the entry of 

debris and large nesting insects. For mechanical 

extraction or soil stack / vent pipe termination, 

the lower outlet is stepped to allow for 4", 5" or 

an oval 6" connection. The CURV has been fully 

independently wind-driven rain 

tested and is the perfect 

single-stock vent for merchants 

and roofers alike. 

Another innovative product in the 

Manthorpe range is 

the interlocking plain tile 

ventilator (above top and 

previous page), designed 

specifically for use with small format twin, or duo 

plain tiles. This product incorporates a unique 

patented design feature, a sliding mechanism, to 

adjust its width to suit the different sizes of tiles 

available. This means that it is the only vent 

which suits all the versions of concrete 

interlocking plain tiles currently on the market. 

This makes it ideal for merchants and contractors 

who only need to stock one interlocking plain tile 

vent product. 

The curved, in-line profile of the Manthorpe plain 

tile ventilator helps to maintain an unbroken 

appearance to the roofline at high or low level with 

a range of colours available to suit varying roof 

styles. The vent is suitable for roof pitches down to 

22.5 degrees and is fully wind-driven rain tested. 

The intricate path through the internal weathering 

geometry is designed to maintain a constant 

airflow gap of 6,000mm² whilst safely channelling 

any water out of the vent and on to the roof 

covering below. The 4mm louvred grill prevents the 

entry of debris and large nesting insects. 

When using the vent for mechanical 

extraction or soil stack / vent 

Left: Cowled Universal Roof Vent. Above: Interlocking Plain Tile Vent. Below: Flexible 

Extraction Pipes. 

“One of the great 

advantages of using 

products from 

Manthorpe is that we 

can develop products 

that are compatible 

with the roof tiles of 

several manufacturers” 

pipe termination, a 4" pipe adaptor can be fitted 

to the vent to connect to one of the GRPA Flexible 

Pipe range (below). 

Both these innovative ventilators can be easily 

connected to one of the Manthorpe range of GRPA 

Flexible Pipes to continue the ducting further into 

the roofspace. 

As we’re independent of the roof tile 

manufacturers, one of the great advantages of 

using products from Manthorpe is that we can 

develop products that are compatible with the 

roof tiles of several manufacturers, reducing the 

need to stock many different ventilation systems. 

Contact Manthorpe Building Products 

www.manthorpebp.co.uk 

@ManthorpeBP 


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Pitched & Flat Roofing 

LEARNING AND UPSKILLING TO 

CREATE THE ROOFS OF THE FUTURE 

Paul Campbell, Marketing and Technical Director at BMI, discusses how the role of 

continuous learning and upskilling is the key to solving the skills shortage and creating 

the roofs of the future. 

The construction industry is in a period of 

great change and transformation, the 

housing shortage requires innovation and 

radical thinking, the challenges of urbanisation 

and expanding cities mean we need to improve 

our facilities and infrastructure, all whilst 

protecting the environment for future generations. 

As an industry, we have not done enough to show 

how rewarding and diverse a career in 

construction can be, and we have skills shortages 

as a result. Future skills are the critical success 

factor in designing and building our future 

environments. 

These changes in demand inspire innovation of 

materials, technologies and construction 

methods. The drive for sustainable solutions, the 

adoption of modular construction and the 

digitisation of data and design are great examples 

of how our industry is evolving. 

The overarching themes here are ensuring built 

performance meets every aspect of the 

specification, delivering lasting quality and 

establishing more efficient ways of working. The 

roofing industry plays a vital part within the wider 

construction sector to lead this transformation. 

Yet, transformations are people-led, making 

continuous learning and upskilling a crucial 

requirement for the roofer of tomorrow. 

So, what can the roofing industry do to stay 

ahead of the game? 

Product development and innovation 

inform the learning curve 

To future-proof roofing, the industry is constantly 

finding ways to do things better, from the 

introduction of new regulations, such as 

BROOF(t4), the highest European fire 

rating to increase safety in flat 

roofs, to ensuring that new 

homes and buildings reduce 

their carbon footprint with the 

implementation of the upcoming 

changes to Part L of the Building 

Regulations on 15th June 2022. 

With these changes in mind, roofing 

manufacturers are first in line to respond to the 

challenges by looking at ways to ensure that their 

products and systems meet these changing 

needs and regulations. As the UK’s largest roofing 

manufacturer, at BMI we’re known for our leading 

flat roofing brand BMI Icopal and, in pitched 

roofing, BMI Redland, and we’re constantly 

striving to ensure product safety and future-led 

problem solving. From championing safe working 

practices by means of solvent-free installation 

with products like our liquid-applied 

waterproofing system Sealoflex, to new integrated 

solar PV solutions with BMI Redland’s PV InDaX 

Adapt in-roof photovoltaic system, roofers can 

find solutions to almost any challenge they face. 

The development of new products and systems 

naturally have a positive impact not only on the 

built environment, but on the environment at 

large. Innovative roofing can eliminate issues 

with storm water management and drainage, 

while new advances in bitumen membranes like 

BMI Icopal’s Groove Technology helps minimise 

energy usage during installation. 

And while it is crucial to reduce carbon emissions 

and minimise the risk of water and energy waste, 

it has become increasingly evident that as an 

industry, we simply must do more to close the 

Left: Paul Campbell, Marketing and Technical 

Director at BMI. 

gap between design and as-built 

performance. As we know, the 

government is “looking to 

industry to lead culture change on 

the ground”. In Building a safer 

future, Dame Judith Hackitt’s report, she 

recommends the introduction of a ‘golden thread’ 

to support duty holders in designing, constructing 

and managing their buildings as holistic systems, 

taking into account building safety at all stages in 

the life cycle. This independent report calls for a 

reform of building safety and leads us to focus on 

ensuring that what we design will be safe, 

efficient and long-lasting in its as-built 

performance. For roofs to meet these criteria and 

align with new building regulations, innovation 

across materials, processes and roofing skills is 

vital. 

However, critical to all innovation is systems 

thinking and testing and validation. At BMI we’ve 

invested significantly in internal testing capability 

and we partner with leading test houses to ensure 

that all solutions are thoroughly tested and 

designed for future needs in all building types. 

Full system thinking ensures that all products and 

components are designed to fit together 

seamlessly. 

Learning away from the rooftop 

Naturally, product development and innovation 

require continued learning and upskilling, not just 

by roofers, but by everyone who works with and 

around roofing. And with the industry continuing 



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The ‘MCRMA The Building Envelope Authority’ is a registered Collective Trademark of the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association Limited.

Pitched & Flat Roofing 


to change at such a rapid pace, anyone with a 

stake in roofing will want to stay ahead – and 

learning by simply doing might not always be 

enough. 

Ongoing, regular training on new products, 

improved methods of installation, new tools and 

systems can close the gap and ensure that 

everyone, from experienced contractors right 

through to apprentices, is equipped with the right 

skills to secure the future of UK roofing. 

Recognising the vital importance of providing 

support and continued learning opportunities, BMI 

offers many different ways to access in-depth 

training and skills development from project 

specification to planning and build, to help make 

sure that new products are specified and 

installed right first time. 

The BMI Academy offers continued learning and 

upskilling opportunities to everyone in the roofing 

and waterproofing industry. Through both 

theoretical and practical courses, BMI Academy 

helps to drive excellence in roofing, providing best 

practice support on how to use new and existing 

products and solutions prior to installation. Not 

just for roofers, these learning and training 

opportunities are also available to specifiers, 

architects, contractors, builders, and merchants, 

ensuring best practice right from the start. 

Providing solid foundations for the 

future of roofing 

Every roof needs a strong and 

sturdy foundation that can 

weather changing times and, 

like the roof itself, the future of 

roofing is built on the talent we 

develop and support from the 

ground up. 

Every year, BMI holds the Apprentice of the Year 

competition, inviting roofing apprentices to 

submit their entries to be part of a lively and 

challenging competition to demonstrate their 

roofing skills, business acumen and leadership 

qualities. 

Bringing together industry associations, 

“The future of 

roofing must be 

secured from 

the ground up” 

contractors, apprentices, and 

colleges, the competition is just one 

example of how BMI seeks to inspire the future 

generation of roofers by showing how diverse and 

rewarding it can be. Julian Coulter, Company 

Director at Sussex Asphalt and Chairman of 

Mastic Asphalt Council in the UK, noted that the 

competition bolsters the image of the industry, 

highlighting the importance of apprenticeships for 

the wider sector. Quoting Henry Ford, Julian says 

that “The only thing worse than training your 

employees and having them leave, is not training 

them, and having them stay”, highlighting the 

crucial importance of providing roofing 

apprentices and young roofers with continuous 

training and learning opportunities to develop 

their skills. 

Speaking of the event, Ruth Scarrott, Head of 

Careers at NFRC, says “Without doing these types 

of events, which are really exciting opportunities 

for young people to show their skill set, we will 

just lose that interaction and interest, so why 

wouldn’t we provide that opportunity for young 

people to show us what they can do?” 

To further our commitment to ongoing 

training and support, during this 

year’s National Apprenticeship 

Week, BMI Academy visited 

colleges across the UK to deliver 

tailored training sessions and offer 

advice and practical product 

demonstrations to roofing apprentices and 

college tutors. Lecturer and Assessor Luke 

O’Gorman from Bolton College said BMI’s visit 

was a “fantastic incentive, and really useful for 

our first-year roof slating and tiling group to hear 

directly from a manufacturer about product 

installation and the importance of doing it 

correctly.” Harry Teasdale, Head of Construction 

at Newcastle College, echoed this sentiment 

Left: Jamie Scott, of Bourne-based Sandall 

Roofing, was BMI’s Pitched Roofing 

Apprentice of the Year 2021 

about BMI’s visit to Newcastle 

College, noting that “the 

resources you provide make a 

huge difference to our apprentices, 

very much appreciated.” 

Securing the future of roofing through 

continuous support 

The future of roofing must be secured from the 

ground up by ensuring close collaboration between 

roofing manufacturers and all stakeholders across 

the industry, from apprentice roofers right through 

to housebuilders, contractors, merchants, 

specifiers and those developing regulations and 

guidance for the industry. 

Providing ongoing support not just through 

innovative product development that makes the 

day-to-day life of installers and homeowners 

easier and safer, but through continued learning 

and skills development, the roofing industry will 

continue to be built on a solid foundation of 

knowledge and expertise. BMI’s flat roofing brand 

Icopal and pitched roofing brand Redland are 

paving the way for more energy-efficient, safe, 

and long-lasting roofing systems, but it will 

ultimately be the people designing, planning, 

installing and maintaining them that will make 

the difference. 

This is why BMI’s commitment to continuous 

learning and skills development starts from 

within, by ensuring that the technical teams at 

BMI are best equipped to innovate and adapt 

roofing products and advise customers on how 

best to meet new requirements. This expertise 

forms the foundation for the cultivation of future 

talent. The steps we take today to support and 

develop roofing talent at all levels will shape the 

construction industry of tomorrow. 

Contact BMI UK & Ireland 

www.bmigroup.com/uk 

@BMIUKandIreland 


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Vapour Control Layers 

THE UNSUNG HEROES 

OF ROOF LONGEVITY 

Nestled between the roof deck and insulation sits a crucial component to ensuring the 

longevity roofs – the vapour control layer (VCL). Sunny Lotay (pictured), National 

Commercial Manager at PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, says when 

properly installed in conjunction with the correct venting and membranes, a VCL can 

all but eradicate the risk of condensation forming and damaging the structural integrity 

of a roof. Below, he discusses how overlooking this element at specification can result 

in damage to a brand-new roof, and even its premature failure. 

It’s a well-known fact that the UK has a 

condensation problem due to a combination of 

factors, not least the infamous British 

weather, which, if left unchecked, can have 

disastrous consequences for building structures. 

However, an arguably lesser known fact is that, 

when it comes to roofs, there’s a two millimetre 

thick solution that can guarantee it doesn’t fall at 

the first hurdle. 

Vapour control layers (VCL) are a 

critical building component that 

protect a building from 

degradation by managing the 

passage of water vapour within 

its structure. 

Changing regulations 

Historically, the UK has always opted for cold flat 

roof solutions, where the insulation sits between 

“We recently conducted a core test on a 

property where a roof had been refurbished one 

year previously but, due to the absence of a 

vapour control layer, the roof was already 

beginning to fail” 

the roof deck and above the 

plasterboard. However, this 

application is now banned in 

Scotland, with England set to 

follow suit due to refreshed 

building compliance regulations. 

Therefore, any refurbishments or new 

specifications have to be upgraded to warm 

roofs, where the insulation is applied on top of 

the existing roof surface, as this greatly reduces 

the risk of condensation build up and resulting 

damage. 

Within the new regulations the VCL is fixed to the 

roof deck before the insulation is applied. 

Depending on the type of system and needs of the 



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Vapour Control Layers 


PermaRoof Commercial says vapour control layers (VCLs) are a critical building component which must not be overlooked. 

project, this can either be mechanically attached 

or self-adhesive used. Conducting a roof survey 

is vital as it identifies what the substrate of the 

roof is and, as a result, the type of vapour control 

layer that needs to be specified. 

Preparation is key 

Despite the huge difference a VCL can make, we 

regularly see instances where people haven’t had 

one installed, meaning that there’s insulation 

attached directly onto the substrate with no 

moisture control in place. While this may not 

present an immediate issue, there is unseen 

damage being done from day one as it speeds up 

the rotting process. For example, we recently 

conducted a core test on a property where a roof 

had been refurbished one year previously but, due 

to the absence of a vapour control layer, the roof 

was already beginning to fail. 

It’s cases such as these that showcase the 

importance of the correct specification and 

building plans, which enable the creation of a full 

system that stands the test of time. 

Compromising on quality 

At a time when anyone can pick up the tools and 

materials they need from a building products 

provider, cost will always be a crucial factor when 

looking at a roofing project, meaning they will go 

with the cheapest quotes or attempt the 

installation themselves. 

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re 

getting the full system and best solution. 

As the upfront cost of a VCL is relatively low in 

comparison to the overall budget of a roof 

installation, it can often be misinterpreted as a 

‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘must have’, and this 

is something that needs rectifying. Without a 

vapour control layer you risk black mould, heat 

loss, surface condensation, internal condensation 

and, ultimately, structural failure that will cost 

even more than the initial application of the VCL 

layer itself. 

Talk to the experts 

The recent DIY boom has been fantastic for the 

building products market, however, when it 

comes to roofs, I would always urge people to 

speak to a specialist to ensure the right solution. 

There are so many variables and unique factors 

lying within a roof that can be overlooked, VCLs 

being the prime example, which can mean the 

difference between longevity and premature 

failure and, without that base knowledge, it’s 

highly likely that incorrect specifications could 

continue for years to come. 

Contact PermaRoof Commercial 

01773 608 839 

www.permaroof.co.uk/commercial 

@PermaGroupUK 


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 

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A full range of Roof Drains, Termination Bars, Breather 

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Areco also offer a bespoke metal fabrication service 

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Tapered Roofs 

DESIGNING OUT FLAT ROOF FAILURE 

Iain Macpherson, Head of Business Unit – Refurbishment at TaperedPlus, talks flat 

roof failures and explains how the company can assist contractors in eliminating 

ponding by designing an adequate fall into the roof with the use of tapered insulation. 

With a changing landscape regarding the 

use of insulation products in the 

construction industry, it makes sense to 

work with impartial experts when looking for 

advice and guidance. 

Formed in 2014, TaperedPlus work with many 

manufacturers of waterproofing systems and 

insulation to ensure that the appropriate 

materials are used on a variety of roofing and 

external cladding projects. Chief Technical Officer, 

Rob Vass, plays an active part in technical 

committees across the roofing industry, advising 

on interpretation of existing legislation and where 

improvements could be made in relation to 

performance and safety. 

In recent times, the use of the correct insulant in 

the construction or refurbishment of a building 

has been seen as a key factor in ensuring the 

safety of the occupants of the building in 

question. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance 

that you ensure you are offering the correct product 

for any application. In the world of contracting it is 

almost impossible to keep up to speed with 

technical innovations in so many product groups. So 

having an expert on call who can provide technical 

support and advice in an area of construction under 

scrutiny at present is invaluable. 

Selection of the most effective materials is key to 

achieving the necessary thermal performance on 

any project and with a number of alternatives 

available in the market from VIP panels to EPS, 

glass to mineral wool, Polyisocyanurate to 

Phenolic, to the untrained eye this can be a 

daunting process. 

Our specific area of expertise lies within the flat 

roofing element of construction, an ever popular 

choice for designers due to speed of construction 

and cost saving when compared against some 

“Many flat roof 

failures can be 

traced to the 

inability of the 

roof to shed 

rainwater from its 

surface” Iain Macpherson 

pitched roof alternatives. 

Many flat roof failures can be traced to the 

inability of the roof to shed rainwater from its 

surface, leading to the formation of water ponds. 

Ponding of rainwater can decrease the design life 

of a roof by subjecting its waterproofing 

membrane to attack from thermal stress and 

growth of plants, moss and algae. Ponding water 

can also create a number of issues away from 

membrane failure such as blocked outlets from 

debris, increased maintenance requirements, slip 

hazards to those maintaining the roof, poor 

aesthetic appearance, progressive deflection of 

the roof deck, as well as stagnant water odor and 

the associated hygiene issues. 

Due to the problems outlined above, the relevant 

British Standards, Guidance Documents and 

Building Warranty Provider Standards all have 

minimum standards in relation to falls on roofs. 

In most circumstances, a lack of falls can result 

in invalidating a membrane manufacturer’s third 

party accreditation and may jeopardize a 

project’s system warranty. 

The most effective solution is to eliminate 

ponding by designing an adequate fall into the 

roof with the use of tapered insulation. 

The cornerstone of the TaperedPlus service offer 

is tapered roofing schemes, and as we are 

independent of any particular 

manufacturer of insulation products, 

this means that we have the 

flexibility to offer a variety of 

solutions on a project dependent 

upon thermal performance and 

budget. Our newly formed Refurbishment 

Business Unit team has over 120 years of 

experience of working in the roofing industry, and 

understand the issues faced by contractors when 

trying to meet deadlines and beat the vagaries of 

the British weather. 

It is always our preference to meet the contractor 

and waterproofing manufacturer on site to ensure 

we understand the brief clearly before submitting 

proposals, and under normal circumstances it is 

anticipated that a bespoke design will be issued 

within 48 hours of carrying out a site survey of a 

project. 

Once the design has been approved, we work 

with the customer to ensure scheduled deliveries 

are arranged, on appropriate forms of transport, 

within the project timeframes. If required we can 

attend pre start meetings to ensure all parties 

understand how the design works and the 

methodology that should be employed in order to 

deliver a finish in line with our proposals. 

So if you have a need for the expertise of the UK’s 

fastest growing independent provider of tapered 

roofing schemes, then look no further than 

TaperedPlus, a national leader in providing quality 

flat roof design. 

Contact Tapered Plus 

01642 677342 

www.taperedplus.co.uk 

@TaperedPlus 


Slate Tiles 

FROM A ROCKY START TO DECADES 

OF SUCCESS IN THE SLATE SECTOR 

Ahmed El-Helw, founder and Managing Director of natural slate specialists SSQ, 

reflects on his time in the slate sector which started with a tough lesson learned the 

hard way, but developed into a successful, thirty-year partnership built on trust with 

the Del Carmen Quarry… 

My career in slate got off to a rocky start. 

It was in 1980 that I found myself at a 

trade show in Spain, and came across a 

display of Spanish slate for the first time. 

It was a fateful encounter, because it started me 

down a path that would end with me founding one 

of the UK’s leading natural slate suppliers. 

But in the early days of SSQ, I was young, and 

had a lot to learn. The slate I managed to source 

was of poor quality, and I had to pay out large 

sums in guarantees when it began to 

fail on my customers’ roofs. 

The claims were substantial 

– more than the value of the 

company. At the time, my 

lawyer and accountant both 

advised me to close, but I 

refused. 

I was determined to persevere and did the 

honourable thing – replaced every roof I needed 

to, showed the sector I was a man of my word 

and maintained SSQ’s integrity. 

What did I learn from the experience? That slate 

is a natural material. It’s not made in a factory. 

No two pieces of slate will ever be exactly the 

same. 

Different countries, different regions, different 

quarries, even different veins of rock will all 

produce a different quality of slate – so really, 

who selects the slate you buy is just as important 

as the country it comes from. 

In short, I learned that if I wanted the most 

Above: The Del Carmen Quarry, Spain. Left: Manuel Maestre Vega, Founder of the Del Carmen Quarry 

(left) and SSQ founder Ahmed El-Helw. 

outstanding slate, I needed a 

world-class quarry, run by 

people with uncompromising 

standards. 

In the months that followed, I set out on a 

journey to find the highest quality natural slate 

that Spain had to offer. 

I commissioned a comprehensive geological 

survey of the country’s slate-quarrying 

heartlands with the aim of finding the best of the 

best, and it was through this, and the help of 

Lisardo García and Belen Requejo of the newlyfounded 

SSQ Spanish office, that I first 

discovered Del Carmen. 

Doing the deal 

As quarries go, Del Carmen had it all – 

uncompromising quality standards, decades of 

expertise, and the most stunning blue-black slate 

with the longevity to last up to a century. 

And it was thirty years ago this year that I first 

met with the quarry’s owners to discuss how we 

could work together. 

At the time, Del Carmen exclusively supplied the 

French market. The French take slate extremely 

seriously. They’re the biggest slate importers in 

the world and have some of the strictest quality 

standards on Earth. If a slate isn’t at least of 

specification standard, it isn’t even allowed to 

enter the country. 

In quality terms, it meant that I’d found what I 

was looking for – the finest slate Spain had to 

offer. 

However, the next problem was convincing Del 

Carmen to supply me some of the outstanding 

material that they were selling extremely 

successfully in France. 



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Luckily for me, I got on extremely well with 

Manuel Maestre Vega, Del Carmen’s founder, 

from the very first meeting. It immediately 

became clear we had similar values, and he and 

his team obviously appreciated my passion for 

the product they had to offer. 

After a short period of negotiation, we shook 

hands on a deal that would see my company SSQ 

become the UK supplier of Del Carmen slate. 

My final challenge was convincing Del Carmen to 

move away from the very small, expensive slates 

they’d been selling into the French market. Over 

time, I managed to persuade them that the UK, 

US and Australian markets demand larger sizes! 

Today, we’re buying in more than 65 loads a 

month, and over the next three years we expect to 

exceed 100 – we would’ve reached that number 

already if it wasn’t for COVID. 

Three decades of trust 

Such was the trust and respect between Manuel 

and I that we never signed a formal contract. For 

thirty years we’ve worked together without any 

need for lawyers or pieces of paper. 

The Del Carmen family have integrity and 

principles and I’m proud to be partnered with 

them. They’ve been extremely supportive of me 

over the years. 

I recall a time when I’d brought an Australian 

customer of mine to Spain to meet Manuel. My 

client joked that they should buy directly from Del 

Carmen instead, but Manuel said “no, I only 

supply Ahmed, he’s my customer” – and he was 

serious. 

Today, Del Carmen crowns government buildings, 

very old listed buildings, and famous churches 

across the world, not only in the UK but also 

Australia, New Zealand, the US, Japan, Fiji, China 

and the Middle East. 

It’s the Rolls Royce of roofing materials. The 

quality is like diamond and we’re proud to market 

it all around the globe. 

All being well, we’ll be heading to Spain later this 

year to mark the three decade milestone properly. 

It’s my hope that SSQ will still be supplying 

exceptional Del Carmen slate in another thirty years. 

Contact SSQ 

020 8961 7725 

www.ssqgroup.com 

@SSQSlate 

MARLEY ALUTEC BOLSTERS ITS TEAM 

Marley Alutec has announced the recruitment 

of new staff members across several of its 

departments, helping to strengthen its 

current position as ‘the UK’s leading 

aluminium guttering, rainwater drainage and 

eaves solutions provider.’ 

Joining the company as its new Area Sales 

Manager for the Midlands, Yorkshire, North West 

and North East, is Kevan Flanagan. He has a 

wealth of experience in the specification, contractor 

and merchant sectors and has previously worked 

for Marshalls and Lafarge Cement. 

Khaled Phillips has also joined as a Business 

Development Executive. Khaled has 10 years of 

experience in account management and 

business development, including recent roles 

within the construction industry. 

In addition to this, Marley Alutec has welcomed 

three new Sales Support Executives – Elaine 

Lawson, Kelly Burdekin and Veronica 

Sommariva. Their recruitment has enabled the 

implementation of a new enhanced internal 

sales structure, with a dedicated Sales Support 

Executive assigned to each Area Sales 

Manager to support all customer projects for 

the region. 

These appointments will further improve the 

existing collaborative relationship between 

Marley Alutec and architects, merchants and 

contractors. 

Finally, Marley Alutec has increased the 

permanent members of staff working in its 

warehouse and workshop areas. So far, the 

company has recruited three new warehouse 

employees and two additional employees in the 

workshop. 

“We are delighted to be in a position where we 

can increase our workforce and welcome a 

number of new people to the business,” 

commented Phil Whomes, Commercial 

Manager at Marley Alutec. “This companywide 

expansion represents our commitment to 

growth and the drive to meet an increasing 

demand for our high-quality aluminium 

products.” 

www.marleyalutec.co.uk 


CUPA’S SLATE SOLUTION 

CUPA PIZARRAS’ products have been 

specified extensively across a major 

development and refurbishment project on 

the grounds of the Tregenna Castle Resort. 

Delivering spectacular views of the St Ives 

coastline, the Castle Approach Estate is a new 

collection of lodges built in the grounds of the 

historic Tregenna Castle Resort. In looking to 

complete the exclusive lodges, Summit Roofing 

Solutions utilised a number of CUPA PIZARRAS’ 

products. Likewise, the project team also chose to 

use the company’s natural slate to complete a 

renovation of Tregenna Castle’s original roof. 

The lodges and castle are subject to difficult 

coastal conditions, so the project team needed 

access to roofing solutions that could deliver longlasting, 

durable performance. Likewise, given 

Tregenna Castle’s status as a Grade II listed 

property, the team had to ensure that any selected 

products were able to deliver a traditional 

aesthetic, whilst still providing modern 

performance. Therefore, roofs on the lodges at 

Tregenna Estate exclusively used CUPA 

PIZARRAS’ 400mm x 200mm CUPA 12 natural 

slates, fixed using 100mm stainless steel hooks 

that were also produced and supplied by CUPA 

PIZARRAS. Notably, Summit Roofing Solutions 

was able to install the natural slate as a closed 

mitred hip system. In doing so, the project team 

ensured that all slates lined up perfectly with one 

another, which is only possible on account of the 

products’ uniform size and quality. 

www.cupapizarras.com 

WEATHERTIGHT PROTECTION 

A technically advanced, high-performance, hybrid roofing membrane from global building product manufacturer 

Sika, provided the watertight finish for a new school which was built using innovative offsite construction 

techniques. 

The newly-constructed King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls in Birmingham, which was designed by architect Atkins Global on behalf of client 

Acivico Group, replaces Turves Green Girls’ School. To meet performance and programme goals for the building’s construction, a hybrid design was 

devised by offsite construction and modular specialists, Innovaré. Innovaré’s hybrid system included integrated BBA-Certified i-SIP panels, hollow core 

concrete plank floors, and a lightweight timber cassette roofing system. This hybrid method of construction, which meant most of the new school 

structure was manufactured offsite, offered a radically quicker speed of build, reducing preliminary and overall costs. It also ensured the building’s 

performance and programme goals were met. Sika is ideally placed to support offsite construction projects. Its Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) 

Division is specifically tasked to work with offsite manufacturing and assembly companies to consider how Sika products could be used as part of the 

building process in this fast-growing sector. Sika’s 4mm elastomeric and plastomeric bituminous hybrid membrane, SikaBit Pro 940, provided the 

watertight finish for the new building’s energy-efficient roofing system, which integrates timber cassettes with i-joists. https://gbr.sika.com 

WATERPROOF SEAL FOR PRIME MANCHESTER PROJECT 

BriggsAmasco delivered the watertight roof system for a stylish addition to Manchester city centre’s building portfolio. 

Eleven York Street features a desirable meld of prime office space, retail units and ‘Grade A accommodation’. The high-profile development 

– which occupies a 26,000m² area – was delivered by Kier Construction on behalf of Aviva Investors. AHR Architects was responsible for 

its design. BriggsAmasco was selected to waterproof the building’s 1,200m² main roof and two plant rooms totalling 300m². With work 

beginning at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Briggs’ workforce was reduced in number to improve social distancing and enhance 

on-site safety. This presented a challenge, as the pressure was on to steer the works programme back on track. For the main building, 

BriggsAmasco teams installed IKO Permascreed to the roof’s 1200m² concrete surface. The mastic asphalt-based levelling screed not only provided a stable 

base for the covering waterproofing system, it enabled Briggs’ installers to create falls and ensure appropriate water run-off. This was followed by the 

installation of an IKO Permatec, hot-applied membrane, which was finished with a mix of ballast and paving. The two plant room roofs, which featured a 

plywood overlay to a metal deck, were also supplied with an IKO Permatec, hot-applied membrane and a ballast and paving finish. A fifth-floor terrace requiring 

public access was installed with the same IKO Permascreed/IKO Permatec/ballast/paving combination as the main roof. Each of these works was carried out by 

BriggsAmasco in a skilled and timely manner. www.briggsamasco.co.uk 


Digital Processes 

DIGITAL RECONSTRUCTION 

TO FACE THE FUTURE 

Architectural wall cladding specialist Spanwall has embarked on a complete restructuring 

of its production operations, led by Manufacturing Director, David Clark, to increase 

efficiencies and assist customers. 

Founded in 1967, Spanwall’s architectural 

wall claddings feature on iconic buildings 

around the world, from Titanic Belfast to 

Riyadh Metro. The company’s products are 

specified by architects and designers working on 

behalf of clients including Google, Apple, Audi and 

British Airways, and are renowned for their 

precision engineering and their ability to create 

performance products that deliver the aesthetic 

of the future. 

Spanwall received significant investment from 

Cordovan Capital Management in March 2021 and 

David Clark was recruited back into the company in 

September ’21 to lead the manufacturing 

and digital transformation process. 

David began his career with 

Spanwall in the late ‘90s and 

then moved to The McGrath 

Group for 9 years, then on to The 

McAvoy Group for a decade. He 

returns to Spanwall with a great 

deal of experience in building and 

construction product manufacturing. 

“Over the years, the business has gone through 

significant change, with periods of expansion and 

contraction that have been accommodated by 

reactive changes on the factory floor. Coming in 

for the outside I could see, just by looking inside 

the unit, an urgent need to reorganise and bring 

the operations into line with the latest digital 

technology,” David explained. 

“Manufacturing equipment and capabilities have 

been added to, however we know that we need to 

make some changes to improve the flow of 

products and processes – it was simply not as 

efficient as it should have been. Added to that, 

Left: David Clark, Manufacturing Director at Spanwall. Spanwall’s products are specified globally. 

manufacturing documentation 

and information was still 

paper-based, with our projects 

containing multiple parts and 

excessive copies of paper drawings 

were moving around every corner of 

the manufacturing plant. Tracing 

the movement of a part on its 

journey through production 

actually created an image that 

resembled a spider’s web!” 

Factory floor layouts 

“From my first week into the job I 

could immediately see we had to restructure the 

factory and become more efficient in how we 

work end to end. Twinned with layout changes, we 

needed to rethink the process to manage 

products into, through, and out of the business, 

and to develop an information management 

system that improves efficiency and control 

throughout the manufacturing processes,” 

continued David. 

To assist in developing a forward strategy, the 

company commissioned Pinnacle Growth Group 

to conduct a ‘Current State Review’ and 

outline potential next steps. “The 

report was sobering,” admitted 

David. “It provided a very 

forthright review of the current 

status, the business risks 

associated and then provided 

reasoned recommendations with 

suggested achievement dates. It 

was a very useful exercise. 

“We worked together within the company to agree 

on a vision for the future factory layout, to be 

achieved in phased stages. The first phase of this 

was to challenge the current state and develop a 

new factory layout that provided an efficient flow of 

materials through the manufacturing processes.” 


Spanwall has invested heavily in systems and the factory layout to increase efficiencies and ensure it can meet the demands of the market: “Spanwall has an unrivalled reputation for producing 

bespoke products for iconic and difficult projects but we want to be able to apply the same credentials to our standard products, and that is where digital construction tools come to the fore.” 

Manufacturing Execution System 

It was also crucial to the restructuring 

programme to modernise information systems 

within the factory operations, and David has 

initiated a complete shift away from paper-based 

to digital information with the implementation of 

a Manufacturing Execution System, or MES. 

Using information capture, open accessibility and 

information analysis, the MES will connect data 

to provide deeper insight into production and 

drive process improvements. It will provide a 

real-time view of operations, facilitate 

information exchange and communication, and 

will report on Key Performance Indicators to 

analyse operator and business performance. 

“From a starting point of relying totally on paper 

in a very rudimentary system, the move to the 

MES will transform operations,” continued David. 

“It will replace paper with a visual dashboard 

showing how production is proceeding in realtime 

and effectively form a very strong digital 

backbone to improve manufacturing operations. 

“We aim to introduce screens on the floor that all 

operators will be able to log into with a QR code, 

access and see the information they need and log 

out when their part of the operations process is 

completed. Effectively, we will know where each 

production part is in the factory, what stage of 

the process it is at, when it will move to the next 

stage and when the process is complete. 

“The system can also identify errors and 

bottlenecks, analyse cycle times, improve 

forecasting and provide accurate, achievable lead 

times to customers. In effect, the MES will make 

all our operations transparent, more accurate and 

more efficient for our business and our 

customers.” 

Digital construction development 

Digital construction is not exactly new, for 

example, programmes like AutoCAD and BIM 

systems have long been widely utilised in all 

aspects of the construction industry. In essence, 

it is ‘the use and application of digital tools to 

improve the process of delivering and operating 

the built environment’. What is new is the pace at 

which digital construction methods and 

processes are emerging and developing. 

“When I first worked for Spanwall, over 20 years 

ago, I was using 3D modelling programmes and 

doing what would now be called BIM. The tools 

are in the business, and the ambition is to better 

leverage them to improve our digital design 

capabilities. Changing how and how much these 

tools are used is an integral part of the 

restructuring programme to improve our product 

offering and customer experience. 

“Spanwall has an unrivalled reputation for 

producing bespoke products for iconic and 

difficult projects, but we want to be able to apply 

the same credentials to our standard products 

and that is where digital construction tools come 

to the fore. We need to draw smarter at an early 

stage and drive standardisation into the 

manufacturing process. 

“Potentially the most important area to focus on 

will be closer collaboration with clients and, 

through that, integrating their digital work into our 

system. Virtually every client, architect and 

designer that we interact with on a project will 

have their own BIM processes to draw buildings 

and components. However, as manufacturers we 

haven’t yet created a streamlined workflow from 

our customers to harness efficiencies. Clearly, 

there is a broken link and a lot of duplicated 

effort. We want to change that, generating 

efficiencies and learning through collaboration. 

“Spanwall has been very successful over its 50 

years, but it hasn’t really shouted loud about its 

achievements and capabilities. Now, under new 

ownership, we’re facing up to an automatic 

challenge to the status quo on many levels of the 

business. The vision for Spanwall’s future will 

take the company to another level. It’s a 

challenge I am relishing.” 

Contact Spanwall 

https://spanwall.com 


Digital Technology 

A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY 

Graham Laws, Technical Director at Siderise Insulation, discusses the many benefits of 

remote tools such as the Siderise Inspection App for contractors and installers... 

When it comes to installing passive fire 

protection in the building envelope, the 

job isn’t finished once the products are 

in and the workers have left site. Playing such a 

crucial role in the long-term safety of the building 

and its occupiers, it is vital to ensure elements 

such as cavity barriers and firestops have not 

only been specified and fitted correctly, but that 

information about what they are, how they 

perform, and where they have been used must be 

preserved for the property’s lifetime. This will 

allow building owners to both demonstrate the 

passive fire safety of their building and make 

informed decisions on how any future 

refurbishment or extension projects should be 

approached to maintain that level of safety. 

In the past, this would have consisted of 

arranging onsite inspections for each project, and 

maintaining and handing over files of relevant 

product information, locations etc. However, 

digital tools are now streamlining this process, 

alleviating the pressure for contractors, and 

providing a clear trail of product information. 

Digital database 

In recent years, the importance of accurate and 

accessible product data in construction has been 

made increasingly clear – especially when it 

comes to fire safety. Whilst much of the focus has 

been on specification, installers and building 

owners also need access to this valuable 

information both onsite and during future works. 

Digital identification platforms, such as BSI 

Identify, can provide a straightforward solution to 

product traceability. Dedicated QR codes are 

added to products which are linked to BSI UPINs 

(unique persistent identification numbers) which 

are applied to every construction product within 

the BSI Identify database. When scanned, this 

will take the user to the exact product data 

supplied by the manufacturer, attributable to the 

Remote tools such as the Siderise Inspection App can help 

ensure high levels of workmanship, without requiring an 

onsite inspection. 

day it was manufactured, whether that was 

yesterday or a decade later. This ensures that 

anyone can easily find all the correct product 

information relating to specification, testing, 

installation, and maintenance – including historic 

performance credentials, safety data and more. In 

addition to ensuring access to correct data in the 

future, it has “real time” value allowing access to 

information that will assist in on site production 

identification and application, such as installation 

videos or standard details. Of course, it is then the 

responsibility of the installer to then follow and 

evidence best practices – another step that can 

be supported with simple onsite digital tools. 

Onsite support 

Audits and inspections are a regular requirement 

for many projects. However, with deadlines to 

meet, it can be tempting to skip a full inspection 

by a product manufacturer – which are often 

offered as an additional service – and instead rely 

on the Building Control inspection which typically 

takes place when the passive fire protection 

products have been covered by the facade. 

However, manufacturer-developed inspection 

apps, such as the one we offer at Siderise, can 

allow for this extra layer of assurances without the 

extra time and hassle of arranging an in-person 

visit from their site services. 

Whilst some projects may need or prefer an inperson 

inspection, our inspection app offers 

contractors a simple way to record the progress 

and quality of the installation of our standard fire 

stop, cavity barrier and acoustic barrier systems. 

Freely available from the Apple Store and Google 

Play store, it enables users to capture images as 

each area/element is installed and update the 

data input fields using their smartphone or tablet. 

The app then immediately turns this into a 

comprehensive report which can be reviewed 

offsite by our technical team to ensure the 

installation meets recommendations and identify 

any areas which need further remedial actions to 

get them up to standard. This takes around 3 

days and further reports can be submitted to 

verify any remedial work. As well as streamlining 

the inspection process, the report generated by 

the app provides a valuable visual record of 

hidden elements of a construction once the build 

is complete. This can be handed over to the 

building owner, making it clear to them exactly 

what’s in the building and how it was installed. 

A lifetime of information 

As the people who take a building from a concept 

to a functional structure, contractors play a vital 

role in not only ensuring the passive fire safety of 

the building structure, but in maintaining that allimportant 

‘golden thread’ of information that is 

key to delivering a safer built environment, both 

now and in the future. 

The Siderise Inspection App and involvement with 

BSI Identify is part of our extensive range of 

technical and site support services, which also 

includes project and system testing, review of 

project specific details, remote and in-person 

training, and toolbox talks. 

Contact Siderise for further info: 

email: site.services@siderise.com 

www.siderise.com 


SPEED AND 

SIMPLICITY, 

BY DESIGN. 

Introducing the new Siderise 

non-combustible cavity tray (NC-CT). 

A unique trilateral design that’s flush-fitting, fully aluminium 

wrapped and pre-filled with non-combustible stonewool, making 

it incredibly quick and easy to install as well as A2-s1,d0 rated. 

Its exclusive design* is engineered for use with Steel Framing 

Systems and blockwork inner leaves without hot works, screwing 

or chamfering, whilst corners are easily cut on-site. Backed by 

forty-five years of cavity barrier innovation, full site support 

services and our market leading inspection app, Siderise NC-CT 

is another innovation to help make projects easier. 

Your Workmanship. Our Ingenuity. Swift Installation. 

Discover more at Siderise.com 

*Patent pending

Updates 

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

REAL HOMES, REAL STORIES, REAL BENEFITS 

Home transformations and improvements 

have been a major outcome of the events of 

the last two years. Freefoam Building 

Products says homes have become places of 

work and leisure with people wanting to make 

their homes more spacious, convenient, 

comfortable, low maintenance and attractive, 

and many have used funds normally spent on 

travel and holidays on home improvements. 

To illustrate this trend, Freefoam Building 

Products has developed two new case studies 

featuring cladding and fascia products to 

highlight how a large number of homeowners all 

over the UK are using low maintenance, cost 

effective PVC to update and re configure their 

homes, to ensure they are fit for purpose now and 

in the future. 

The first case study features Freefoam Fortex 

weatherboard cladding in subtle Misty Grey fitted 

on two refurbished and extended dormers. 

With teenage children, the homeowner needed 

more space so decided to extend the dormers to 

create larger, more adaptable bedrooms. He 

explained: “We looked at replacing with tiles and 

also thought about render, but then found 

information about cladding. Cost was a factor and 

we liked the Freefoam cladding as it was suitable 

for our budget.” 

Above: Freefoam’s Fortex weatherboard cladding in subtle 

Misty Grey fitted on two refurbished and extended dormers. 

Right: Freefoam’s PVC fascia, soffit and gutter fitted on a 

property in Yorkshire, installed by a local Freefoam 

Registered Installer. 

The second case study shows Freefoam PVC 

fascia, soffit and gutter fitted on a property in 

Yorkshire, installed by a local Freefoam 

Registered Installer. 

The homeowners, both recently retired, bought 

their home from new over 20 years ago. Built with 

PVC windows, but featuring wood fascia and 

soffit, the roofline had over time degraded and 

needed regular maintenance. Part of their 

retirement plans were to update and modernise 

the house, and to make sure the maintenance was 

kept to a minimum to allow more time for travel. 

The homeowner explained: “We liked the 

Freefoam products. We chose white and were 

pleased to find out that it came with a 50-year 

guarantee and felt reassured that there would be 

no more tricky and costly maintenance. One of 

the other benefits for us was that the Freefoam 

installer organised the whole job. They arranged 

the scaffolding contractor so we only had to deal 

with one company. The fitting team were great 

and worked hard and got the job done quickly and 

efficiently, with not too much mess. We’re really 

pleased with the results.“ 

Louise Sanderson, Freefoam UK Marketing 

Manager, explained: “Our marketing team know 

how valuable homeowner testimonials and case 

studies can be. We focus on generating good 

quality, relevant case studies to showcase our 

range of products and illustrate how they are 

being used to transform and improve homes 

around the country. We work closely throughout 

the whole supply chain with suppliers, installers 

and homeowners to shine a light on the excellent 

work that is happening throughout the UK.” 

www.freefoam.com 

NEW VENTILATED RAINSCREEN FACADE GUIDANCE 

The Metal Cladding and Roofing 

Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) has 

published a new guidance document – 

GD40 Understanding membranes in 

ventilated rainscreen facades. 

The MCRMA says this guidance document 

takes an integrated approach to the key 

elements of design around airtightness, water 

ingress, condensation control (vapour 

permeability), and fire protection, to achieve 

MCRMA has published a new guidance document – GD40 

Understanding membranes in ventilated rainscreen facades. 

the optimum performance and long-term 

durability in ventilated rainscreen facades. 

The Association says the document also covers 

the terminology of membranes including main 

functions; membrane placement within the 

envelope, considering both vapour permeable 

and vapour controlling membranes; regulations 

and detailing / installation. 

The documents can be downloaded from the 

MCRMA website: www. mcrma.co.uk 


AXYZ ANNOUNCES 15% DISCOUNT PROMOTION! 

AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions, a global 

leader in CNC Routers and Technology for 

over 30 years, has announced a new 

promotion for the Trident and PANELBuilder 

CNC Routers. 

For a limited time only, customers can take 

15% off the purchase price of the Trident and 

PANELBuilder, but only while supplies last. 

AXYZ Trident CNC Router: The best 

purpose-built router/knife hybrid in the 

signs and graphics industries 

AXYZ says processing a wide range of materials 

requires more than one cutting head. With this 

in mind, the Trident combines three different 

cutting technologies to provide maximum 

versatility by offering a choice of routing 

spindle and two knives, which can be either 

tangential, oscillating, or a combination of both. 

From routing aluminium and acrylic to cutting 

and trimming paper, vinyl, foam board, and 

rubber, AXYZ says the opportunities to create 

new products are endless. 

AXYZ PANELBuilder CNC Router: The 

best solution for panel fabricators 

Save thousands with the latest nesting 

algorithm in software exclusive to the 

PANELBuilder system. Maximise your project 

workflow and minimise losses during downtime 

with our new PANELTracker software. AXYZ says 

the machine is printer-ready so you can easily 

add the automatic label printer if/when 

required. 

For more information on the Trident, 

PANELBuilder or any other CNC Router, contact 

your local AXYZ Sales Rep on 01952 291600. 

To see a variety of router options, parts, and 

accessories, visit CNCShop.com. 

A. PROCTOR GROUP EXPANDS ITS OFFERING 

Following the demand and success of its 

airtightness membranes Wraptite and 

Procheck A2, A. Proctor Group has launched 

two additions to its range of high-performance 

A2 fire-resistant membranes. 

Probreathe A2 combines breathability, good water 

resistance, fire resistance and airtightness in one 

membrane. Probreathe A2 is an airtight woven 

glass fibre membrane with a PU coating and has a 

Reaction to Fire classification of A2-s1,d0 when 

installed freehanging or on a minimum Class 

A2,s1d0 substrate, and is suitable for 

applications over 18m (11m in 

Scotland). Ideal 

for use in rainscreen/facade 

construction, Probreathe A2 is a vapour 

permeable membrane for use either 

directly onto sheathing or over 

insulation. 

Probreathe A2 Air is a woven glass 

fibre membrane designed to provide 

the building fabric with excellent water 

A. Proctor Group has expanded its range of high-performance A2 fire-resistant 

resistance and breathability. Suitable membranes with the additions of Probreathe A2 and Probreathe A2 Air. 

for use in 

rainscreen/facade construction, and durable and serve as temporary protection for 

Probreathe A2 Air is both air and the building until the primary external covering 

vapour permeable and is designed for can be installed. 

use either directly onto sheathing or 

As buildings become increasingly better insulated 

over insulation. 

and more airtight, moisture management at the 

Probreathe A2 Air has a design stage becomes critical. 

Reaction to Fire 

The introduction of the Probreathe A2 Air and 

classification of A2-s1,d0, and 

Probreathe A2 membranes will improve energy 

is suitable for applications over 18m 

efficiency and reduce the risk of condensation 

(11m in Scotland). 

within residential and commercial buildings. 

Another significant benefit of both 

membranes is that they are robust www.proctorgroup.com 


All You Need to Know About... 

HOW LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IS 

REPORTED IN EPDS 

In this ongoing series, Rob Firman, of Polyfoam XPS, looks at different aspects of flat roofing 

design and construction and helps to demystify them, this month explaining how life cycle 

assessment is reported in EPDs and what roofers need to know... 

Life cycle assessment, or LCA, is the analysis 

of a construction product’s environmental 

impact. It is done across five stages called 

product, construction process, use, end of life, and 

the circular economy. The assessment results are 

reported in an environmental product declaration 

(EPD), which presents them in a standard format 

for some or all of the stages. 

The results are reported across four modules, A to 

D (module A includes two of the five stages). 

Each module contains several numbered subcategories. 

Manufacturers choose the scope of their 

LCA reporting, but new rules will make it 

compulsory to report across all stages and modules. 

Modules A, B and C 

Module A of life cycle assessment comprises the 

‘product’ and ‘construction process’ stages, 

encompassing activities up to a building’s 

practical completion. 

For the product stage, that involves: A1 (raw 

material extraction and supply), A2 (transport to 

manufacturing plant), and A3 (manufacturing and 

fabrication). Manufacturers can lower their 

impact here by acting responsibly, with a 

transparent and traceable approach to raw 

material sourcing and processing. 

Construction process is A4 (transport to project 

site) and A5 (construction and installation 

process), and covers a product leaving the 

factory, being delivered to site and its installation 

as part of the finished building. 

The use stage features seven modules, B1 to B7, 

dealing with use, maintenance, repair, 

replacement and refurbishment, together with 

operational energy and water use. 

A product like insulation is part 

of the building fabric – it should 

last for the life of the building 

and require little or no 

maintenance, repair, replacement 

or refurbishment. As a result, its 

use stage emissions should be relatively 

low. By contrast, products with shorter life spans, 

requiring regular maintenance and replacement, 

are likely to incur more environmental impact 

during the building’s life. 

Modules C1 to C4 are the ‘end of life’ stage, 

addressing deconstruction and demolition; 

transport to a disposal facility; waste processing 

for reuse, recovery or recycling; and disposal. 

How we deal with buildings at the end of their 

useful life is becoming increasingly important, 

especially as the construction industry looks to 

reduce waste associated with demolition, 

preserve existing resources, and minimise the 

extraction and use of new raw materials. 

Module D and the circular economy 

The final module – module D – has the full title of 

‘Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary’. 

It reflects a shift to the circular economy from the 

linear economy, when the materials and products 

can have their useful life extended across 

multiple projects. 

Currently, module D is unlikely to be reported in 

many EPDs because many construction products 

are not designed with reuse, remanufacturing, or 

even recycling, in mind. 

The construction industry is talking a lot more 

Left: Rob Firman, Polyfoam XPS. 

about embodied carbon, but it’s 

worth bearing in mind that it’s 

possible to choose a low 

embodied carbon product and 

still only be able to use it once. 

If low embodied carbon products 

are specified but a lot of them need to 

be used, is that a sustainable choice? 

A simplistic question like that doesn’t reflect the 

complexity of construction projects, but it’s an 

indication of how our thinking needs to shift in the 

transition to a net zero future. 

“The focus now needs 

to be on making sure 

assessment and 

reporting are as 

comprehensive as 

possible” 

The number of EPDs available has grown 

substantially in the last ten years, but the scope 

of LCA reporting in each EPD is not consistent. 

When data is reported for more stages, the 

picture of the environmental impact of the 

product being assessed is more complete. 

Arguably, now that EPDs are more widely 

available, the focus now needs to be on making 

sure assessment and reporting are as 

comprehensive as possible, from module A 

through to module D. 

Contact Polyfoam XPS 

www.polyfoamxps.co.uk 

@PolyfoamXPS 


A2 

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

Insulating Listed Properties 

ASK THE A. PROCTOR GROUP 

In this series, the A. Proctor Group will look at some commonly held myths surrounding the 

contracting world concerning thermal and acoustic insulation, condensation control, and fire 

protection. In this first article, the experts at A. Proctor Group tackle the question: ‘Is it true 

that you can’t improve the thermal performance of a house registered as a listed building?’ 

Solid wall construction – the 

external/internal insulation challenge 

Many listed buildings were constructed 

using solid masonry walls. Unlike 

framed constructions or cavity walls – 

where insulation can be installed within the 

structure – solid masonry walls need to be 

insulated internally or externally. Both options 

require spatial and aesthetic changes that may 

not be acceptable or viable in listed properties. 

External insulation would typically be covered in a 

render, which would change the external 

appearance of the building. This difficulty is 

compounded by the fact that solid masonry walls 

have more complex requirements in terms of 

managing moisture than other wall types. 

Internal approaches typically include applying 

insulated plasterboard directly onto the wall or 

introducing battens or even free-standing framed 

systems. Unfortunately, these options can be 

impractical due to space constraints, with some 

framed options intruding into the room by several 

hundred millimetres. The resulting space 

constraints can prove challenging, particularly 

around windows and doors. The A. Proctor Group 

has been pioneering thermal solutions for over 

half a century and developed the Spacetherm 

range of high-performance insulation solutions 

particularly suited to meet this challenge, 

including Spacetherm WL (Wall Liner) and 

Spacetherm Multi. Spacetherm WL is fixed to the 

internal surfaces of existing solid walls without 

the need for mechanical fixings. 

Consisting of a Spacetherm aerogel insulation 

blanket bonded to 3mm Magnesium Board (MgO), 

at just 13mm thick, there is often no need to 

remove skirting boards and cornices, saving time 

and cost. Typically, a solid wall will have a U- 

value of around 2.1 W/m² K. Following the 

application of Spacetherm WL this can be 

reduced to around 0.8 W/m² K, dependent on the 

wall structure. 

Spacetherm from A. Proctor Group was 

installed on Grade II listed Georgian 

townhouse in the historic city of Bath. 


Assessment methods – Hygrothermal 

performance 

Key guidance on assessment methods in relation 

to the risk of condensation in buildings is given 

within BS EN ISO 13788:2012 ‘Hygrothermal 

performance of building components and 

building elements. Internal surface temperature 

to avoid critical surface humidity and interstitial 

condensation. Calculation methods’. 

Contractors will be familiar with BS 5250: 2021 

Management of moisture in buildings - Code of 

practice. BS5250 highlights the need for greater 

accuracy of measurement as follows: ‘Designers 

should be aware that BS EN ISO 13788 considers 

only the risks arising from the diffusion of water 

vapour through the building fabric; it does not 

take account of the much greater risk of 

condensation occurring because of air leakage, 

which transports water vapour through gaps, 

joints and cracks in the building fabric.’ 

Traditional methods of assessment have been 

based on the Glaser method – a standard static 

interstitial moisture calculation. More designers 

are recognising the limitations of this method, 

which offers a simplified approach, developed 

back in 1958 for use in lightweight buildings. 

Technology you can rely on from a brand 

you can trust 

The simplified calculation used by the Glaser 

method is based on average monthly 

temperatures, vapour pressure and steady state 

conduction of heat to determine if critical 

condensation points are reached within one year. 

The Glaser method identifies vapour diffusion, 

how easily water vapour can pass through the 

fabric of the building. However, limitations of this 

approach are that Glaser assumes vapour moves 

only one way (inside to outside). It completely 

omits the key feature of driving rain from its 

calculations, does not measure absorption or 

porosity, and therefore misses the potential risk 

attributed to the aspect of moisture storage. 

A standard that is increasingly recognised as the 

way to address this is BS EN 15026:2007 

‘Hygrothermal performance of building 

components and building elements. Assessment 

of moisture transfer by numerical simulation.’ 

Hygrothermal assessment is based upon the 

analysis of heat, vapour, and moisture transfer 

through the elements of a building. The 

assessment data provides an accurate measure 

to the temperature, relative humidity, and water 

content within the elements of a building 

measured over a specified time. 

To provide contractors and designers with an 

accurate assessment, the A. Proctor Group uses 

WUFI software, which is fully compatible with BS 

EN 15026, and dynamically predicts moisture 

movement and storage as well as condensation 

for each location. The contractor can achieve a 

minute-by-minute prediction over a given period 

of years, and a worst-case scenario with the 

injection of a moisture source at the source to 

predict the robust drying out of the fabric build 

up. Using WUFI enables contractors to identify the 

likelihood and risks of condensation when 

considering solutions to improve the thermal 

performance of listed buildings. 

Contact A. Proctor Group 

www.proctorgroup.com 

@proctorgroup 

Case study: Grade II listed 

Georgian townhouse 

A solution to addressing the challenge of heating 

inefficiencies, major heat loss and high heating 

costs within listed buildings and solid wall 

dwellings was demonstrated following the 

refurbishment of a Grade II listed Georgian 

townhouse in the historic city of Bath. 

Property owner Mike Mower explained: “I 

obtained planning permission to insulate the top 

floor of my Grade II listed Georgian townhouse as 

it is single skin 6 Bath stone (Oolite) and very 

heat inefficient, all walls have the original lime 

render and skim and so they need to breathe. 

“The architect originally specified another 

insulation, but this would have required 

encroaching 100mm into the room and 

necessitate moving door frames and rebuilding 

window reveals. After extensive research, I 

identified the Spacetherm Multi aerogel product 

from the A. Proctor Group. The architect was so 

impressed by the thermal efficiency of the 

Spacetherm Multi. With a total thickness of 

20mm when rendered, this will not encroach 

onto the floor space, and the door frames and 

windows will not need to be altered. 

Subsequently we included Spacetherm Multi on 

the planning application as an alternative to the 

traditional insulation originally specified, which 

was approved by the Conservation Officer and 

Building Control.” 

Based on years of extensive research, the 

solutions developed by A. Proctor Group have 

busted the myth that you can’t improve the 

thermal performance of your historic listed 

buildings. Contractors can rest assured that 

there is a range of proven high-performance 

insulation solutions available. 


Knauf Insulation Tech Talk 

TOP TIPS FOR INSULATING A LOFT 

Faced with rising energy bills, many homeowners will be looking to increase the energy 

efficiency of their homes by insulating their lofts. So this month, Bradley Hirst, Technical 

Services Manager at Knauf Insulation, gives his six top tips for a successful loft installation. 

• Meet the minimum standards for 

thermal performance 

The minimum standards for thermal performance 

are listed in Approved Document L of the Building 

Regulations. From June 2022, renovated roofs – 

which includes lofts insulated at ceiling level – 

must achieve a U-value of 0.16W/m²K. For a 

typical loft, this can be achieved by installing 

Knauf Insulation’s Loft Roll 44 at a depth of 

270mm or Loft Roll 40 at a depth of 250mm. 

Glass Mineral Wool insulation should 

be installed in two layers. The first 

layer should be the same depth as 

the joists 

• Always unwrap Mineral Wool insulation 

in the loft 

Our Glass Mineral Wool insulation is 

compressed so there’s more product 

per pack, which means you can fit 

more insulation into your van – 

which also reduces transportrelated 

carbon emissions. But when 

you unwrap it, our Loft Roll insulation 

will recover to up to ten times its 

compressed thickness. So always unwrap it 

where you plan to install it! 

• Layer insulation at right angles 

The first layer of insulation should be installed 

between the joists to the same depth as the joist. 

So, if your joist is 100mm deep, your first layer of 

insulation should also be 100mm deep. 

Subsequent layers should be installed at a right 

angle to the first layer, completely covering the 

joists. 

• Make sure there are no gaps 

Unintended air gaps reduce thermal, fire safety 

and acoustic performance, so make sure the 

insulation is fitted tightly against the joists and 

that rolls are butted together. Remember to tuck 

the insulation down at the roof perimeter so it 

Left: Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation. Below: Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40. 

“Unintended air gaps reduce thermal, fire 

safety and acoustic performance, so make 

sure the insulation is fitted tightly against 

the joists and that rolls are butted together” 

meets the insulation in the wall head to prevent 

thermal bridging. 

• Don’t block ventilation 

To prevent condensation, 

make sure air vents 

are unobstructed 

and if the roof is 

lined with sarking 

felt, leave an air gap 

at the eaves to ensure 

continuous ventilation of 

the roof void. 

• Watch out for electrical cables 

High voltage electrical cables should be rerouted 

and laid over the top of the insulation to prevent 

risk of overheating or fire. One of the benefits of 

our Mineral Wool insulation is that it is noncombustible 

with the 

best possible 

Euroclass A1 and A2- 

s1,d0 reaction to fire 

classifications. This 

means it will not 

contribute to the development or 

spread of fire should it occur. 

Contact Knauf Insulation 

www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 

@KnaufUK 


Project Focus: Wilmcote House 

ROCKWOOL SOLUTIONS SUPPORT 

RESIDENTIAL ENERPHIT PROJECT 

A combination of ROCKWOOL External Wall and Flat Roof insulation, together with a 

selection of the company’s fire stopping and fire protection products, helped the largest 

residential EnerPHiT project in the world (the retrofit equivalent of Passivhaus) be delivered 

with residents in-situ. 

High-rise, high-density housing estates 

built by local authorities in the 1960s 

remain a prominent feature of Britain’s 

urban landscape – but the thermal performance 

of these buildings often falls below modern 

standards. 

One such development is Wilmcote House in 

Portsmouth, which required significant 

improvements including retrofit insulation 

upgrades to ensure quality of life for residents. 

Across a four-year programme, over 100 

residences within Wilmcote’s three 11 storey 

blocks were set for upgrades to provide 

comfortable, safe and thermally-efficient homes 

for residents for years to come. 

Wilmcote House would become the largest 

EnerPHiT (the retrofit equivalent of Passivhaus) 

standard scheme yet delivered with residents insitu. 

A key objective of the major renovation, 

designed and led by ECD Architects, was the 

creation of an environment capable of supporting 

the health and wellbeing of tenants. 

A non-combustible refurbishment and 

deep retrofit solution 

Wilmcote House was identified as one of 

Portsmouth City Council’s high-rise developments 

most urgently in need of improvement. Fuel 

poverty was a cause for concern, as well as 

damp, mould and condensation. The University of 

Southampton installed data loggers into 

properties which revealed compelling results. 

Residents were not heating their homes to the 

World Health Organisation comfort level of 18°C, 

as their electric heating was too expensive. 

Above: a combination of several products and systems, including a Rockpanel cladded façade system and a combination of 

ROCKWOOL External Wall and Flat Roof insulation, were utilised to improve the performance of Wilmcote House in Portsmouth. 

Following a detailed appraisal, Portsmouth City 

Council engaged ECD Architects to design and 

lead a substantial renovation to upgrade the 

scheme to the ambitious EnerPHiT standard in a 

fabric first approach. They targeted a reduction in 

dwelling heating demand by 90% and a minimum 

30-year extension to the lifetime of the estate, 

with the entire project carried out as residents 

remained in-situ. 

ECD’s whole building EnerPHiT solution centred 

on deep retrofit. This involved the insulation of 

Wilmcote House using a combination of several 

products and systems, including a Rockpanel 

cladded façade system and a combination of 

ROCKWOOL External Wall and Flat Roof insulation, 

together with a selection of the company’s fire 

stopping and fire protection products. 

The ROCKWOOL external insulation was fitted as 

a 300/400mm zone fixed to newly assembled, 

external steel frames to insulate and wrap the 

entire building. The result is improved thermal 

performance and exceptional air tightness, 

reducing draughts, condensation and mould 

growth. 

Other works at Wilmcote House included roof 

replacement, installation of triple glazed 

windows, extension of the living areas, and more 

efficient heating and hot water, and adjustment of 

the ventilation with heat recovery system. 

As the largest residential EnerPHiT project 

delivered with residents in-situ in the world, 

ROCKWOOL says the project is a testament to 

what can be achieved by taking a holistic, fabric 

first, people-focused approach to building 

refurbishment. 


(QUITE INTERESTING) 

INSULATION FACTS 

By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd) 

 

, or VIP’s, have been used in warm and 

inverted roof construction for a while now, they even have their own 

 

 

years they remain a product not all contractors will have worked with, 

primarily because they are much more expensive than conventional 

roof insulation. 

The high cost is primarily due to the slow production speed; each panel 

is formed individually from dried silica sand compressed into a square 

or rectangle before being wrapped in an aluminium foil. The air is then 

sucked out of the foil wrapped block and the foil sealed to create a 

 

 

 

ROCKWOOL’s Stone wool EWI system was installed at Wilmcote House. 

Raising living standards 

The living environment and quality of life of residents has dramatically 

improved not just the physical condition of the housing stock; community 

engagement was a major theme throughout the project. 

Dialogue was maintained throughout the build with residents of Wilmcote 

House, and anecdotal evidence and feedback received so far has the 

project already proving to be a big success, as residents in completed 

properties experience the positive impacts on their health, wellbeing and 

reduced fuel bills. 

The refurbishment has brought the community together by improving the 

appearance of the estate and investing occupants with a greater sense of 

pride in their surroundings. 

As a testament to its success the scheme has received two RICS awards - 

one for Design Through Innovation, another for Regeneration, and it also 

secured a Constructing Excellence Award for Sustainability. The social and 

performance outcomes of the project will continue to be monitored by a 

partnership between ROCKWOOL, the London School of Economics (LSE), 

and the University of Southampton. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jigsaw puzzle. The other challenge is that you cannot puncture the VIP for 

the same reason you cannot cut it – you eliminate the vacuum that creates 

 

There are currently a number of methods used to reduce the potential to 

puncture the aluminium foil: 

• – this only protects the top and bottom of 

the VIP, leaving the sides unprotected from potential damage. 

• – a higher than normal density PIR encapsulates s 

the VIP. This provides protection on all sides of the VIP but increases the 

 

 

 

• – the VIP is coated in a waterproof elastomeric 

coating. This method protects all sides of the VIP and is much thinner 

than PIR encapsulation. These VIP’s are widely used in inverted roof 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

make a good margin on the VIP insulation but the contractor needs to 

ensure that they allow more time for installation and that the installers s 

know the VIP has to be handled with care. Damaging a few VIP panels 

 

 

than adding to it; but the high cost is also a good way to get the main 

contractor to protect the roof from other trades! 

ADL 2021, what’s changed? 

Contact ROCKWOOL UK 

www.rockwool.com/uk/ 

@ROCKWOOLUK 


Insulation Updates 


ROCKWOOL’S SUSTAINABLE GAINS 

ROCKWOOL Group’s Sustainability Report for 2021 provides third-party verified data showing 

how the company’s products make a quantifiable impact toward achieving the UN Sustainable 

Development Goals. The company says the report also shows the good progress ROCKWOOL is 

making towards meeting its own sustainability goals. 

CEO Jens Birgersson commented: “Considering that buildings account for 28 per cent of global emissions and that in the EU alone, around 75 per cent of 

buildings are energy inefficient, our products play a key role in combatting climate change by reducing energy consumption in buildings. The building 

insulation we sold in 2021 will continue to save the annual energy consumption of more than one million homes, for the lifetime of the insulation.” 

ROCKWOOL says getting it right on renovation requires that the renovations qualify as “deep”, meaning achieving energy savings of at least 60 per cent; 

and that the materials used are healthy, fire resilient and circular. Commenting on ROCKWOOL’s own deep renovations, Jens Birgersson explained: “During 

2021, we made good progress on our energy efficiency in own offices goal, completing the renovation of an additional five buildings. One of these was our 

main office in Gladbeck, Germany, where we succeeded in reducing energy consumption by 83 per cent.” 

He continued: “What we are proving is that it is possible to renovate existing buildings up to the energy efficiency standards for new buildings.” 

Also in 2021, ROCKWOOL says it took significant steps toward reaching its science-based decarbonisation target to reduce its overall absolute 

greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2034. CEO Birgersson explained: “In 2021, we converted three production lines to low-carbon intensive 

melting technologies and fuel sources, as well as announced plans to build and convert additional low-carbon capacity. The emission-reducing effects of 

these and other investments will kick in over the coming years, helping us to achieve our decarbonisation ambitions.” 

View the report at: www.rockwool.com/uk/about-us/sustainability/ 

SAP REVEALS IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS 

A third showhome created by timber-frame specialist Scandia-Hus and insulated with Actis 

Hybrid products has achieved an impressive suite of energy efficiency and environmental 

performance parameters ahead of its unveiling to the public in the spring. 

Its performance is captured in the as-built SAP calculation, which reveals an improvement of the 

The Mulberry is the third Scandia-Hus showhome to be 

Dwelling Emission Rate of 35% over the notional building specification and an improved Fabric Energy insulated with Actis Hybrid products. The as-built SAP 

Efficiency rate of 24.5%. The 2,755 sq ft three-bedroom chalet bungalow at Scandia-Hus’ Sussex calculation showed its Fabric Energy Efficiency rate is 

nearly 25% better than the target FEE. 

premises also achieved an energy efficiency rating of B. And it has an impressively low level of air 

permeability, achieving an air leakage rate of 3.25 m³/hm² at 50Pa, with this number of air changes per hour falling way within the building regulations' 

limiting or notional values of 10 and 5m³/hm² @50Pa respectively. The UK’s largest designer and supplier of Swedish energy-saving timber-framed 

homes was so impressed by the thermal efficiency achieved in the first two showhomes it built at its Sussex HQ that it replicated the precise 

specification it used on those buildings for its latest creation. The home offers the same U-values achieved in the initial two buildings - 0.14 in the roof 

and 0.16 in the walls thanks to the installation of vapour control layer HControl Hybrid and 155mm honeycomb design Hybris in the pitched roof and 

HControl Hybrid and 105mm Hybris in the walls. Scandia-Hus MD Derek Dawson said: “Using Actis reduced installation time by up to 30%. Previously, 

insulation was installed in two phases – the first in the factory and the second on site after the first fix was complete. Actis Hybris is easy to install. The 

panels are easy to cut to exactly the right size so they simply slot into the stud wall. Due to the use of service voids and the ease of installation, the 

insulation will now generally be installed in one phase on site. This also ensures that the air tightness of the building is not compromised by follow-up 

trades. Other benefits were minimal wastage and site cleanliness. And as if that is not benefit enough, the Hybrid range does not produce irritant and 

messy dust when installing.” www.insulation-actis.com 

The first open day is on Saturday March 19. To find out more visit: www.scandia-hus.co.uk 


EE 4G+ 

Janis Windows & Doors Ltd 

48 Appleton Place, Appleton Industrial Estate, 

Southern Road, Aylesbury, HP19 9EW 

Tel: 0831 6090 476 

Email: info@janis.co.uk 

Web: http://www.janis.co.uk 

17:02 56% 

Business Details 

YOUR 

FUTURE 

IN YOUR 

HANDS 

Credit Rating: 73 

Key Contact: Alexia Kalila, Managing Director 

Direct Tel: 07968 342 115 

Direct Email: alexia.kalila@janis.co.uk 

Products 

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Article 

Tool Focus 

THE LATEST TRENDS IN TOOLS 

Andy Mills, MD, FEIN UK, talks innovation and trends in tool development. 

The initial height of the pandemic and first 

lockdown completely halted the home 

improvement sector. However, as 

restrictions were eased and tradespeople and 

installers were allowed back into people’s homes 

to continue work, consumer spend on home 

renovations surged considerably. In fact, data 

from Houzz & Home confirmed spend on home 

renovations surged by 36% during the last year to 

a median of £15,000. 

But with a huge backlog of jobs still causing 

havoc across the industry two years on, 

combined with the supply chain crisis, efficient 

and reliable tools to ultimately improve 

productivity will be essential to successfully 

navigate an increasingly demanding market. 

As the inventor of the first electric hand held 

power tool, our strategy at FEIN has been rooted 

in innovation and efficiency for over 150 years. 

Our ethos is centred on providing solutions to the 

everyday challenges tradespeople face. 

The power tools of today have evolved 

considerably, encompassing so much more 

thanks to innovation in technology accelerating 

considerably in recent years. But, what are the 

biggest trends currently paving the way in the 

tools industry that tradespeople should have on 

their radar? And what innovations are shaping the 

future of this ever-evolving space? 

Efficient tools to improve productivity 

Declining productivity is having a huge impact on 

many sectors across the UK, something many 

tool manufacturers like FEIN have front of mind 

during the initial R&D (research and 

development) process. 

As such, we’ve seen a real surge in the use of 

oscillating multi-tools (OMTs) that enable 

tradespeople to complete a vast range of jobs 

with just one tool. FEIN’s cordless MultiMaster, 

“We’ve seen a real surge in the use of oscillating multi-tools” 

“Everything from 

increased capability 

and greater precision, 

to improved health and 

safety have really 

shaped the direction 

the industry has 

headed in” 

for instance, is compatible with around 180 

accessories from the Starlock, Starlock Plus and 

StarlockMax performance classes, meaning it’s 

quick, easy and convenient to switch applications 

without switching tools. The MultiMaster can be 

used for a number of tasks, increasing 

productivity and efficiency, in turn driving 

profitability. 

Embracing new technology to drive 

innovation 

Recent years have seen tools become noticeably 

more cutting-edge, thanks to advancements in 

technology. Everything from increased capability 

and greater precision, to improved health and 

safety have really shaped the direction the 

industry has headed in. 

There’s a lot of opportunity for tradespeople to 

embrace this new technology to ultimately help 

them to improve quality, efficiency and overall 

aesthetic of a job, thanks to such advancements. 

For instance, just a few years ago, several tools 

were required to complete a single job but thanks 

to a growing market of universal OMTs, many 

have been able to streamline their ways of 

working. The new technology available on the 

market is enabling tradespeople to successfully 

navigate current market challenges, while 

completing jobs in a timely manner and to the 

highest possible standard. 

Putting health and safety to the top of 

your agenda 

Just last month, the Health and Safety Executive 

revealed injuries and ill health to workers are 

costing the UK construction industry 

approximately £1.29bn a year. 

Traditionally, tools weren’t built for a full day on 

the job and in some instances have resulted in 

long-term health repercussions for installers. 

However, the health and safety of end users is 

something that’s always been firmly front of mind 

for us. Investing in the right tools and those with 

a built-in anti-vibration system will ensure 

continuous safe and pleasant working, thanks to 

minimal vibrations and outstanding noise 

insulation, while protecting from the long-term 

effects of hand arm vibration syndrome. It’s also 

important to take the time to read the 

manufacturer’s guidelines every time you 

purchase a new tool. This not only ensures you’re 

getting the most out of the tool and are able to 

capitalise on all features, but that you’re also 

operating it safely. 

Contact FEIN UK 

fein.com/en_uk/ 

@FEIN_UK 


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Updates 


WEATHERPROOF YOUR WORKDAY 

Snickers Workwear says 

you can count on real 

comfort and protection 

from the rain with its 

AllroundWork and 

FlexiWork Jackets for 

professional tradesmen 

and tradeswomen. 

Stay dry, warm and 

comfortable by choosing 

from a range of waterrepellent 

jackets that will 

keep you dry in light showers 

and deliver great 

breathability to ventilate 

your body when you’re active 

on site. 

But if you need 100% 

waterproofness for long 

periods, check out the 

GORE-TEX jackets and the 

PU garments with welded 

seams. As part of Snickers 

Workwear’s ‘outer shell’ 

clothing layer, GORE-TEX jackets are extremely 

durable. With a waterproof membrane to keep 

you dry, they’re windproof to keep you warm and 

breathable to keep you comfortable all day long. 

There’s a host of AllroundWork and FlexiWork 

jacket styles and extensive size options available 

so you can layer your working clothes properly to 

ensure that your energy and performance levels 

are as weatherproofed as you are. 

For further information call the Hultafors Group 

UK Helpline on 01484 854788 or visit 

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 

EXCLUSIVE TOOL HIRE AGREEMENT 

Milwaukee and Speedy Hire have announced an exclusivity deal within the UK hire industry on the MX Fuel product 

range. The deal means that Milwaukee will only supply cordless low carbon MX equipment for hire in the UK to Speedy. 

In 2021 Speedy became the first hire provider in the UK to significantly invest in the battery powered MX Fuel Tower Light, 

described as a game changer for the industry, introducing high-performance, cordless lighting with zero emissions. Speedy 

says it will now invest across the low carbon MX Fuel product range including the demolition hammer, cut off saw and 

diamond core drill. Speedy will become the sole hire destination in the UK for this cutting-edge product range. 

Dale McElveen, General Manager, Milwaukee: explained: “Contractors require equipment that supports them in meeting client carbon emission targets as 

the industry moves towards net zero, while ensuring they deliver their projects safely, on budget and on time with no compromise on productivity. Our new 

MX Fuel range is designed to help businesses meet these priorities with a zero-emission operation, low running costs and reduced vibration exposure. 

With its UK-wide network of service centres and delivery networks, Speedy is now the exclusive hire destination for MX Fuel. We look forward to working 

even closer together to deliver more sustainable products for their customers.” www.speedyservices.com / www.milwaukeetool.com 

RHINO STEPS UP REAR SENSOR OPTIONS 

Rhino Products has launched its popular rear step parking sensor integration product, Connect+, for the 

Renault Master and Vauxhall Vivaro platforms. 

Rear vehicle steps are an important accessory for many van uses, providing a safe and secure platform to enter the vehicle, 

as well as access the roof. Reversing sensors for commercial vehicles have long been an expectation for many years now, however making alterations to 

introduce an external step with parking detection technology has previously been a time-consuming process, often requiring specialist knowledge, complicated 

rewiring and of course, added expenditure. Connect+ neatly solves this problem by integrating each OEM sensor into the step via a simple ‘plug and play’ 

cable. The process could not be simpler; the existing (OEM) sensors are removed from the van before reconnecting these sensors directly into the Rhino 

Products step. The wiring loom is then reconnected into the vehicle, and blanking plugs are provided to fill the space where the OEM sensors were previously 

located. The van’s sensors then work as normal, with the added reassurance that the step at the rear of the vehicle is also protected when reversing. Having 

already proved to be a hugely popular solution for modern commercial vehicles, Connect+ is now available for Rhino’s AccessStep, TowStep and TowStep Duo 

range, for a new and much larger selection of Europe’s most popular LCV variants. Connect+ is now available for the Renault Master, Nissan NV400, Vauxhall 

Movano, as well as the Vauxhall Vivaro, Citroën Dispatch, Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert, and Toyota Proace. www.rhinoproducts.co.uk 


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Updates 


MAKITA EXPANDS XGT 40 MAX RANGE 

Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40VMax range of machines with the launch of the new HS009G 235mm 

Circular Saw and ML006G Flashlight. It has also released the DX15 ‘on-tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4) that 

is compatible with its HR007GZ XGT Rotary Hammer. 

HS009G 235mm 

HS009G 235mm Circular Saw: The HS009G is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to reap the benefits of cordless, whilst 

Circular Saw 

still experiencing the power associated with corded models. Thanks to a large brushless motor and XGT battery technology, this machine can deliver the 

same – or higher – performance than that of corded alternatives. As such, the HS009G is ideal for higher demand applications. For precision cutting, the 

HS009G is compatible with the new 191141-8 guide rail and it can produce bevel cuts up to 1° left and 60° right, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. It 

offers a maximum cutting capacity of up to 61mm and a cutting speed of 4,00rpm, making light work of any cutting task. To improve user safety, the 

HS009G features Makita’s Auto Start Wireless System (AWS). When fitted with an optional AWS chip, the HS009G can be wirelessly connected to compatible 

dust extractors via Bluetooth and ensures that when the machine is in use, the extractor automatically turns on. ML006G LED Flashlight: This XGT 40VMax 

flashlight is the ideal site companion, featuring 18 extra bright LEDs that can deliver up to 500 lumens (depending on the setting chosen). The specially 

designed light diffusing lens softens the LED light to prevent glare and provide widespread illumination. What’s more, the ML006G offers an impressive 82 

hours of continuous illumination (when used in low mode) and the flashlight head can be easily adjusted to ensure the work area is always lit. DX15 ‘On- 

Tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4): Compatible with Makita’s XGT 40VMax HR007GZ Rotary Hammer, the DX15 makes dust collection a breeze. It 

can be used with drill bits up to 260mm and the depth gauge can be effortlessly adjusted. Thanks to the inclusion of a HEPA filter, the DX15 can capture 

even fine particles for maximum user safety – and the filter can be easily cleaned to ensure longevity. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: 

“Makita’s XGT range has been designed to offer professional users a range of powerful machines that are ideally suited to higher demand applications. We 

are dedicated to providing the industry with an array of innovative solutions and have spent years refining our battery technology so that our products deliver 

the high output needed without compromising on battery run time, meaning professionals can work disruption free for longer.” www.makitauk.com 

AN UPLIFT IN SUSTAINABILITY 

Pitched roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles, has continued its commitment to sustainability 

by investing in a fleet of electric forklift trucks (EFL). 

This follows extensive trials which proved the vehicles reduced emissions and provided a more efficient 

outlet for the electricity generated at its sites. The manufacturer says the decision to switch to electric 

was made after months of extensive market research and trialling of different electric forklift models to 

The new electric forklift trucks will arrive later this year. 

find an eco-friendly option that was easy to handle and efficient for the team. Linde Material Handling, 

one of the world’s largest manufacturers of forklift trucks, took first place with its new and improved X Range of electric forklifts, which Russell Roof 

Tiles says are now pre-ordered ready for the busy year ahead. Investing £900,000 into the Linde X Range electric forklift trucks is part of Russell Roof 

Tiles’ wider sustainability mission and falls in line with the latest announcement of their Net Zero 2040 pledge which they will implement over the next 

18 years. The company began their sustainability mission five years ago and will continue long into the future, with the switch to electric being one of 

the small changes to come this year. Bruce Laidlaw, Operations Director commented: “The switch to electric is key for us to continue reducing our 

emissions and forms part of our bigger picture to becoming Net Zero. After trialling the Linde electric forklift, we know it’s going to have a huge impact 

on reducing the local air pollution as they are completely emissions free. Our investment in the forklifts is another step towards our sustainability goal so 

we’re looking forward to receiving the new arrivals.” 

The latest upgrade on the Linde X trucks brings many benefits from the new Linde technology including the load stability system and class leading 

operator ergonomics. The new Linde forklifts will be used across all three sites to enhance performance and stop harmful CO ² 

levels being produced as 

well as achieving long-term high productivity levels. The battery-operated vehicles can perform beyond the limits of conventional electric trucks and can 

master steep gradients and operate within dusty and dirty environments. Chris Probert, Account Manager at Linde Material Handling (UK), commented: 

“We are pleased to be part of Russell Roof Tiles’ pledge to become Net Zero by 2040. The introduction of our new electric trucks will play a big part in 

reaching this goal. We look forward to working together for many years to come.” www.russellrooftiles.com 


GREENSCAPE 

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01_GS0421 1 16/04/2021 17:07 

From the publishers of

TAKE YOUR 

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March 2022

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