December 2023

“THE LRWA IS POISED TO COLLABORATE WITH CONTRACTOR MEMBERS”
Sarah Spink, CEO of Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA)
Reflecting on the past 12 months, the liquid
roofing industry has weathered a challenging
landscape marked by high inflation rates,
strikes in the transport, health and education
sectors, as well as governmental instability.
The uncertainties of the year were further
compounded by the ongoing impact of the Grenfellrelated
initiatives. Despite these hurdles, the sector
has shown resilience, with construction product
availability stabilising at pre-COVID levels. This
brought much-needed equilibrium to pricing.
A significant milestone this year was in September
(2023), the UK saw the first construction products
to achieve verification with the Code for
Construction Product Information (CCPI). These
products will become the first on the market to carry
the CCPI mark; offering reassurance to users that
product information from manufacturers is not only
clear, accurate, and accessible, but is also up-todate
and unambiguous. Amongst some of the first
of these product systems to receive this
validation are liquid applied membranes, from
LRWA members. This is a fantastic
accomplishment from companies represented
within our association.
The implementation of new responsibilities and
systems under the Building Safety Act on
October 1st, 2023, signalled a pivotal moment for
those engaged in projects involving higher-risk
buildings. These changes underscore the industry's
commitment to enhancing safety standards and
regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead to 2024, the liquid roofing sector
anticipates the cessation of Grandfather Rights on
December 31st. This has prompted a surge in
contractor membership as professionals strive to
demonstrate competence in their specialised
disciplines. The LRWA is poised to collaborate with
contractor members, facilitating comprehensive
plans to qualify their workforce in liquid roofing. This
involves leveraging On-Site
Assessment and Training (OSAT) for
experienced workers and Specialist-
Applied Skills Programmes (SAP) for
apprentices, ultimately leading to the attainment of
a blue skilled worker CSCS card.
While 2024 is expected to present market
challenges, liquid roofing and our association is
experiencing a period of growth. This aligns with the
anticipation of a buoyant refurbishment sector amid
the backdrop of a general election and higher
interest rates, further showcasing the adaptability
and dynamism of the liquid applied membrane
industry.
As we embark on the upcoming year, the LRWA
remains committed to supporting excellence,
promoting workforce development, and steering
the sector towards sustainable growth despite the
prevailing uncertainties.
www.lrwa.org.uk
“PV WILL PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF ROOFS”
Damien Pooley, Portfolio Manager for Pitched Roofing at BMI UK & Ireland
Sustainability is a word we’re all hearing
more frequently, and it’s having a direct
impact on every industry – including
roofing. Overarching ambitions such as
net-zero are shaping the requirements of our
built environment, often requiring buildings to
work harder to become more efficient and
underpin sustainability.
Roofs are a fantastic example of how the fabric of
buildings can evolve to do so much more than offer
protection from the elements. As we head into
2024, PV will play a greater role in unlocking the
potential of roofs, helping to reduce carbon
emissions and facilitate the creation of renewable
energy.
The past year has seen record increases in the
number of installations as housebuilders and
building owners look to renewable energy to
improve efficiency. The changes to Part L of
the Building Regulations in 2022 played a
key role in this transition, requiring new
homes to reduce carbon emissions by 31%
and non-domestic buildings by 27%.
With a wide variety of PV panels now in the
marketplace and PV technology changing so rapidly,
the emphasis will be on investing wisely by
choosing the best system for the building. Elements
to consider include power output, manufacturer
support and guarantees, and the reliability of the
panels as part of the full roof system.
Our BMI Redland PV InDaX Adapt system features a
half cut cell module technology to deliver high
output performance and maximum energy yield
throughout the day, even when the panels are in
partial shade. Half-cut cells are also more
physically durable than their traditional
counterparts, being smaller in size, so more
resistant to cracking.
In-roof systems are an evolution of the traditional
on-roof solar systems. As well as a need for less
roof materials by taking the place of sections of the
roof fabric, in-roof mounting systems ensure the
compatibility, watertightness and reliability of the
full roof system, as well as a seamless aesthetic.
The BMI Redland PV InDaX Adapt system, backed
by a 25-year power output guarantee, is a natural
evolution of our decades of experience in
manufacturing pitched roofing systems, enabling
us to deliver expert design and specification
support, as well as installation training. This
makes the transition to solar easier than ever,
helping roofing professionals to unlock the
potential of roofs and maximise sustainability.
www.bmigroup.com/uk/
DECEMBER 2023 TC 21