January 2024

JANUARY 2024 

Choice 

is everything 

Installing in-roof solar PV panels? 

Our vapour permeable and impermeable pitched roofing membranes 

and ventilation products now come with a 15 year product warranty* 

giving you extra peace of mind for your next solar project. 

Find out more on page . 

*Ts & Cs apply. 

www.glidevaleprotect.com 

>>> PROJECT FOCUS: THE SPHERE • SPECIFYING INSULATION • ROOFING IN WINTER • AWARDS >>>

FREE 

INSTALLER 

TRAINING 

• Lightweight and easy to handle. 

• Universal system compatible with all Sandtoft roof tiles and roof membranes. 

• Directly mounted - No trays required (like other competitor panels do). 

• Aluminium flashing meaning no adhesive is required. 

• Panel to panel connection in less than 1 minute making it easy to install. 

Fancy some free in-roof 

solar panel training? 

Scan the QR code above 

to take our free online 

training course.

Editor’s Intro 

MATT DOWNS 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK 

07963 330774 

For a building to really stand out on the Las Vegas strip, you know it’s 

going to have to reach new levels in terms of innovation, as well as 

collaboration between all involved to ensure it’s a success. 

Choice 

is everything 

Installing in-roof solar PV panels? 

Our vapour permeable and impermeable pitched roofing membranes 

and ventilation products now come with a 15 year product warranty* 

giving you extra peace of mind for your next solar project. 

Find out more on page . 

*Ts & Cs apply. 

And that’s what’s been achieved with The Sphere, which opened its doors 

as a concert and events venue in September 2023. Billed as the largest 

spherical structure in the world, the numbers are quite staggering; its 

exterior facade has approximately 1.2 million LED pucks mounted on it and 

each puck consists of 48 individual diodes, with each of the programmable 

diodes able display 256 million colours, making its ‘Exosphere’ the largest 

screen in the world! Kalzip was commissioned to construct and install the 

‘Exosphere’, and we caught up with Dan Vinet, of Kalzip Inc. USA, to discuss 

the challenges involved with such a unique facade project on such a grand 

scale. As Dan explains on page 32: “The envelope itself consists of 

approximately 170 tonnes of profiled aluminium panels, which were 

prepared for use in the Koblenz factory. On site in Las Vegas, approximately 

4,500 profiled sheets were then further manufactured and prepared for 

installation. This was no simple task, as each of the aluminium profiles is 

approximately 8m 2 in size and weigh 35kg.” 

Elsewhere in this issue, Richard Williams of Aztec Solar Energy provides ten 

tips when installing solar PV panels and battery storage systems (page 14); 

Kevin Taylor of Marley explains how roofers can boost their businesses in the 

winter period (page 16); Bob Richardson points out why roofing contractors 

really shouldn’t miss out on submitting projects for the UK Roofing Awards 

2024 (page 20); plus we bring you a number of the latest launches for your 

sector, including Proctor Air, the new roofing underlay from A Proctor Group... 

Enjoy the issue! 

Matt 

Advertising: 

Publishing Director: Andy Dunn 

DD: 01892 732 047 

Mob: 07963 330777 

Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk 

Registered office: 1 Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7AU 


Cover courtesy of Glidevale Protect. Head to page 28 to find out more. 


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Editorial Director Matt Downs 

DD: 01892 732 047 

Mob: 07963 330774 

Email: mattdowns@media-now.co.uk 

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Supported by: 

34 

Coral Morgan of Minster explains how 

distributors can support contractors when it comes 

to facade specification on page 34.

Contents 

3 KEY FEATURES 

22 

16 OPPORTUNITIES IN 

WINTER 

Marley’s Kevin Taylor discusses the 

opportunities for roofers to add value to their 

offering during the winter months 

32 THE SHAPE OF THINGS 

TO COME... 

We take a closer look at Kalzip’s work 

constructing and installing the Exosphere on The 

Sphere project in Las Vegas, as Dan Vinet 

discusses the numbers, processes and 

challenges involved in bringing this breathtaking 

project to life 

34 SAFER FACADE SPEC 

Coral Morgan of Minster explains how 

distributors can support contractors with all 

aspects of facade specification 

FURTHER READING 

18 COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS 

Mark Parsons of Russell Roof Tiles looks at the key 

areas those choosing and using roofing products should 

focus on 

22 IMA AWARDS 2023 

Simon Ashworth of BMI UK & Ireland looks back at the 

winning projects at the IMA Awards 2023 

24 A MORE BALANCED YEAR? 

Adrian Buttress of PermaGroup focuses on the 

challenges and opportunities for the year ahead 

26 SOLAR PV IN 2024 

Chris Cowling of Aztec Solar Energy looks ahead to even 

brighter times for solar PV in 2024... 

32 

40 ALL THE RIGHT INFO 

Rob Firman of Polyfoam XPS looks at the challenges 

around construction product information 

42 SURVEYOR FOCUS 

Daniel Smith of Gradient discusses his role as a 

surveyor and highlights what he loves about his job 

46 SAFETY FOOTWEAR CONCERNS 

With tests showing safety footwear that doesn’t perform as 

advertised is available in the UK, Alan Murray of BSIF 

highlights what you need to be aware of... 

4 TC JANUARY 2024

REGULARS 

20 NFRC ROOFING TALK 

NFRC’s Bob Richardson, who is also Head Judge 

at the UK Roofing Awards, discusses the potential 

benefits of submitting your project for an award 

this year, and highlights how simple the process 

is to be in with a chance of winning a prestigious 

trophy! 

38 KNAUF INSULATION 

TECH TALK 

As the Building Safety Act shines a spotlight on 

product choice, in his latest column Bradley 

Hirst explains what documentation you need to 

verify test data for insulation 

SECTIONS: 

TOTAL 

ROOFING 

14 

TOTAL 

CLADDING 

32 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

06 LIGHTING UP IN ROOFING 

An OHID survey shows more than 1 in 5 roofing employees 

in England are smokers – 3x higher than other sectors! 

08 CCPI CONTINUES TO GROW 

Leading merchants and distributors have added their 

support to the Code for Construction Product Information 

TOTAL 

INSULATION 

38 

06 

Glidevale Protect 

discusses the new NHBC 

Standards and the support 

available in navigating 

ventilation strategies in 

conjunction with the use of 

pitched roofing underlays. 

VEHICLES, TOOLS 

& WORKWEAR 

46 

JANUARY 2024 TC 5

Industry News 

BOB 85258 TEXT 

SERVICE BOOST 

A construction charity has seen a 105.5% 

increase in messages to its text helpline 

after the launch of an initiative to take the 

mental health message to construction 

sites and estates teams across the UK. 

Hays, the construction recruitment specialist, 

joined forces with the charity Band of 

Builders (BoB) in October, taking the lead on 

visiting sites and reaching out to both bosses 

and operatives to discuss tackling the 

industry’s mental health crisis and 

signposting support that is readily available, 

free and easy to access. 

The push to raise awareness has prompted a 

105.5% jump in messages to the text line 

launched by BoB to help tradespeople and 

construction workers – which the charity 

says is a worrying number but evidence that 

more people in the sector are seeking help. 

The latest figures from the helpline show that 

texts about depression, financial difficulties 

or relationship issues accounted for 52.9% of 

messages. Thankfully, the charity says the 

number of cries for help from construction 

workers considering taking their own lives 

has decreased from 30.4% to 13.1% in the 

last three months. 

BoB CEO Gavin Crane said: “Hays is uniquely 

placed to take the mental health message to 

sites, and the fact that the number of 

messages to our text service has more than 

doubled in the last three months highlights 

the impact they are having in signposting 

members of the construction community to 

that all-important first step in asking for 

help.” 

“It’s vital to keep signposting where 

construction workers can get help if they are 

struggling with their mental health; they can 

text BOB to 85258,” he added. 

www.bandofbuilders.org 

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

NHBC STANDARDS 2024: CHOICE IS KEY 

FOR COMPLIANCE 

With the recent NHBC standards, Glidevale 

Protect says it is supporting housebuilders, 

developers, architects and contractors with 

reliable technical information and a wide range 

of compliant solutions. 

The new NHBC Standards 2024 apply to every new 

home registered with the NHBC where the 

foundations are started on or after 1st January 

2024. They support the recent uplift to Building 

Regulation Part L and the proposed Future Homes 

Standard by offering new guidance on the use of 

integrated in-roof solar PV panels and associated 

ventilation strategies. The Standards contain 

revisions to clause 7.2.15 ‘Ventilation, vapour 

control and insulation’ stipulating that where arrays 

of integrated in-roof solar roof panels are used, the 

whole roof covering should be treated as air 

impermeable unless the panel manufacturer is able 

to demonstrate their system is air permeable. The 

Standards subsequently reference ventilation 

guidance for impermeable roof coverings on both 

cold and warm roofs to require adherence to 

BS 5250: 2021 – Management of moisture in 

Buildings – Code of practice to help prevent the risk 

of condensation build up in the roof space. 

To assist housebuilders in navigating ventilation 

strategies in conjunction with the use of pitched 

roofing underlays, Glidevale Protect offers a wide 

range of product solutions to ensure compliance 

doesn’t impact on choice. The company’s 

comprehensive range of type LR vapour permeable, 

air and vapour permeable and type HR impermeable 

underlay options can be used to effectively support 

the installation of integrated, in-roof solar PV panels 

when utilised in conjunction with the manufacturer’s 

broad range of high and low level ventilation 

products on both cold and warm pitched roofs. 

Using a tried, tested and trusted underlay and 

ventilation solution ensures that the customer has 

choice when specifying products to be used on a 

development with solar PV. This includes the 

company’s new product innovation, Protect A1 

Solar, an HR impermeable pitched roofing underlay. 

When used alongside the manufacturer’s high and 

low level ventilation products, the need for a 

ventilated counter batten space above the 

membrane is eliminated, saving labour time and 

material cost. www.glidevaleprotect.com 

SURVEY: 1 IN 5 IN ROOFING IS A SMOKER 

More than one in five employees in roofing in England smoke, according to data from the Office for 

Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID). That’s three times higher than other industries. 

Figures reveal the employee smoking inequality gap has grown by 5% over half a decade and roofing 

professionals are falling behind national trends for smoking cessation. Smoking prevalence in roofing 

roles means these employees are 65% more likely to smoke, when compared to the average smoking 

rate in England. The data insights, collated by Vape Club, highlight the need for equal smoking cessation 

support for all in society. The government has set a target of reducing the number of smokers to 5% of 

adults in England by 2030. To achieve this, encouraging roofing workers to use smoking cessation 

methods will be key. The UK government launched a world-first 'swap to stop' scheme, in which 1 in 5 

of all smokers in England will be provided with a free vape starter kit to help them quit. A recent trial by 

the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the NHS Stop Smoking Service found a vape starter kit helped 

42% of participants to quit within a month. A further 15% had quit after 12 weeks. 

www.gov.uk/government/news/smokers-urged-to-swap-cigarettes-for-vapes-in-world-first-scheme 


MANUFACTURERS OF 

PVC SINGLE PLY 

MEMBRANES 

Agrément Certificate 

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Alongside our extensive range of flat roofing materials, our dedicated 

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from start to finish: 

Installation Training Courses 

hosted by expert technicians. 

Specification, calculation, & 

tapered scheme services. 

Site visits, roof surveys, core 

samples, adhesion tests, etc. 

Regular site inspections 

throughout your project. 

CPD Presentations by our 

Specification Team. 

10 to 35 year warranties, 

with options for IBGs. 

uksales@danosa.com 

www.danosa.co.uk

Industry News 

CHAS PROTECT 

INSURANCE LAUNCHED 

CHAS has joined forces with Towergate to 

introduce CHAS Protect, an innovative 

insurance service designed specifically for 

contractors and tradespeople, that 

rewards careful contractors. 

Applying CHAS's experience in supply chain 

risk management and Towergate's proficiency 

as a specialist business insurance broker, this 

collaboration aims to provide CHAS members 

with a bespoke insurance offering that 

recognises their commitment to operating 

responsibly. The lower risk profile associated 

with holding CHAS accreditation grants CHAS 

members access to contractor-friendly 

insurance premiums and customised policy 

enhancements under the CHAS Protect policy. 

This comprehensive coverage spans business, 

tools, equipment, and vehicles and features 

exclusive additional perks for CHAS members. 

These include extended ‘new for old’ 

replacement for stolen or damaged 

equipment, complimentary tax advice, and 

24-hour legal support as well as mental 

health support for both business owners and 

their employees. At a time when the 

economic climate is extremely challenging and 

the cost of claims is soaring due to rising 

labour and material costs, CHAS Protect is 

designed to help CHAS contractors to 

safeguard their business, tools, vehicles and 

livelihood. 

Commenting on the launch of CHAS Protect, 

Alex Minett, Head of New Global Markets at 

CHAS, says: “This partnership between CHAS 

and Towergate marks true innovation in the 

industry, offering insurance products tailored 

to reward our CHAS members' lower risk 

profiles. The contractor-friendly premiums and 

personalised policy enhancements showcase 

one of the many ways CHAS adds value to its 

members as part of their accreditation.” 

www.chas.co.uk 


NEXT STEP FOR CCPI: DISTRIBUTORS & 

MERCHANTS SIGN UP TO PLAY THEIR PART 

Leading merchants and distributors 

have stepped up to support the 

Code for Construction Product 

Information (CCPI) and committed 

to raise standards in the industry. 

Belgrade Insulations Ltd, CCF Ltd 

Amanda Long 

commit to the CCPI. In adopting the 

principles of the Code, merchants 

and distributors are supporting the 

construction industry’s need for 

greater accuracy and clarity in terms 

of the product information being 

(part of the Travis Perkins Group), Quantum 

Insulation Ltd, SIG Trading Ltd and VJ 

Technology Ltd are the first merchants and 

distributors to commit to assessment against 

the CCPI and are therefore playing an 

essential role in driving much needed change 

across the sector. 

A 4-clause version of the CCPI has been 

specifically designed and targeted for merchants, 

distributors and wholesalers. This has been 

achieved with the support of the Builders 

Merchants Federation (BMF) and its members 

through their regional groups, the Construction 

supplied upon which installation decisions are 

based. This is critical as so often they are 

reproducing and managing construction product 

information. Watch this space for further CCPI 

merchants and distributors announcements to 

come!” 

The CCPI Merchants and Distributors assessment 

means that the organisation will be assessed to 

have the necessary product information 

processes and systems in place to uphold the 

Code, and will adhere to the clauses diligently 

whilst proactively promoting and supporting the 

adoption of the Code with their suppliers. 

Products Association (CPA – which is also the 

CCPI, having announced its first product set 

organisation credited as the founder of the CCPI), 

verifications at the beginning of September 

the Electrical Distributors Association (EDA) and 

[2023], is gaining momentum. The Scheme now 

the NMBS. 

has approximately 50 companies either already 

Dame Judith Hackitt, author of the Building a 

Safer Future Review and Chair of the Industry 

Safety Steering Group, said: “I am delighted to 

see Merchants and Distributors signing up to this. 

This will have a significant impact on the 

behaviour of the whole supply chain. Well done to 

through or in process for the CCPI Organisational 

Assessment, (which is the gateway element of the 

CCPI assessment process), and more than 50 

product sets (relating to in excess of 700 

products) with product information either verified 

or in process of verification. 

these early adopters.” 

The launch of the CCPI Merchants and 

From the National Construction Products 

Distributors version now provides the opportunity 

Regulator, Duncan Johnson, Deputy Director 

for this critical element of the supply chain 

Construction Products, said: “Effective 

ecosystem to play its part in delivering positive 

management of product information is an 

tangible change in the sector, helping to deliver 

essential element of ensuring better, safer 

greater confidence to customers and benefiting 

buildings. OPSS warmly welcomes this latest CCPI 

building safety. Merchants and distributors are 

initiative.” 

central to the supply ecosystem of construction 

Amanda Long (above), Chief Executive of CPI Ltd, 

the not-for-profit independently-run organisation 

set-up to manage the CCPI, said: “It is great to 

see the first merchants and distributors adopt and 

products and managing product information. It is 

estimated that somewhere between 50-60% of 

products go out through merchants and 

distributors. www.cpicode.org.uk 


The Air 

To The 

Throne 

The next generation air and vapour permeable, highly 

water resistant roofing underlay. Its characteristics 

allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe. 

Available with a 15 year warranty. 

For more information on Proctor Air and 

vapour permeable system solutions: 

contact@proctorgroup.com +44 01250 872 261 www.proctorgroup.com

Industry News 


NEW CHAIR AND VICE 

CHAIR AT IOR 

The Institute of Roofing (IoR) has announced 

a new Chair, Graeme Millar (FIoR), and Vice 

Chair, Mark Dunn (FIoR). 

As an IoR Fellowship member since 

2014, Graeme’s experience in 

construction spans more than 40 

years when he began his career as 

a trainee slater at William Millar and 

Sons in 1978. He is the fifth-generation 

roofing contractor in his family. His high-profile 

career has seen him serve as Managing 

Director of Bain and Irvine Ltd for 33 years, as 

well as Managing Partner for Graeme Millar 

Roofing Consultants for 20 years. Graeme 

(pictured above) is currently President and 

Head of Technical at the International 

Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD), and 

former President of the National Federation of 

Roofing Contractors. 

The IoR’s new Vice Chair, Mark Dunn 

(FIoR), has worked in the roofing 

industry since 1985 and is now 

Head of Training at Sika Liquid 

Plastics. He has worked his way up to 

management roles after coming ‘off the tools’ 

earlier in his career. Mark (left) is passionate 

about roofing, which is seen in his work and 

commitment to training through the courses he 

delivers at Sika Liquid Plastics and for the IoR. 

Mark has been a member of the Institute since 

2005, and became one of its regional officers 

which, he said, provided him with the 

opportunity to “…give something back to the 

industry…” and enables him to use his 

knowledge and expertise to help future 

generations of roofing. 

The new Board appointments come as 

discussions are taking place between the 

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the 

IoR, with a view to integrate the Institute into the 

CIOB’s diverse membership and global 

operations. www.instituteofroofing.org 

PROCTOR AIR ENTERS THE MARKET 

Innovation has run through the Proctor 

family since its earliest records, and since 

taking over in 2012, the company’s 

Managing Director, Keira Proctor, has 

continued this tradition, building on this 

foundation of trust, honesty, and hard work 

from the very same desk where her father 

and grandfather made the company what it 

is today. 

The A. Proctor Group Ltd has been at the 

forefront of pitched roofing membrane technology 

for over a quarter of a century. 25 years working 

with its partners across the construction 

industry, helping to evolve standards, and 

delivering quality results on projects across the 

UK and around the world. 

The company says Proctor Air is the result of this 

quarter century of experience on sites and on 

drawing boards, listening to and responding to 

the challenges faced by the industry. 

The next evolution of 

roofing underlay 

technology, 

Proctor Air 

has been developed 

and manufactured to the 

company’s precise specifications 

and requirements. This ensures the onsite 

performance of its material mirrors the offsite 

performance, while a 15 year warranty 

ensures peace of mind for any project, now and in 

the future. 

Hydrophobic additive in all three layers of this 

next generation product amplifies water holdout, 

and the company says this, alongside optimized 

levels of permeability to both air and moisture 

vapour, ensures Proctor Air delivers the most 

robust and dependable performance. 

This, the A Proctor Group says, means Proctor Air 

can be specified on all roof types not just without 

low- and high-level ventilation, or a vapour 

control layer, but with confidence. 

After 25 market-leading years, The A. Proctor 

Group says it is once again pushing roofing 

forward and embracing the future of membrane 

technology. 

www.proctorgroup.com 

The “Air” to the throne 

has arrived... A Proctor Group’s 

Proctor Air membrane. 


TAYLOR ROOFS MAKES CUSTOMER’S XMAS! 

Taylor Roofs’ Managing Director Jamie Taylor (Santa) and his staff presenting the cheque to Judy. 

DELIVERING 

TOGETHER 

Over 140 energy efficiency and insulation 

professionals, industry figureheads and 

government officials came together at an 

event celebrating the transformational work 

undertaken by the sector. 

The event, held as a partnership between the 

National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) 

and the National Insulation Association (NIA), 

also placed a focus on the government’s future 

net zero and wider decarbonisation plans. 

Christmas came early for West Lothian lady 

Judy Irons who was the lucky winner in local 

company Taylor Roofs’ biggest ever 

competition giveaway. 

Anyone who accepted the Bathgate firm’s quotes 

between June and August last year, and went 

ahead and had a new roof installed, was entered 

into a prize draw, with the company pledging to 

cover up to £15,000 of the full balance. 

The quote for Judy, from Craigshill, Livingston, 

came in at £9258.79, and when her name came 

out of the hat, Taylor Roofs Managing Director 

Jamie Taylor and his team donned their festive 

costumes and dropped in on her at work to 

present the stunned winner with a cheque for that 

amount! 

Jamie Taylor explained: “Judy’s roof was over 50 

years old and the tiles had become porous, the 

membrane and old Cellotex below had started to 

fail and allow water ingress. There was also a lot 

of condensation forming in her home as a result of 

the roof’s condition. 

“We installed a new roof with oriented strand 

board (OSB), new underlay, timbers, Marley roof 

tiles and associated dry fitting systems (no 

cement mortar) to ensure a maintenance-free 

solution. 

“The roof has also had low level and high-level 

ventilation to ensure the home can breathe 

“One of our core values 

at Taylor Roofs is 

giving back, and when 

better to do that than at 

Christmas time? The 

smile on her face said 

it all” – Jamie Taylor 

properly in the modern climate – properly 

ventilating roof spaces is now more important 

than ever. 

“This is all covered by Taylor’s 10-year materials 

and workmanship warranty, and we were 

delighted that Judy was another satisfied 

customer when the job was finished. 

“It’s the first time we have run a competition like 

this and it was a great feeling telling Judy she had 

won and then handing over a cheque for nearly 

£10,000. 

“One of our core values at Taylor Roofs is giving 

back, and when better to do that than at 

Christmas time? The smile on her face said it all.” 

When receiving the cheque prior to Christmas, 

Judy said: “It’s amazing! What a great early 

Christmas present. Thanks to the whole team at 

Taylor Roofs, they’ve been absolutely amazing.” 

www.taylorroofs.co.uk 

Senior representatives from the Department for 

Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) were also 

in attendance, including the Minister for Energy 

Efficiency and Green Finance. Lord Callanan 

spoke to attendees about the scale of ongoing 

decarbonisation commitments and policies. 

Derek Horrocks (right) - who is the 

chair of both the National Home 

Decarbonisation Group and the 

National Insulation Association - 

placed a focus on the power of 

collaboration across the sector and how it will 

serve to create a robust supply chain capable of 

delivering long-term government commitments 

for net zero. 

Derek said: “This year (2023) has seen great 

steps forward when it comes to the 

decarbonisation of homes and journey towards 

net zero, and it’s been a great opportunity to 

come together and reflect on that, as well as 

discuss how to overcome any challenges. The 

core fact remains that the work being done 

across the sector to decarbonise homes is 

working to make a real-life difference to real 

people. It makes sure that people’s homes are 

safe and healthy, while also lowering energy bills 

too. This has a profound and proven impact on 

people’s health and wellbeing – and serves to 

tackle the biggest crises being faced today with 

rising fuel poverty, pressure on the NHS and 

climate change. www.nhdg.org/ 

JANAURY 2024 TC 11

It’s more 

than a roof 

It’s a Marley Solar Roof System.

LEARN MORE 

You may just see a roof. But by installing the complete 

Marley Solar Roof System, you’ll see benefits of a solution 

designed to work together, whilst making the most of the 

growing demand for roof integrated solar panels. 

It’s more than a roof, it’s an opportunity for roofers. 

marley.co.uk

Solar PV & BESS 

BATTERY AFFORDABILITY IS 

TRANSFORMING SOLAR POPULARITY 

Commercial organisations have been slower to adopt battery storage than the domestic 

solar market, primarily due to storage capabilities and affordability. Yet according to 

Richard Williams, founder and Managing Director of Aztec Solar Energy Ltd, that’s now 

changing as the challenges organisations once faced are easily remedied. Based at the 

University of Warwick, Richard has over 30 years in the energy services sector and 

below shares his views on how battery storage is transforming a sector’s ability to turn to 

greener energy solutions. 

The economic attractiveness of solar energy 

has accelerated over the last five years 

with more businesses adopting it to combat 

rising energy costs and deliver long-term energy 

security. Until now the expense of installations, 

the difficulties of a retrofit, and lack of energy 

storage has been a barrier, but that’s no longer 

now the case. 

Installing rooftop solar power is one of the best 

investment opportunities available. 

Batteries have become much more competitively 

priced and rather than return the energy 

harvested to the grid – where you don’t always 

get the best price – they allow you to store that 

power and draw on it as needed and 

accommodate peaks in demand. Batteries can be 

force-charged overnight at lower electricity rates 

“The economy of 

scale with battery 

production is 

bringing the 

prices down and 

making them a costeffective 

solution” 

and the energy used in the day when electricity 

rates are higher. 

Even if PV panels have been installed, battery 

storage can be added afterwards. Many are 

taking this option as the economy of scale with 

battery production is bringing the prices down 

and making them a cost-effective solution. 

Batteries have reduced both in cost and in size by 

Left: Richard Williams is foremost an engineer, 

as well as founder and Managing Director of 

Aztec Solar Energy Ltd, the nationwide 

engineering-led consultancy and installer of 

bespoke solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery 

energy storage systems (BESS). 

at least 40% over the last five years. 

Here are ten top tips for installing solar 

photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery systems 

(BESS). These of course sit alongside good 

roofing practice when installing renewable energy 

systems. 

1. Initial assessment 

i) Check the age, condition and load capacity of 

the roof 

ii) The roof should be entirely non-combustible. If 

not, consider installing a non-combustible layer 

The drop in price and reduction in size of 

battery storage solutions is making solar PV 

more attractive to commercial properties 


etween the solar panels and roof. 

iii) For new roofs understand the risks of flat vs 

pitched roofs 

iv) Ensure there is a completed H&S risk 

assessment, including working at heights. 

2. PV location 

The amount of sunlight and shading is key. 

Consider the surroundings and risk of debris from 

leaves etc. Look at on-going accessibility for 

maintenance and repair. Be aware that without 

safe access this could increase costs further 

down the line. 

“Evaluate the fixings in 

relation to the weatherrelated 

conditions in 

the area, durability, 

maintenance, and 

lifecycle” 

3. Type of PV panel 

PV panels vary from manufacturer to 

manufacturer. Ensure they conform to the most 

recent and relevant technical standards. Evaluate 

the fixings in relation to the weather-related 

conditions in the area, durability, maintenance, 

and lifecycle. 

4. Installations 

i) There are 2 main types of PV installation: 

(a) Integrated into the roof surface (Building 

Integrated Photovoltaic - BIPV) 

(b) Above the roof surface (Stand-off systems) 

ii) Different types of roof coverings present 

different installation challenges. Ensure that 

weathertightness, thermal insulation, ventilation 

and structural stability are not compromised by 

the installation. 

5. Inverters 

The PV inverter converts the variable direct 

current (DC) output from a PV panel into 

alternating current (AC). Its size dictates the push 

“Batteries have reduced both in cost and in size 

by at least 40% over the last five years” 

pull capabilities and size of the battery and 

should be matched to the usage pattern of your 

building/site demand. 

6. Battery storage systems 

i) Modern lithium ion batteries are slim. They are 

sleek and lightweight so can be wall mounted or 

standalone. 

ii) Batteries should be located in fire rated 

compartments away from combustible 

surroundings. 

7. Constantly ‘live’ 

The ‘live’ nature of PV panels means careful 

consideration of how panels are isolated: 

i) dedicated remote switch 

ii) integrated isolator switch 

iii) via a fire alarm system 

8. Handover 

Once commissioned a handover should include 

training, a quality inspection, and a full test of 

the system. Certification of all electrical work in 

compliance with the relevant UK standards. 

9. Inspections 

i) Monitor energy production 

ii) Only use competent electrical engineers 

(NICEIC, ECA etc) 

iii) Periodic panel cleaning and inspection will 

help maintain an efficient system 

iv) A full visual inspection by a competent person 

should be conducted annually 

v) Inspections are also advised following extreme 

weather 

10. Accreditation 

All PV contractors should be accredited to a 

national trade body and follow mandatory 

guidelines, as well as being trained in general 

construction site practice and specific training or 

competence appropriate to solar PV and BESS 

installations. 

Contact Aztec Solar Energy 

www.aztecsolarenergy.co.uk 

0845 467 5058 


Pitched Roofing 

THE ADDED VALUE OF WINTER 

READY ROOFS 

Kevin Taylor (pictured), Training and Technical Support Manager at Marley, says the winter 

months can present additional ‘business building opportunities’ for roofing contractors... 

As the dark winter months approach, many 

car or van drivers think nothing of taking the 

time to get their vehicles ‘winter ready’. A 

‘to-do’ list could include a new battery, ensuring 

winter screen wash levels are topped up, tyres are 

checked, and the ice scraper is at the ready. They 

are commonsense and simple actions that ensure 

winter driving is stress-free. 

Roofs on the radar 

But many households would also be giving 

themselves peace of mind if they applied the same 

thought to undertaking similar checks on their 

roofscapes. Ensuring the roof is maintained properly 

and is winter ready can mean, for example, that 

small and easily solved roof issues do not escalate 

and become a highly inconvenient and expense 

problem. 

So, while roofing contractors may see a reduction in 

the number of new roofing projects starting during 

the winter months, there are ways they can 

proactively position themselves to generate 

business opportunities across repair and 

maintenance. 

Added value service for roofing contractors 

There are four key roofing areas that contractors 

should concentrate on when it comes to 

undertaking a pre-winter roof check. 

When complete, the check findings will enable 

contractors to have informed conversations with 

homeowners and agree on any remedial or ongoing 

maintenance actions which could be needed. 

Roofers are in the unique position in that they can 

access an often-out-of-bounds area of the building 

and act as expert eyes that homeowners can rely 

on. 

1. Roof Tiles: Checking from a safe position, 

“Roofers are in the 

unique position in 

that they can 

access an often out 

of bounds area of the 

building and act as 

expert eyes” 

contractors can assess whether there are any 

missing or cracked roof tiles, ridge tiles, hip tiles, or 

other fittings. It is important to get any cracked or 

missing roof tiles repaired as soon as possible as 

any water or snow getting into the roof at that point 

can track down the roof timbers and cause 

inconvenient and expensive damage to ceilings and 

internal walls. 

2. Lofts: Condensation can be a big problem over 

the winter months because people stay indoors for 

longer periods, they turn up the heating and don’t 

open the windows. This creates increased volumes 

of warm, moist air which finds its way to the loft 

space, hits the cold underside of the roof coverings, 

and re-forms back into water droplets. 

The droplets can track down the roof timbers and 

drip onto ceilings, often creating dampness and 

mould if left unchecked. The best way to minimise 

the risk of condensation in existing roofs is to 

ensure that there is a flow of ventilation from eaves 

to eaves, or ideally eaves to ridge. 

Contractors should advise homeowners to declutter 

their loft before the coldest weather arrives, and 

check that insulation is not blocking the airflow at 

the eaves. This should ensure that there is 

sufficient airflow throughout the roof to minimise 

the risk of condensation and the potential damage it 

can cause. 

3. Gutters: An essential winter ready roof 

check should always look at the gutters 

and make sure they are clear of vegetation 

and debris. If it is safe to do so, contractors 

should offer to clear the gutters, and the 

outlets/downpipes and, if this is an annual problem, 

should suggest that the household fits gutter guards 

to prevent the problem from re-occurring. 

Homeowners should also be informed that failure to 

address this issue over time can result in water 

backing up behind the fascia board and into the roof 

and staining down the face of the brickwork. 

4. Mortar and flashings: As with the roof tiles, 

contractors can observe if there is any missing 

mortar from the ridge and hip tiles, the valleys, or 

the verge tiles. They can also check that all 

flashings are still securely fixed into the brickwork, 

not turned up at the edges, and there is no missing 

pointing. 

If applicable, it is also sensible to see that the soil 

pipes flashings remain intact, and that the pipe is 

correctly sealed with a collar or similar. If any issues 

are spotted, roofers can help address them without 

delay and prevent driving rain and snow getting into 

gaps and, ultimately, the roof. 

Carrying out competitively priced winter ready roof 

checks can be an added value service offering for 

roofing contractors that will strengthen client 

relationships and help identify costly roof problems 

before they magnify, saving homeowners the timeconsuming 

inconvenience and unwanted expense of 

major roofing work. 

Contact Marley 

www.marley.co.uk/roofsystem 

01283 722222 

Marley 


Pitched Roofing 

SPECIFYING & INSTALLING ROOFING 

COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS 

Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, provides advice on the main 

aspects that those specifying roofing solutions should consider. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, 

specifiers, housebuilders and contractors are 

increasingly exploring avenues for efficiency 

and cost-effectiveness. Often prompted by 

requests for alternatives from within the supply 

chain or by installers, these considerations bring 

to light the delicate balance between perceived 

initial cost savings and future liability, as well as 

the risk of a greater cost where substitutions do 

not carry the same warranties or even invalidate 

guarantees offered by the original manufacturer. 

Maintaining high standards amidst 

substitution requests 

Given the current challenging climate, we 

recognise the growing trend of exploring 

alternative roofing products. Whether driven by 

availability issues or cost-saving measures, it is 

important to emphasise the importance of 

aligning proposed changes with the high 

standards inherent in a 

manufacturer’s original 

specifications for a roofing system. 

The holistic approach to 

roofing systems 

Manufacturers across the construction 

industry consistently underline the rigorous 

standards products need to meet to deliver 

quality and reliability. However, it is imperative to 

view the full roofing system holistically to ensure 

optimum performance and longevity. 

Manufacturers – such as Russell Roof Tiles – 

specify concrete roof tiles and accompanying 

accessories, where every component plays a vital 

role in the overall system. 

Impact on guarantees and warranties 

For example, we provide RussSpec – which is a 

15-year guarantee when using the whole roof 

“Deviating from specified accessories could 

introduce compatibility issues, potentially 

affecting the whole roofing system's 

performance and appearance” 

Left: Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell 

Roof Tiles. 

solutions. This is applicable where 

the specification has been followed 

and detailed in accordance with 

advice provided in the fixing 

specification and instruction. Having 

guarantees of this kind in place, the contractor 

knows the manufacturer is committed to 

providing a high-quality product. 

These roofing systems are meticulously 

developed for specific products. So, the inclusion 

of third-party fittings or components may 

compromise the validity of these assurances. 

Deviating from specified accessories could 

introduce compatibility issues, potentially 

affecting the whole roofing system’s 

performance and appearance. Additionally, 

customer support and technical service are 

intricately linked to the use of recommended 

accessories, making it challenging to extend the 

same level of support for accessories from other 

manufacturers. 

It is also important to be aware of a guarantee’s 

limitations. For example, products must be 

installed as specified and substitution of 

components with other products at any stage of 

construction will invalidate guarantees. 

By working closely with a manufacturer which 

has guarantees, the contractor is in a stronger 

position to ensure a viable roofing solution as 

well as maintaining all future needs. The 

technical team at Russell Roof Tiles is also on 

hand to answer questions, ensuring issues are 

minimised before, during and after installation. 

Drone shot of Rochdale Golf Club's new roof 

using products from Russell Roof Tiles. 


Compliance and standards 

Using specific roofing accessories such as our 

RussFast Dry Ridge, Russell Dry Verge, purpose 

designed fixings and other components comply 

with relevant British Standards, ensuring 

seamless integration and customisation. Whilst 

alternative products may offer apparent cost 

savings, they may be lacking in some features, 

leading to complications during installation and 

compromising the overall integrity of the roof. 

Navigating regulatory changes 

It is also important to ensure the chosen supplier 

adheres to all current legislation, such as the 

2022 Construction Products Regulation which 

covers compliance and testing. 

In addition, following the Grenfell Tower fire, the 

Hackitt & Regulations Review has set the industry 

a challenge of radical transformation. Dame Judith 

Hackitt’s Independent Review of the Building 

Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report (Hackitt 

“Substitution of 

components with other 

products at any stage 

of construction will 

invalidate guarantees” 

Report) identified that the construction regulatory 

system was unfit for purpose, and outlined 

proposals for regulatory reform and how industry 

needed to change the principles of how it operates. 

Building Safety Act 2022 and duty holders 

New regulations introduced duty holders for 

compliance, and emphasise the importance of an 

integrated approach. Deviating from specified 

components may lead to unnecessary complexity 

in investigation, warranty and liability. Under the 

Building Safety Act 2022, for example, duty 

holders such as the principle contractors have 

new responsibilities, for example to also include 

information within a digital framework. Pre- 

Construction Information (PCI) requires digital 

record keeping for traceability, which is simpler to 

deliver from a single roofing components supplier. 

Deviating from specified components may lead to 

unnecessary complexity in investigation, 

warranty, and liability. Duty holders, including site 

teams, are urged to ensure competence, 

knowledge, and skills in collaboration with 

suppliers to navigate these changes effectively. 

Supporting partnerships through 

adherence to standards 

In a sector facing increasing legislation, it is vital 

that those specifying roofing solutions partner 

with manufacturers who are aware of the latest 

standards, expectations and compliance, and can 

deliver quality products to customers and their 

clients. 

Contact Russell Roof Tiles 

www.russellrooftiles.com 

Russell Roof Tiles 

For further r 

inform 

ation 

or a hire quotation call 

01858 412 100 

Email: sales@cookerhire.com 

www.cookerhire.com

NFRC Roofing Talk 

COULD YOUR COMPANY WIN A 

UK ROOFING AWARD IN 2024? 

Bob Richardson, NFRC Head of Technical and Training, who is also Head Judge at the UK 

Roofing Awards, discusses the entry process and requirements, and explains how 

companies can really benefit from submitting their projects to the annual awards event… 

The UK Roofing Awards 2024 is on the 

horizon, and entries are now open at 

nfrc.awardsplatform.com. Projects can be 

submitted until 12 January for the judges’ 

consideration. 

We encourage firms of all sizes and in all roofing 

and cladding disciplines to enter the Awards. It 

only takes a short amount of time and there is no 

entry fee. The judges reward quality 

workmanship, problem solving, health and safety, 

and great supply chain management – all of 

which can be achieved by any firm with a 

commitment to excellence. 

Is there an award for projects in my 

discipline? 

Entries are welcome in 16 project categories: 

• Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid 

Waterproofing; • Cold Applied Liquid 

Waterproofing; • Fully Supported Metal; 

• Green Roofing; • Heritage Roofing; 

• Leadwork; • Mastic Asphalt Multidiscipline 

Project over £250k; • Rainscreen 

Facades; • Reinforced Bitumen Membranes; 

• Roof Slating; • Roof Tiling; • Sheeting and 

Cladding; • Single Ply Roofing; • Small Scale 

Project (Under £25k); • Solar PV 

One entry will also take the Industry Choice 

Award, voted for online by everyone across the 

UK roofing and cladding industry. Finally, the 

project deemed by the judges as best across all 

categories will gain the prestigious title of Roof of 

the Year 2023. 

Can I nominate a great individual for an 

award? 

Companies with a standout young roofer, 

apprentice or trainee are encouraged to nominate 

them for the Young Roofer of the Year Award, 

gaining recognition for the individual for their 

hard work, commitment and a great start to their 

career in roofing. 

If you have someone in your team who goes the 

extra mile for best practice in health and safety, 

you can also nominate them for the Health and 

Safety Individual of the Year Award. 

Are we eligible to enter? 

It’s not only NFRC Member companies who can 

enter. Individuals being nominated must be 

employed by, or the roofing project must have 

been completed by a roofing contractor with 

membership of at least one of the following trade 

associations/organisations: 

FTMRC; GRO; LRWA; MAC; MCRMA; NFRC; 

NFRC Competent Person Scheme (formerly 

known as CompetentRoofer); SPRA. 

We worked on the project but weren’t the 

roofing contractor – can we enter? 

Manufacturers, architects and specifiers are very 

welcome to submit projects but must ensure that 

the roofing contractor is a member of one of the 

above listed trade associations/bodies. The 

award always goes to the roofing contractor – but 

where the entry was submitted by a supplier, they 

will be mentioned if the project gets shortlisted. 

Is our work impressive enough to win a 

UK Roofing Award? 

Winning, and being shortlisted, is about more 

than just a flashy project. Aesthetics are of 

course important, but as we all know, ‘the devil is 

in the detail’ so attention to detail on a small 

project is just as important as on a big build. The 

judges will look at your evidence of good project 

management and problem solving, the interfaces 

with other trades, any apprentices taken on or 

training that was required, in conjunction with 

exceptional craftsmanship, as well as rewarding 

firms who have gone above and beyond on health 

and safety. 

It is important to paint a picture with the 

information provided with your submission 

including photos of before, during and after the 

project, so the judges can evaluate the whole 

process including any innovation so they can 

understand the due care and attention paid to 

critical elements of the project. 

How do we enter? 

Entries can submitted at 

nfrc.awardsplatform.com, where you will fill in 

a form with details about your project, add your 

photos, and submit. You don’t have to do it all in 

one go: you can make an account to save your 

progress and return another time to finish it. 

For more information on nominating someone for 

the NFRC Health, Safety and Environment in 

Roofing Awards – Individual Award 2023, please 

email joannelear@nfrc.co.uk. 

We encourage you to enter the Awards whether or 

not you’ve submitted a project before – you and 

your team deserve recognition for the great work 

you’ve done in 2023, and this is a fantastic way 

to gain that recognition on the UK-wide stage! 

Contact NFRC 

020 7638 7663 

www.nfrc.co.uk 

NFRC 


TAKE YOUR 

ROOFING BUSINESS 

TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH NFRC 

Technical advice, the industry quality stamp and fantastic 

profile-raising opportunities—for all roofing disciplines 

NFRC sets the highest 

standards for work across 

all roofing and cladding 

disciplines. But we’re much 

more than the industry’s quality 

assurance stamp. Membership 

of the trade association offers 

contractors and suppliers a 

range of powerful technical 

and commercial advantages. 

These include a profile on our website 

and directory listing, making your 

business easier for clients to find. Plus 

exclusive access to technical support and 

updates, an exclusive health and safety 

app, and advice on training provision. 

For suppliers, key benefits include 

numerous opportunities to engage with 

roofing contractors all over the country. 

And as the voice of the roofing sector, 

NFRC makes our members’ views 

heard where it matters most. We work 

with government, standards bodies 

and training providers to promote the 

interests of the industry, and of the 

construction market as a whole. 

2023 UK Roofing Awards 

Fully-supported Metal winner 

Roles Broderick Roofing Limited 

3 | Working Towards Zero Avoidable Waste in the Roofing Sector 

NFRC trade 

membership benefits 

WHAT BEING AN NFRC MEMBER MEANS FOR YOU 

3 | Working Towards Zero Avoidable Waste in the Roofing Sector 

NFRC supplier 

membership benefits 

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO OUR ROOFING 

CONTRACTOR MEMBERS 

Call 020 7638 7663 or visit 

nfrc.co.uk/TCbenefits to request our 

benefits brochure—and find out more 

about what NFRC membership can do 

for your business. 

Have you heard about NFRC’s NEW regional NVQ Assessment 

Service dedicated to roofing and cladding? 

This service offers the opportunity to get qualified, 

on-site in a real working environment. 

Like to find out more? 

Email careers@nfrc.co.uk

Flat Roofing 

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN FLAT 

ROOFING AT IMA AWARDS 

Simon Ashworth, Portfolio Manager for Flat Roofing at BMI UK & Ireland, reflects on the 

IMA Awards 2023, which showcased some of the very best projects in flat roofing that 

have helped to transform roofscapes in towns and cities across the UK... 

Roofs are integral to a building's 

overall structure, so the standards 

for design, manufacture and 

installation need to be high. Since its 

formation in the 1990s, the Intelligent 

Membrane Association (IMA) has 

championed the highest standards in flat 

roofing in the UK. At a recent awards 

ceremony, the IMA’s flat roofing projects 

were celebrated, with categories covering 

everything from the specifics of flat roofing 

applications to installation successes. 

Alongside celebrating individual projects, the 

awards also touched on Icopal’s milestone 

achievement of 100 years of manufacturing in 

Manchester. To mark the occasion, some 

additional awards were added to this year’s 

roster, including Excellence in Refurbishment, 

New Build Roofing and Workmanship. 

We’d like to again offer our congratulations to 

each of our winners – and to those who were 

nominated in their respective categories. 

Overcoming challenging roofs with 

excellence 

Flat roofing projects are rarely without some 

challenges, whether that’s water ingress, 

skylights, or access. The projects submitted in 

the IMA Awards were no exception. 

Winning in the Reinforced Bitumen Roofing 

category, Tucker & Tunstalls Ltd’s work on 

Halliday Court is just one example. The 2,250sqm 

roof was prone to leaks, with several skylights 

and soil vent pipes needing to be navigated. 

Throughout the project, the site remained fully 

operational, requiring the team to maintain a safe 

Above: RTL Group Ltd won the Eco Active award for the John Lewis & 

Partners, Kingston upon Thames, project. 

and comfortable environment with minimal 

impact on residents. 

With the industry increasingly looking to offer 

more sustainable solutions, it was no surprise to 

see multiple projects showcasing how they had 

placed an emphasis on long-term sustainability 

through effective roof design. With two projects 

recognised in the IMA Awards, Mac Roofing 

demonstrated how sustainability impacted each 

– be it in achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating for 

the new Salvation Army headquarters, or 

delivering on strict sustainability requirements for 

a leading automotive manufacturer. 

In other categories, RTL Group’s work with John 

Lewis demonstrated how BMI Icopal’s Noxite 

system is actively supporting sustainability 

efforts, with projects in Killingworth and Kingston 

upon Thames recognised. 

IMA Award Winners of 2023 

Reinforced Bitumen: 

• Highly commended: Salnor Roofing Services 

Ltd, Nine Mile Ride Primary School. 

• Winner: Tucker & Tunstalls Ltd, Halliday Court. 

Eco Active: 

• Highly commended: RTL Group Ltd, 

John Lewis & Partners, Killingworth. 

• Winner: RTL Group Ltd, John Lewis & 

Partners, Kingston upon Thames. 

Liquid Applied Waterproofing: 

• Winner: Mac Roofing & Contracting 

Services Ltd, The Salvation Army. 

Installation Team of the Year: 

• RTL Group Ltd, John Lewis & Partners, Kingston 

upon Thames. 

Large Scale Project of the Year: 

• Winner: Mac Roofing & Contracting Ltd, BMI 

Mini Manufacturing Plant. 

Excellence in Refurbishment: 

• Joint winners: Midland Roofing (Derby) Ltd, 

Glenmere Primary School; and NRA Roofing & 

Flooring Services Ltd, St Peter and St Paul CE 

Academy. 

Excellence in New Build Roofing: 

• Winner: Mac Roofing & Contracting Services 

Ltd, M-Sparc. 

Excellence in Workmanship: 

• Winner: Itech Roofworks Ltd, Heathrow Airport 

Terminal 3. 

Contact BMI UK & Ireland 

www.bmigroup.com/uk/ 

BMI UK & Ireland 


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Market Overview 

‘THERE ARE SIGNS WE’RE MOVING TO 

A MORE BALANCED YEAR’ 

The past 12 months have been turbulent for the construction industry, not least of all in 

the supplier market – material shortages have begun to ease, but there have been new 

challenges to face within regulation and authenticity. There has been positive growth in 

construction output during the latter half of the year, but it is slow, and not all sectors are 

experiencing the increase. As we embark on 2024, Adrian Buttress (pictured), MD of 

PermaGroup, reviews 2023 and looks at what may be in store for the year ahead... 

There has been a positive shift in 

construction projects for certain areas of 

the industry, but I think there have been 

undoubted challenges that have put many 

businesses to the test. 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 

that monthly construction output increased 0.4% 

in volume terms in September 2023; this came 

solely from an increase in repair and 

maintenance (2.1%) but was partially offset by a 

decrease in new work (0.8% fall) on the month. 

At sector level, three out of the nine sectors saw a 

rise in September 2023, with the main contributor 

to the monthly increase seen in private housing 

repair and maintenance, which increased 3.0%. 

So, while there are some businesses that will be 

experiencing a lift, the struggles continue for others. 

Battle on costs 

One of the circumstances that we have picked up 

on is the competitive push on price cuts to win 

more business, as the industry continues to try to 

encourage the uptake of new work. This 

unfortunately only adds to the problem, as 

consumer spending also remains low. 

It has therefore been important for supply and 

distribution firms to educate their contractors and 

consumers about the importance of quality, 

reliability and compliance – rather than focusing 

on a price tag. More than ever, cowboy products 

have entered the market to take advantage of 

people looking to make savings, but in the long 

run this can turn out to be a costly 

mistake. 

Despite the availability of materials 

returning to post-pandemic levels, 

there is now a greater risk of cheaper 

and inferior products becoming lost in the mix 

if contractors aren’t aware of the quality 

assurances to look out for. It can be tempting for 

contractors to seek low costs on behalf of their 

clients, however, compliance has and always will 

ensure long-term savings and reliability. Any good 

supplier should know the tell-tale signs of a 

substandard product, and price is a big factor, so 

we’re urging all our customers and clients to stay 

vigilant well into the new year. 

Financial stability 

Looking ahead, I think for the first part of 2024 

the market will be fairly similar in terms of the 

economic climate, with interest rates and 

inflation still requiring some improvement for both 

businesses and consumers. There have been 

significant steps to reduce inflation, and this will 

hopefully encourage a better flow of spending and 

more informed choices, which will greatly benefit 

suppliers. 

Economists say the main reason for the latest 

drop is a reduction in the energy price cap, which 

took effect on 1 October. This is also an important 

reminder of the whole industry’s role in helping to 

bring energy use lower, by offering more efficient 

solutions and again, encouraging sound 

investments and reliable installers. This applies 

for both commercial and domestic 

projects, and requires full supply 

chain cooperation from specifying 

efficient solutions to correct effective 


In the latter part of this year, I hope to see 

more normality return to the sector, in terms of 

prices levelling out, which will help to overcome 

some of these challenges and ensure trustworthy 

brand names and businesses are more visible. 

Final thoughts 

Despite many difficult obstacles in 2023, there are 

signs indicating we are moving into a more 

balanced year for the sector. While there are some 

areas we cannot plan for, we can still maintain 

personal development, training, industry awareness 

and overall, being a trusted resource for customers 

and contractors. If we have learnt anything from the 

past few years, it’s about keeping these core 

fundamentals even during difficult periods. 

PermaGroup is on track for record sales, which 

my team and I are proud to have achieved and to 

take into 2024. We have used the past year 

(2023) to make some ambitious growth plans 

including introducing more members to our team 

and appointing a new Managing Director. We also 

have some more exciting announcements that 

will start to roll out as soon as January. 

Contact PermaGroup 

permagroup.co.uk/ 


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Market Overview 

‘A BRIGHTER & GREENER FUTURE’ 

Chris Cowling (pictured), Aztec Solar Energy’s Commercial Director, reflects on a mixed, 

yet fast-moving year for the solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage market in 2023, 

and looks ahead to even brighter times in 2024. 

When reflecting on the past 12 months 

there would be few that would not 

struggle to use the word ‘challenging’ to 

describe 2023. It feels somewhat overused, 

however, coming through a disruptive global 

pandemic, with an economy impacted by significant 

conflict in Europe and latterly the Middle East, it 

has, without question, been just that. Yet 2023 also 

saw pockets of real buoyancy, not least in the UK 

solar energy market. Underpinned by a strong desire 

for business owners to protect livelihoods by 

adopting cost-effective and self-managed 

approaches to energy and sustainability, while 

protecting a planet for future generations. 

So, it’s fair to say, 2023 has been a real mixed bag 

– often presenting a dichotomy of business 

decisions. 

PV – an investment opportunity 

For Aztec Solar Energy, we have been fortunate – 

the UK solar energy market has seen substantial 

growth. 2023’s estimate is that it will have reached 

over 15GW of installed capacity and the upward 

curve continues, expecting to hit 43GW within the 

next five years. 

Globally, despite lingering supply chain and trade 

issues, a similar picture is replicated with continued 

significant growth predicted. As a share of global 

energy generation, in 2021 global PV was 3.6%, it 

had risen in 2022 to 4.5%. It has become the most 

rapidly growing regeneration technology and one of 

the best energy investment opportunities. 

Volatility 

Alongside the ups are inevitably some downs. The 

complex and ever shifting economic backdrop 

continues to create volatility and is taking its toll in 

the general construction market. Further impacted 

by predictions that commercial new builds are 

slowing down, we are seeing debt risk and 

borrowing rising; yet our access to a 

wide range of funding options means 

we can support customers through this. 

We too faced increases in materials costs 

in early 2023, although we don’t anticipate 

these continuing. We are optimistic levels will 

remain constant. 

Increased efficiencies 

In a relatively new and evolving market, exciting 

new technological developments often present good 

news. As we saw in 2023 with the launch of new 

N-type panels from several different manufacturers, 

which deliver greater efficiencies, more power, 

improved robustness and safety features, and 

reduced degradation, these improvements add even 

greater confidence in the solar marketplace. 

Safety 

Safety remains high on Aztec Solar Energy’s 

agenda, and as such we’ve become avid supporters 

of the new Solar Stewardship Scheme proposed by 

trade association Solar Energy UK. Encouraging the 

early adoption in 2024 of a Joint Code of Practice for 

solar PV specifiers, designers, suppliers, operators, 

and insurers, the RC62 is designed to further 

improve safety for commercial and industrial 

rooftop mounted PV installations. In addition to 

industry-wide standards, it will include a guide for 

insurers and clients on procurement, ownership, 

and operation and maintenance. We are keen to see 

this initiative move forward as soon as possible. 

The year of the battery 

The prediction for 2024 is that the commercial solar 

rooftop market is set to take off. With 

decarbonisation high on the agenda and increased 

recognition of the benefits of self-generated energy 

and more affordable storage options, 2024 will see 

a substantial growth in battery storage 


Batteries allow businesses to store 

power and draw on it when needed, as 

well as being force charged overnight at 

lower electricity rates, and the energy used in the 

day when electricity rates are higher. Also, battery 

size and costs have decreased over the past 5 

years by at least 40%. 

So, the next 12 months will be bright. As the PV 

solar market expands year on year, it will be about 

how we are all seizing that opportunity. Inevitably, 

like many other sectors we will be facing resourcing 

issues, and as a sector need to encourage the 

development of skilled electrical installers to meet 

the growing demands. 

At Aztec Solar Energy, our expansion year on year 

will see further developments with a branding 

refresh in order that we are best positioned to 

capitalise on the growth opportunity. Also, having 

recently become the UK’s specialist commercial PV 

and battery systems partner for the Effective Energy 

Group, this will accelerate our expansion plans. 

We are all set to take the business to its next 

phase. 

As both our commercial and private sector 

landscapes change around us, we will see more 

PV and battery systems powering an increasing 

number of local and national services, creating 

improved energy security and capitalising on the 

power of greener energy solutions for all. We 

should embrace 2024 with optimism and 

commitment to a brighter and greener future. 

Contact Aztec Solar Energy 

aztecsolarenergy.co.uk 


Maximum reliability. Minimum fuss. 

Secure from Substrate to Skin 

A complete system of support 

W: fixfast.com / T: +44 1732 882387 / E: sales@fixfast.com

Cover Story 

GLIDEVALE PROTECT COVERS ALL 

SOLAR ROOFING NEEDS WITH 15 

YEAR PRODUCT WARRANTY 

UK building materials producer 

Glidevale Protect has unveiled 

a new 15 year product 

warranty on its pitched roofing 

underlays and ventilation products 

when used as a complete system 

where integrated in-roof photovoltaic 

(PV) panels are installed, offering 

quality assurance across its range. 

The 15 year roofing product warranty 

extends to Glidevale Protect’s full 

range of vapour permeable and 

impermeable pitched roof underlays, 

plus its high and low level ventilation 

products. Under the warranty, 

Glidevale Protect will replace any 

products that are verified to be 

defective on a like for like or nearest 

equivalent basis for up to a period of 

15 years, offering added reassurance 

to the industry. 

Matt Neary from Glidevale Protect 

commented: “Roof designs can be 

complex, for example with the increasing 

popularity of integrated in-roof solar PV panels. 

It’s imperative that the correct underlay and 

ventilation strategy is implemented, to minimise 

the risk of harmful condensation forming and 

therefore the potential of rotting roof timbers. Our 

technical team is able to offer guidance on a full 

roof ventilation strategy to suit the specific 

parameters of each project, drawing on our range 

of high quality products, which are made here in 

the UK. 

“Our new 15 year product warranty provides 

developers, housebuilders, social housing 

providers and contractors with the assurance 

that our roofing materials are manufactured to 

“Under the warranty, Glidevale 

Protect will replace any products 

that are verified to be defective on a 

like for like or nearest equivalent 

basis for up to a period of 15 years, 

offering added reassurance to the 

industry” 

the highest quality and are designed to last the 

lifetime of the roof, provided they are correctly 

installed in accordance with our fixing 

instructions.” 

Glidevale Protect’s complete range of roofing 

underlays covered under the 15 year warranty 

includes their latest product, Protect A1 Solar, a 

heavy duty type HR impermeable roofing underlay 

designed to reduce condensation forming on the 

underside of integrated in-roof solar PV panels. 

The 145gsm membrane offers unrestricted use in 

wind uplift zones 1-5 at the maximum batten 

gauge of 345mm to BS 5534, making it suitable 

for use throughout the UK and Ireland. Due to its 

impermeable design and high resistance to water 

vapour transfer, Protect A1 Solar eliminates the 

need for a ventilated counter batten 

space above the membrane, saving 

labour time and material cost. 

As well as Protect A1 Solar, Glidevale 

Protect’s roofing product warranty also 

extends to its other vapour 

impermeable (type HR) roofing 

underlays and its vapour permeable 

(type LR) roofing underlays, the latter 

category which includes its air & 

vapour permeable roofing underlay. 

The manufacturer’s high level 

ventilation products, Protect Fulmetal 

RediRoll and Protect Fulmetal UniRoll 

dry fix ridge and hip systems, plus its 

low level ventilation solutions, 

including SV soffit vents, OFV over 

fascia vents and RV rafter vents, are 

also covered by the warranty along 

with its full range of high and low level 

tile and slate vents. In order to qualify 

for the product warranty, the roofing 

underlay must be used together with 

appropriate high and low level ventilation 

products as part of a system package. 

The warranty covers a period of 15 years and is 

effective from the date the products are 

purchased and then installed via a contractor, 

merchant or direct from a developer. All products 

must be fitted in accordance with Glidevale 

Protect’s specified installation instructions. Other 

terms and conditions apply, for more information, 

visit www.glidevaleprotect.com/warranty. 

Contact Glidevale Protect 

0161 905 5700 


Glidevale Protect 


Roofing Updates 

ASSOCIATION SUCCESS 

Duncan Kirkwood 

PermaGroup’s MD with 

the SPRA accreditation 

certificate. 

PermaRoof Commercial has strengthened its 

position in raising industry standards by 

joining the Single Ply Roofing Association 

(SPRA). 

The company is one of the first distributors in the 

industry to gain membership, confirming its 

position as a leader in the field and its 

commitment to raising roofing standards. In 

order to receive the accreditation, PermaRoof 

Commercial had to undergo a thorough 

inspection of its office and construction sites, as 

well as prove its compliance with the SPRA 

Quality Charter. 

The new membership is one of the first initiatives 

pushed forward by Duncan Kirkwood, 

PermaGroup’s new Managing Director, and acts 

as a starting point to drive new standards within 

the industry. 

Duncan said: “Receiving membership into SPRA 

is a fantastic step for us and really sets us apart 

in the industry. We’re dedicated to constantly 

improving standards not just for ourselves but 

across the industry and having this accreditation 

to our name means we can continue to improve 

our work with the support of the association. 

“The marketplace is in a challenging position at 

the moment, but we are on track to achieve a 

record sales year in 2023. To continue this 

success, we want to reach even bigger heights 

over the next year, and being part of SPRA will 

play a key role in supporting our future expansion 

goals.” www.permaroofcommercial.co.uk 

AXTER SYSTEM ACHIEVES CCPI MARK 

Wilotekt-Plus, manufactured by Axter Ltd, has received the Code for Construction Product Information 

(CCPI) verification, with the company stating it’s the first second generation hot melt structural 

waterproofing system to be verified. 

As the construction industry adapts to a new and improved building safety regime set out in the Building Safety Act, Axter says the CCPI is playing a 

pivotal role in driving change and setting the highest standards in how product information is managed and communicated. The company says it is 

proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to verify that its Wilotekt-Plus product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and 

unambiguous. Wilotekt-Plus is a hot melt waterproofing application featuring a polymer-modified bitumen compound, reinforcement mesh, and highstrength 

protection membrane for a durable, seamless, and self-healing waterproofed roof. Axter says the CCPI verification applies to the whole product 

set including Wilotekt Surface Conditioning Primer, Wilotekt Reinforcement Mesh, Wilotekt Compound and Wilotekt Protection Membrane. Phillip Wilcox- 

Moore, Axter MD, commented: “We’re delighted that Wilotekt-Plus has become one of the first hot melt systems on the UK market to carry the CCPI 

mark. We are working with CCPI because we believe it is vital to champion a culture of trust and reliability beyond our own door in the wider industry. It 

reinforces our position as a leader in offering sustainable, high-quality roofing solutions that are rooted in a commitment to safety.” www.axter.co.uk 

MARLEY’S SHINGLES SHINE 

Marley’s 10-year collaborative relationship with world-renowned treehouse design consultancy, Blue Forest, has 

led to an eye-catching garden design project that took pride of place at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show. 

The specification of Marley’s Western Red Cedar Shingles helped to bring to life a fairy tale creation called The Magical 

Hideaway. The mystical design was created in collaboration with Landscape Architects Randle Siddeley Ltd and included a stunning treehouse and hillside 

hollow set within an enchanted meadow garden. The design featured whimsical finishes and furnishings to ignite the imagination of anyone who entered. Andy 

Payne, MD at Blue Forest, said: “Having worked with Marley on previous projects, we selected the Western Red Cedar Shingles as they effortlessly enhanced 

the natural woodland look and feel we wanted to achieve with The Magical Hideaway project. The finished design was stunning, and we were delighted and 

very excited to welcome many guests to the stand and enjoyed seeing them immerse themselves in a magical setting.” Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at 

Marley, added: “The Magical Hideaway concept was inspiring, so it was great to see that our Western Red Cedar Shingles played a significant role in helping 

to bring it to life. Creating, building and delivering on such projects can be challenging and complex, but we worked seamlessly with the Blue Forest team to 

ensure that flexible product delivery matched their build requirements to meet the various important deadlines for the show.” www.marley.co.uk 


LOTHIAN GROWTH 

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

The Lothian concrete thinner leading-edge 

roof tile from Russell Roof Tiles’ Natural 

Range has become one of its most in-demand 

tiles in 2023. 

The Lothian tile is available in six distinct colours, 

with slate grey being the most popular choice due 

to its aesthetic appeal and practicality. 

Russell Roof Tiles says it has seen a growing 

number of its customers, operating in both the 

private and social housing sectors, opting for the 

Lothian tile, including Bloor Homes, MyPad, 

Wheeldon and Modus Partnerships. 

Wheeldon, which specialises in housing 

developments in the East Midlands, has been a 

long-standing partner of Russell Roof Tiles 

primarily due to the success and aesthetic appeal 

of its thinner leading-edge tile range, which 

provides a cost-effective and durable solution. 

The most recent development in which Wheeldon 

specified Lothian tiles, was in Belper, Derbyshire, 

for a private housing project, comprising of newly 

built three- and four-bedroom homes, nestled on 

the picturesque hillside above the desirable 

market town. 

For each of the new builds, the slate-like 

appearance of the Lothian roof tile perfectly 

complemented the architectural aesthetics of the 

region, where slate is a very prominent choice. 

The Belper development signifies another success 

for both Wheeldon and Russell Roof Tiles. 

www.russellrooftiles.com 

LIGHT ENHANCES EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Whitesales has supplied 14 Solus Monopitch rooflights and four Solus smoke hatches for a new 

Additional Support Needs school in East Dunbartonshire. 

Architects NORR Group designed the new Woodland View School to provide a richly enhanced educational 

experience for 200 children and young people aged from 3 to 18. Acknowledging the proven benefits of daylight to 

pupils’ learning and wellbeing, they wanted to use rooflights as well as fenestration to create flexible, light-filled, 

spaces. With some of the rooflights spanning 15m, the challenge for Whitesales was to design and supply 

durable, cost effective and energy efficient rooflights and deliver a smooth, hassle-free installation. The team worked closely with main contractors 

McLaughlin & Harvey on the design and specification. Ranging in length from 4,000mm to 15,000mm, the 14 Solus Monopitch rooflights have been sited 

above the many break out learning spaces and extra wide corridors in the school, bringing daylight into the very heart of the building. Whitesales 

manufactured and installed the rooflights and four Solus smoke hatches in three phases as the build progressed, using a crane for the final installs to 

minimise time and disruption on site. They were all fitted on upstands constructed on site by the contractors and all comply with BS EN6375, BS 

EN1026 and BS EN1027 to withstand even the toughest Scottish weather conditions. www.whitesales.co.uk 

A CASCADE OF MODERN BENEFITS... 

Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system has left a lasting impression on an exclusive new 

development in rural Cumbria. 

This innovative system combines the advantages of modern materials, such as durability and ease of installation, while 

seamlessly blending with the timeless aesthetics of traditional architecture. In the village of Hayton and close to Carlisle, 

Fairfields is a development of nine, four-bedroom houses boasting traditional stone elevations, slate roofs and sliding sash 

windows. Built by Anvil Homes with meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of these residences is of the highest quality. 

When it came to selecting a rainwater system, the housebuilder sought a solution that would not only complement the aesthetics of cast iron but also 

provide the benefits of modern plastic materials. Due to the size and pitch of the roofs, they also required a semi-elliptical capacity system that exceeded 

the drainage capacity of traditional half-round systems. Brett Martin’s Cascade 115mm Deepstyle gutter and 68mm round downpipe in Classic Black 

proved to be the ideal choice for Anvil Homes. Designed to offer effective rainwater drainage on larger or steeper residential roofs, this semi-elliptical 

system offered aesthetic appeal, functionality, and ready-to-fit installation efficiency. www.brettmartin.com 


Facades: Project Focus 

THE SPHERE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS 

TO COME... 

Las Vegas, Nevada – the desert city that plays host to some of the most sensational 

landmarks in the world. From luxury hotels to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Las Vegas 

has it all. However, now the city has revolutionised the live performance experience 

with a skyline defining architectural sensation – The Sphere. In this article, Dan Vinet, 

from Kalzip Inc. USA, explains how the company helped achieve The Sphere’s unique 

structure... 

The Sphere is the largest spherical structure 

in the world, which is some feat in itself, 

but couple this with the fact that The 

Sphere is also an event space that can 

accommodate 17,600 seated visitors and an 

additional 20,00 standing visitors, and the 

achievement is bolstered even further. With over 

165,000 speakers, some of which are embedded 

in the floor, the audience benefits from the best 

possible sound effects in every position in the 

space. There are also revolutionary 4D elements 

installed in the space to effect everything from 

temperature changes to smells and even wind. 

Despite all of this world-leading technology, the 

true star is the outer envelope of the spherical 

structure. Kalzip was commissioned to construct 

and install the ‘Exosphere’. A challenge even for 

specialists, due to the shell being such a unique 

element of the building. Approximately 1.2 million 

LED pucks are mounted on it, each puck consists 

of 48 individual LED diodes and each of these 

programmable diodes can display 256 million 

colours. These provide visitors with a breathtaking, 

18K – sharp, almost 360° visual 

experience and make the ‘Exosphere’ the largest 

screen in the world. 

The envelope itself consists of approximately 170 

tonnes of profiled aluminium panels, which were 

prepared for use in the Koblenz factory. On site in 

Las Vegas, approximately 4,500 profiled sheets 

were then further manufactured and prepared for 

installation. This was no simple task, as each of 

The Sphere in Las Vegas: Kalzip was commissioned 

to construct and install the ‘Exosphere’ – 

approximately 1.2 million LED pucks are mounted on 

its exterior, each puck consists of 48 individual LED 

diodes and each of these programmable diodes can 

display 256 million colours. 

the aluminium profiles is approximately 8m 2 in 

size and weigh 35kg. 

Firstly, the aluminium panels were cut to the right 

length and the individual recesses for sound 

holes and ventilation grilles were added so that 

the aluminium profiles fit inside and next to each 

other on the round surface with millimetre 

precision. In the last step, the profiles were 

cleaned and loaded onto specially made transport 

trolleys, in which each transport trolley held 14 

profile panels. 

Even the transport trolleys themselves were 

moved to the lofty heights of The Sphere as the 

prepared sheets were transported to the 

construction site and lifted vertically onto the 

building envelope with the help of special cranes, 

together with the transport trolleys attached to 

ropes, and were then installed. The mammoth 


“The Sphere was 

opened to the public in 

September 2023” 

Images: The envelope itself consists of approximately 170 tonnes of profiled aluminium panels, which were prepared for use in the Koblenz factory. On site in Las Vegas, approximately 4,500 

profiled sheets were then further manufactured and prepared for installation. Each of the aluminium profiles is approximately 8m2 in size and weigh 35kg. 

task was completed in two shifts by more than 

160 installers, meaning that 150m 2 of aluminium 

profile surface could be installed every day from 

the beginning of June 2020 to January 2021, 

resulting in a total of 35,000m 2 of aluminium 

being installed – a world record. A total of 

31,351m 2 of fixed and 2,647m 2 of pre-perforated 

aluminium profiles were used in this futuristic 

mega-project. Additionally, 4,900 conically 

shaped and 1,075 conically shaped and 

perforated profiled panels were used – durable 

for eternity and all of them mottled grey to 

prevent reflections from the LEDs. 

In recent years, there has been a notable 

increase in the structural requirements for 

buildings, accompanied by a shift in customer 

expectations. Unlike the past, where buildings 

were delivered as initially planned upon the 

completion of the planning and construction 

phases, the contemporary approach involves a 

dynamic exchange of data. 

Clients and builders now demand a continuous 

stream of information to facilitate economically 

“The planning, design, 

and construction of 

The Sphere utilised 

parametric, algorithmbased 

virtual design 

from the project’s 

inception” 

significant decision-making and optimisation 

throughout the construction process. This has 

transformed engineers into both consumers and 

providers of data. 

The planning, design, and construction of The 

Sphere utilised parametric, algorithm-based 

virtual design from the project’s inception. This 

efficient tool enables engineers to generate 

millions of simulations in a matter of hours, 

providing presentation-ready graphics of the 

building structure based on the specific problem 

being addressed. 

In the case of The Sphere, these simulations 

played a crucial role in refining and adapting the 

frame structure post-initial planning, given that 

the size of the structure had been predetermined 

from the project’s outset. 

The Sphere was opened to the public in 

September 2023 with a concert by Irish band U2, 

and this worldwide attention will only continue 

over the months and years as everything from 

music concerts to the Formula 1 will take place in 

and around The Sphere. 

Contact Kalzip 

01942 295 500 

www.kalzip.com/en/ 

Kalzip 


Facades 

COLLABORATION: THE KEY TO SAFER 

FACADE SPECIFICATION 

Total Contractor caught up with Coral Morgan, Minster Technical Sales Manager, to hear 

how distributors can support contractors with all aspects of facade specification... 

In the wake of significant reform to the 

regulatory framework surrounding façade 

installation and specification, contractors 

across the industry face real challenges to ensure 

systems are compliant with legislation. The 

Building Safety Act aims to enforce more robust 

fire safety provisions in relevant buildings, 

promoting improved standards of workmanship 

and ensuring correct specification of materials, 

resulting in better schemes which fully integrate 

construction guidance and industrial requirements. 

Championing a collaborative approach, specialist 

distributor Minster is at the forefront of the 

transition, offering technical expertise and 

support to maximise the build efficiency and 

technical performance of buildings across the 

country. Minster Technical Sales Manager Coral 

Morgan specialises in technical project support, 

leveraging relationships with key suppliers to 

deliver solutions expertise. We caught up with her 

to discuss the role of distributors in supporting the 

facade specification journey and the importance of 

supply chain collaboration and knowledge-sharing 

to deliver safer facade systems. 

Facades: A changing landscape 

Driven by regulatory reform, the landscape in 

which facades are specified has changed 

dramatically in recent years. Nevertheless, 

façade systems continue to play a significant role 

in contemporary architecture. 

With the introduction of the Building Safety Act in 

2022 and the additional scrutiny placed on 

façade installations across the industry, fire 

safety and the specification of appropriate 

systems is a key concern. Clearly, the aim is to 

keep the risk to occupant safety as low as 

possible. However, each project is different and has 

its own unique requirements. One of the 

main aspects of building a safer 

future is how building regulations 

interact with each other, ensuring a 

building performs safely, efficiently 

and sustainably. From this perspective, 

if we are to truly achieve robust 

specification, a consideration of all requirements – 

thermal, acoustic and fire – is crucial. This is where 

technical support and the role of well-trained 

distributor teams working collaboratively with 

manufacturers can make a real difference. 

Distributors occupy a unique space between 

manufacturers and contractors, and those 

committed to employee training and collaboration 

play an important role in driving building standards 

throughout the construction industry. 

“Collaboration within 

the supply chain is the 

linchpin for achieving 

robust facade 

specification” 

Aside from stocking solutions; distributors should 

understand them. They should understand their 

applications, the differing regulations that must be 

met and how each system impacts the technical 

performance of a building. This is something we 

have invested in significantly at Minster, throughout 

every level of the business. At a time when clarity 

around façade installations has been tricky to come 

by, we knew that to fulfil our commitment to our 

customers, having the ability to provide unrivalled 

levels of technical support is crucial. 

To this end, our supplier relationships and the 

close collaboration we have with manufacturers 

are pivotal, ensuring that, through knowledge- 

sharing and robust training 

frameworks, all our staff are 

equipped with the technical knowhow 

to deliver what we promise. 

Partnerships for success 

Knowledge is central to success and when 

it comes to façade specification this phrase rings 

very true. Supply-chain collaboration is key if a 

better understanding of systems, products, 

project-specific challenges and regulations are to 

be achieved. At Minster we deploy a range of 

knowledge-sharing initiatives to ensure our 

teams have the in-depth technical knowledge 

required. ‘Tech Talks’ covering various topics, 

from new products and installation tips to 

regulatory updates and technical insight are run 

regularly and are accessible to our entire branch 

network. We welcome a variety of speakers, 

including representatives from leading 

manufacturers and are pleased to say they are 

well attended by colleagues across the country. 

They provide a fantastic opportunity to keep up 

with industry news, product innovations and 

installation recommendations, ensure we are 

equipped with the latest technical knowledge and 

information possible. 

Collaboration within the supply chain is the 

linchpin for achieving robust facade specification. 

The dynamic nature of the facade landscape, 

intensified by regulatory reforms like the Building 

Safety Act, demands a collective effort; only then 

will greater standards of competency be realised 

– and safer, more sustainable buildings achieved. 

Contact Minster 

www.minsteronline.co.uk 

Minster 


Cladding & Facades Updates 

ANTHRACITE GREY IS HERE TO STAY! 

Freefoam Building Products has added 

Anthracite Grey to its growing range of PVC 

Cladding products. 

So is Anthracite Grey the new ‘Black’? . . . the 

company says it’s certainly up there as one of 

the front runners to replace tired old timber 

cladding or white PVC cladding. 

Anthracite Grey is now available across the full 

Fortex cladding range featuring three different 

styles of board. The Weatherboard style is a 

feather edge product designed to give a clean 

‘New England’ look; the Double Shiplap range 

features a wide board giving quick coverage over 

large areas; and the most recent introduction, 

the Shadow Gap board, offers an attractive, 

more subtle embossed finish with an attractive 

groove giving definition between boards. 

Freefoam says the use of colour in exterior home 

improvements has increased year on year with 

greys continuing to be one of the most popular 

choices. The company says homeowners find that 

grey is a particularly practical shade for exterior 

home improvements, being a neutral that works 

well with other shades and instantly brings 

properties up to date, but doesn’t highlight dust 

and dirt like white does. 

Freefoam now offers three greys across the Fortex 

cladding range, Misty Grey – a soft light shade; 

Storm Grey – a mid range tone; and now the darker 

colour of Anthracite Grey. The company says 

Anthracite Grey has certainly been trending on 

windows, doors and bi-folds for the past four/five 

years and shows no sign of slowing – so by adding 

it as a cladding option it means installers and 

homeowners can now match cladding and roofline 

to a suite of windows for a total house 

transformation. Freefoam knows that availability is 

key for any new building product, so all colours of 

cladding are available directly from stock, with no 

Above: Anthracite grey. Freefoam manufacture one of the 

most advanced PVC-U and PVC-UE fascia and soffit 

ranges using patented Colourmax technology. 

lead time – a big advantage for stockists and 

installers. 

“Anthracite Grey is an incredibly popular choice 

for fascias, soffits and gutters,” said Colin St 

John, Commercial Director at Freefoam. “It was 

the next logical step to add this attractive shade 

to our cladding range. It means homeowners 

can now match their cladding to their roofline, 

windows, and doors for a full suite, which offers 

installers the opportunity to upsell additional 

products – another example of Freefoam 

‘Helping Customers to Grow’!” 

www.freefoam.com 

FIRE-RATED FOCUS FOR VIVALDA 

Vivalda has launched a new product, designed 

to meet the growing demand for fire-rated 

products in the UK refurbishment market. 

The new A2 rated panels are available in 

thicknesses from 28mm to 150mm and can be 

rebated to make them suitable for all glazing 

systems and curtain walling. All Vivalda’s infill 

panels are tested to British Standard 

EN 13501-1: 2018. 

Comprising a Lamella mineral wool core and a 

1.5mm thick aluminium sheet to both faces, each 

panel is polyester powder coated to achieve a wide 

range of colour and finish options. 

Following the Grenfell fire, there has been a 

heightened awareness of the importance of fire 

safety in building materials, particularly in 

architectural glazing panels. Since entering the door 

panel market in 2021, Vivalda has seen demand 

increase for fire-rated products, typically to replace 

potentially flammable panels in existing buildings 

with the safe, new A2 rated alternative. The new 

product is designed to meet this demand and 

provide a safe and reliable solution for building 

refurbishments. 

Vivalda’s ownership of the total product supply 

chain – including manufacturing, fabrication and 

powder coating, which is all undertaken within the 

group – ensures consistent product quality and 

availability. 

Alix Agius, Composites Manager from Vivalda, said: 

“This is a product that we have actually been 

manufacturing for a while, but without certification 

of the complete panel, only each individual 

component. Now that we have independent, 

external validation of the panels’ A2 rating, we’re 

confident that developers, architects and door 

manufacturers alike will be assured of the product’s 

Alix Agius. 

quality and performance.” 

The introduction of Vivalda's new glazing panel has 

been widely welcomed by its existing customers 

who require documentation for panels and is the 

perfect solution for architects, councils, and 

installers who are pricing new projects and have a 

requirement for A2 rated panels. 

“We are seeing a huge demand for fire-rated 

products as many buildings now require 

replacement panels with a fire rating. Having our 

panel now tested and confirmed as achieving 

A2-s1,d0, we are confident that we will see this 

demand continuing for the next few years,” added 

Alix Agius. www.vivalda.co.uk 


Cladding & Facades Updates 

‘COLORED GREY FROM SURFACE TO THE CORE’ 

Accsys has announced that its coloured-tothe-core 

wood product, Accoya Color, is now 

available in the UK, and ideal for cladding and 

decking. 

Accoya Color brings all the high performance 

and sustainability benefits of Accoya wood in a 

stunning grey colour. It is highly stable due to 

the minimal movement of Accoya wood in 

different weather conditions, making it perfect 

for decking boards and cladding profiles. As it 

is coloured through to the core, the grey colour 

cannot flake or wear off. This makes it long 

lasting and low maintenance as no coatings or 

further treatments are required, saving time 

and money in the long run. Like Accoya, Accoya 

Color is non-toxic and one of the few building 

products to be Cradle to Cradle certified Gold 

for its circular economy benefits. 

The expansion of Accoya Color to the UK 

market follows successful growth worldwide. 

Since its launch in 2021, in the DACH region and 

subsequent release in N. America and 

France, Accoya Color has been 

specified by many 

leading architects and 

project designers, with 

proven 

success in 

hundreds of 

decking, cladding and 

louvre projects. 

Justin Peckham, Head of Sales UK & Ireland at 

Accsys, commented: “I’m so excited to bring the 

benefits of Accoya Color to our UK customers. 

Coloured throughout, it is a phenomenal product, 

offering a premium look and feel that lasts. It 

combines all the high performance and 

sustainability benefits of Accoya with a gorgeous 

grey color. It has 

proven extremely popular 

for decking, given its durability, 

protection from scuff marks and low 

maintenance. For the same reasons, we are 

also seeing it increasingly specified for 

cladding. As the trend towards outdoor living 

continues to grow, we see huge potential for 

Accoya Color.” 

Accoya Color is available via the Accoya 

distribution network. 

www.accoya.com 

EXPORT GAINS FOR EJOT COLORFAST 

An innovative roofing and cladding fastener 

developed by EJOT in the UK more than 30 years 

ago, and now on its third generation, is 

becoming increasingly popular with contractors 

around the world. 

Specifications of EJOT Colorfast, which has become 

the go-to solution in the UK roofing and cladding 

sector where a colour-matched self-drilling fastener 

is required, are growing strongly in countries 

including Australia, New Zealand and the US, as 

well as in the Caribbean and southeast Asia. 

As a typical example, in Australia and New Zealand 

alone, a steady increase in sales volumes of the FM 

Approved fastener range has been tracked, with the 

growth in cold storage applications and insulated 

panels helping to drive demand there. 

Feedback received by EJOT UK indicates that many 

contractors in locations like Australia are adopting 

new approaches to the design and installation of the 

building envelope in response to changing building 

standards, whilst also being able to achieve 

improved aesthetics and extended design goals. 

According to Ben Gallant, Export Sales Manager at 

EJOT UK, the trend reflects a culture shift that is 

taking place in how buildings are constructed, with 

a greater adoption of insulated panels, driven by 

European influencers, an increased focus on 

adhering to globally recognised standards such as 

FM Approvals, and a need to demonstrate supply 

chain integrity. 

Ben explained: “If you take the Australasian market 

as just one example, things operate differently to 

Europe and the UK in terms of building technology, 

largely due to established ways of working. But the 

market is changing. The most recent updates in the 

building regulations give sustainability a much 

higher priority and that means specifiers are 

In Australasia, an increase in sales volumes has been 

tracked, with the growth in cold storage applications and 

insulated panels helping to drive demand. 

increasingly choosing insulated panels for the 

envelope, as well as seeking assurances on long 

term performance.” 

As in the UK, Colorfast is also helping contractors in 

other parts of the world to meet higher thermal 

standards due to the consistency of the seal above 

the sheet, maximising the insulation levels that the 

panels are designed to deliver within the building. 

Couple this with the head’s reliable UV stability to 

maintain lasting visual aesthetics and optional 

stainless steel screws for enhanced corrosion 

resistance, and it is a product with multiple 

benefits. www.ejot.co.uk 


GOLD AWARD FOR FREEFOAM 

Freefoam Building Products has been 

awarded Gold status by the Supply Chain 

Sustainability School (SCSS). 

SCSS Gold status recognises Freefoam’s 

commitment to building sustainability and ESG 

skills and knowledge. The Supply Chain 

Sustainability School is a free online platform that 

provides training and learning content aiming to 

‘inspire and enable’ the built environment sector 

to implement positive change. Topics can range 

from Energy and Carbon reduction, Waste and 

Resource Efficiency, Sustainable Procurement, 

and Social Value. 

Kevin Cronin, Chief Operating Officer at Freefoam, 

and part of its dedicated Sustainability team, 

explained: “This membership level shows that 

we’ve demonstrated a significant increase in 

sustainability competence, and actively shared 

knowledge and experience with team 

members, our supply chain, and the 

wider public.” 

Members of the school are required 

to complete an initial assessment, 

where their knowledge is 

benchmarked, and areas for 

improvement are identified. Members then 

receive customised learning resources to bridge 

any knowledge gaps. 

“A big part of our journey to Building a 

Sustainable Future for our business includes 

training for our teams,” commented Colin St John, 

Freefoam’s Commercial Director. “It’s not just 

manufacturers like Freefoam who are benefiting – 

but also other stakeholders within the 

construction value chain such as builders’ 

merchants and product end users.” 

Freefoam’s 

Gold level 

membership comes just a few months after 

achieving Silver, demonstrating their investment 

in Building a Sustainable Future for their 

business. 

Learn more about Freefoam’s sustainability 

initiatives and read case studies at 

freefoam.com/professional/sustainabilityarchive. 

KEBONY DELIVERS FOR ECO SITE 

Situated in rural Oxfordshire on the 

outskirts of Southmoor, Greencore 

Construction has provided an innovative 

solution to the ongoing climate crisis – 

sustainable housing which comes at no 

expense to the environment. Spread 

generously across an eight-acre plot, 

Springfield Meadows consists of 25 custom 

build homes, all of which are eco-friendly 

in nature, with several making use of 

sustainably sourced Kebony wood. 

Designed with a focus on environmentally 

conscious construction, Springfield Meadows 

has received widespread recognition as the 

most sustainable development in the country, 

demonstrating a firm commitment to lowimpact 

living with a focus on net-zero energy 

usage. 

Created to benefit both the environment and 

the community, nine of the homes are affordable 

in nature, making green living both an accessible 

and a sustainable option for residents. The highperformance 

homes provide comfortable, low 

carbon living as a result of the Biond system 

selected by Greencore Construction. The homes 

are Climate Positive, locking up more carbon than 

emitted and generating more energy than is used. 

PV panels are also installed on the roofs of the 

houses, all of which are built to international 

Passivhaus standard, resulting in energy efficient 

builds which come complete with a sleek and 

stylish appearance. 

By selecting Kebony Character for the exterior 

cladding of several of the homes, Greencore 

Construction recognises the benefit of using 

sustainably certified materials. A global leader in 

the production of environmentally friendly wood, 

Kebony’s pioneering dual modification technology 

sees sustainably sourced softwoods heated with 

a bio-based liquid, transforming it to maintain 

the same durable properties of industrial 

hardwoods minus the same contribution to the 

carbon footprint. Kebony wood is both costeffective 

and visually attractive, retaining a 

natural aesthetic which is in keeping with the 

rural location and surrounding wildlife. 

www.kebony.com 


Knauf Insulation Tech Talk 

SUPPORTING THE SAFE 

SPECIFICATION OF INSULATION 

The Building Safety Act is shining a spotlight on product choice. So, this month, 

Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation, answers questions 

about what documentation you need to verify test data for insulation. 

How can you compare different insulation 

products? 

Construction products that are covered by a 

harmonised and designated standard, 

such as insulation, must be either UKCA or 

CE Marked before being placed on the market 

to allow ‘sale of goods comparison’. Both 

CE and UKCA Marks are functionally 

identical and are valid in the UK. They are 

used to indicate that the performance of the 

product has been assessed and remains 

constant. Knauf Insulation applies the CE 

Mark to the products it 

manufactures. 

Manufacturers must also draw 

up a Declaration of Performance 

(DOP). This lists information about 

the product, including key performance data. The 

information on the DOP is a reliable source of 

information, but remember, CE Marking and the 

DOP do not confirm fitness for purpose in a 

particular application – this must be assessed 

by the designer for the project being considered. 

For insulation, data like thermal performance for 

thermal insulation is mandatory, but other 

information, such as compressive strength, that 

is not required for every application is optional. If 

the performance is not declared it will be listed as 

NPD (No Performance Determined). 

DOPs for most products can be found on the 

manufacturer’s website and can be used to 

compare the characteristics and performance of 

products made from different materials and by 

different manufacturers. 

Do I need a copy of the Euroclass reaction 

to fire certificate? 

No. A test certificate demonstrates that a sample 

product from a specific manufacturing run 

achieved a specific rating. It can’t be extrapolated 

to products that have been 

manufactured at a different date or 

time. 

Instead, to demonstrate that all 

products that fall within specific 

manufacturing tolerances will achieve a 

designated Euroclass reaction to fire 

classification, manufacturers are awarded a 

Certificate of Consistency of Performance 

(COCOP). The COCOP allows manufacturers to 

declare the Euroclass reaction to fire 

classification for each product on the DOP. 

Can I have the fire resistance test data? 

Again, no. Test results can be difficult to interpret. 

So manufacturers use ‘direct field of application’ 

reports or assessments to turn the results into 

meaningful data for contractors and installers. 

‘Direct field of application’ rules allow 

manufacturers to make minor 

assumptions to increase the scope of 

the test data. For example, applying 

results to the same product in another 

thickness or in a build-up that is ‘better’ 

than the one tested. The Association for 

Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) recommends 

that the Passive Fire Protection Forum (PFPF) 

Guide for Assessments be followed in lieu of Fire 

Resistance Tests, when applying ‘Direct field of 

application’ rules. 

Reports are assessed by independent third 

Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager, Knauf Insulation. 

“Manufacturers use 

‘direct field of 

application’ reports or 

assessments to turn 

the results into 

meaningful data for 

contractors and 

installers” 

parties who use ‘expert judgement’ to determine 

the performance of products or systems in 

relation to the regulations. 

Do I need an Agrément Certificate? 

That depends. For certain applications, 

such as masonry cavity walls, 

Agrément Certificates are required by 

the Approved Document for full or partial 

fill insulating materials to satisfy the Building 

Regulations. But for others, such as rainscreen 

façade systems, they are desirable because of 

the application’s complexity. 

Contact Knauf Insulation 

www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 

Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland 


Have questions 

about the new 

Part L requirements? 

We’ve got it 

covered. 

The need for an uplift in energy standards to reduce emissions 

and tackle the effects of climate change is encapsulated by the updated 

Part L Building Regulations. But what does it mean for the building industry, 

how do the revised standards apply to the UK regions and what type of 

insulation will help achieve compliance with the amended legislation? 

The Road to Net Zero, our expert guide to the milestone uplift in Part L 

Building Regulations, answers each of these questions and more… 

Scan the QR code to fill out our form and download the guide. 

www.recticelinsulation.co.uk

Product Information 

HOW CAN MANUFACTURERS 

PROVIDE BETTER PRODUCT INFO? 

It’s not uncommon to read reports that construction product information is hard to find, 

or that performance claims are made which can’t be verified. If the construction products 

sector is to do better, collaboration can help to achieve a common understanding about 

what is and isn’t good practice. As Rob Firman – Technical and Specification Manager at 

Polyfoam XPS – highlights in this article, a good start is sharing successes and failures. 

It is more than five years since Dame Judith 

Hackitt’s independent review of building 

regulations and fire safety was published. In 

that time, the government and the construction 

industry have begun implementing the review’s 

recommendations, through new legislation and 

initiatives aimed at addressing areas such as 

competence and construction product information. 

An independent review of the construction 

product testing regime has also taken place. In 

the introduction to the review, Dame Judith 

Hackitt herself writes: “It should be 

self-evident to everyone that we need 

products which do the job they are 

expected to do and are marketed 

honestly and transparently…” 

Such a sentiment doesn’t just apply to 

building safety. Sustainability and environmental 

impact have never been more prominent. 

Specifiers, purchasers and installers need 

product manufacturers to provide clear and 

accurate information that helps them make 

informed decisions. 

What are the challenges around 

construction product information? 

Widely reported in the construction media, NBS’s 

‘What Specifiers Want’ report was published in 

2023. Among its findings was that nearly half of 

construction professionals said it isn’t easy to 

find information about products’ safety 

performance and sustainability. 

This is despite a significant majority of 

Left: Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS. 

“90% of those surveyed identified 

greenwash as a problem” 

Futurebuild and the Anti-Greenwash Charter survey 

respondents, unsurprisingly, wanting to see thirdparty 

accreditation and environmental product 

declarations (EPDs). 

In a separate survey carried out by Futurebuild 

and the Anti-Greenwash Charter, nearly 90% of 

those surveyed identified greenwash as a 

problem. Half of respondents said they had been 

in face-to-face discussions where unverifiable 

claims were made about the environmental 

performance of a product. 

Organisations are finding ways to tackle these 

issues, such as by simply asking more challenging 

questions of manufacturers, or having specific 

policies in place about only choosing products 

when performance claims can be verified. 

How can product manufacturers help to 

reduce these challenges? 

There is an obvious answer to this question, 

which is simple in theory but difficult in practice: 

be open and transparent about your products, 

and honest about their performance. 

Why is this difficult in practice? Because most 

manufacturers have extensive product ranges. 

And if they offer systems of components, then 

there might be even more potential variations in 

the available solutions. 

Then factor in the number of different people the 

manufacturer employs, and their different levels 

of knowledge to perform their different roles. Also 

factor in the number of different places where the 


manufacturer makes product information 

available – and whether they are likely to all be 

up to date at the same time. 

However open, honest and transparent a 

manufacturer aims to be, ensuring consistency 

across an organisation is not the work of a 

moment. 

Is the Code for Construction Product 

Information the answer? 

The Code for Construction Product Information 

(CCPI), set up by the Construction Product 

Association’s (CPA’s) Marketing Integrity Group 

(MIG), acknowledges this complexity. 

Manufacturers signing up to the CCPI have 

specific product groups assessed. At this stage, 

therefore, it is extremely unlikely that any 

manufacturer supporting the Code will have every 

product assessed. 

When the Code was first consulted upon, it was 

notable that architects and design professionals 

who responded to the consultation seemed to be 

broadly in favour. A number of responses, 

however, centred on manufacturers offering 

specific types of information – especially around 

sustainability and environmental impact. 

The objective of the CCPI is not to make 

manufacturers provide particular information that 

design professionals and specifiers want or will 

find useful. It is to give reassurance that the 

information they do provide meets the criteria set 

out by the Code. 

At Polyfoam XPS, we have taken steps to review 

our marketing material against the Code’s 

principles. This is preparing us for eventual 

adoption of the Code, while we continue to follow 

the progress made by early adopters. 

What is Polyfoam XPS doing to provide 

clearer information to specifiers? 

Let’s return for a moment to the earlier quote 

from Dame Judith Hackitt, which alludes to the 

separate issues of product data/performance, 

and the marketing messages that accompany the 

underpinning data. For Polyfoam, having our 

“For Polyfoam, having our product data clear and 

readily available for specifiers is the priority” 

product data clear and readily available for 

specifiers is the priority. 

The Institution of Engineering and Technology 

(IET) have previously produced an excellent plain 

language guide to digitisation for product 

manufacturers. The end goal outlined by the 

guide is what we want to aim for, but a challenge 

for many manufacturers (Polyfoam included) is 

always going to be available resource – whether 

that is in terms of time, money or technology. 

Therefore, we currently focus our efforts on one 

main third-party service to complement our 

website. That service is NBS Source. 

Following the IET’s guide, true digitisation would 

mean our data on NBS automatically updates any 

time a change is made to our central, single data 

source. As that isn’t currently the reality, we have 

to spend time manually updating our NBS Source 

profile to ensure it is a true reflection of our 

products. 

We hold regular review meetings with our NBS 

contacts to make sure we’re taking full advantage 

of the available features. By reviewing our 

product data on the platform regularly, it appears 

to specifiers as ‘verified data’. We asked NBS 

about this for the purposes of this article, and 

they said:“Specifiers benefit from having highquality, 

up to date product data which comes 

from a manufacturer engaging with Source. The 

green verification tick provides them with trust 

and confidence.” 

In return for the effort we make keeping our 

profile and data up to date, we gain visibility of 

projects on which Polyfoam XPS products are 

specified. From 2021 to 2022, our total number of 

specifications increased by 50%. And the first 

half of 2023 saw us match the total number of 

specifications from 2022. Moving into the fourth 

quarter of the year, we’re comfortably on track for 

a 100% increase in specifications year-on-year. 

We see this as vindication of our efforts to provide 

specifiers with transparent data that is easy to 

find, backed up by an ethos of openness and 

honesty that informs the way we communicate 

with the wider construction industry. 

Contact Polyfoam XPS 

01429 855100 

www.polyfoamxps.co.uk 

Polyfoam XPS 


The Role of a Surveyor 

‘NO TWO SURVEYS ARE THE SAME. 

IT KEEPS THE JOB INTERESTING’ 

Daniel Smith of Gradient gives an enlightening take on what it is to be a surveyor, what 

they bring to the roofing process and what it takes to join the profession... 

As a surveyor, is there such a thing as a 

‘typical day’? If so, what does it consist 

of? 

Daniel Smith (DS): In the life of a surveyor, there 

is no such thing as a ‘typical day’. Our days can 

change at a moment’s notice and we have to be 

flexible in order to keep up with the service we 

offer. 

Tell us about some of the challenges you 

encounter on a daily basis... 

DS: I believe that the biggest challenge that faces 

the surveying team is working at height. 

Combined with the unpredictable British weather, 

it increases the likelihood of injury at work by a 

considerable amount. 

What excites you about your job? 

“The future of 

surveying is 

bright” 

What makes a good surveyor? 

DS: A good surveyor needs to have a good eye for 

detail to ensure that all the relevant information 

is collected at the time of the survey to avoid any 

issues when the job goes to site. 

Tell us about a project that was 

particularly gratifying... 

DS: Over the past three years I have been 

involved with many different projects. One that I 

find gratifying is Clatterbridge cancer centre, 

Wirral. It is nice to know that the building is being 

used to help people. 

DS: That it is a great career path – you 

get to meet some good people and 

your work changes every day. 

How do you visualise the future 

of surveying? 

DS: I believe that the future of surveying is bright, 

there is new equipment and technology being 

invented which will make our job easier and 

safer. 

How do you think other sectors of the 

industry perceive surveyors and the work 

they do? 

DS: I think we are seen as valuable assets within 

the industry. What we do is specific to the flat 

roofing business and we are asked to attend jobs 

as ‘tapered insulation specialists’. 

DS: The main thing that excites me about my job 

is rectifying issues on site while managing 

existing limitations in order to get the job done. I 

also like that every day is different – no two 

surveys are the same. It keeps the job interesting. 

What made you want to become a 

surveyor? 

DS: When I first joined Gradient about six years 

ago, I was a designer for the company. During my 

time as a designer, I was asked to attend site 

with the surveying team to increase my roofing 

knowledge. The day I spent on site made me want 

to build a career in surveying. 

What skills and experience do you bring to 

the role? 

DS: Unlike many of my colleagues in the 

surveying team that had contracting experience, I 

have design experience. It means I know exactly 

what the design team needs to produce drawings. 

Where is your work generally based? Have 

you worked in any strange/unusual places? 

DS: As we work remotely, each surveyor has an 

area of the country that they are in charge of 

surveying for. My official area is the north of 

England and Scotland. Despite this being my 

official area, if we have a large survey we will 

pair-up, and if one of us is on annual leave we 

will cover the area to ensure that our turnaround 

time for surveys does not dip. 

What qualifications do you need to hold to 

become a surveyor? 

DS: Practical experience is more important than 

academic qualifications within this role. That 

being said, as soon as I carried out my first site 

visit while I was designing, I enrolled onto a 

building surveying degree course. 

What would you say to someone 

contemplating a career in surveying? 

What ambitions do you have for your 

career and the future of construction? 

DS: I believe that the construction industry will 

always be strong, especially in the refurbishment 

sector. I hope to continue my career in the 

construction industry. 

Could you tell us about Gradient’s 

customer service provision and the part 

surveying plays in it? 

DS: Customer service is a priority to Gradient. 

The surveying team try and build working 

relationships with clients by keeping up good 

service and getting to jobs as soon as possible. If 

an issue develops, everyone at Gradient will do 

their best to ensure that it is rectified in the 

correct way, as fast as possible. 

Contact Gradient 

www.gradientuk.com 


Updates 


KNAUF PRODUCT DEBUTS ON LANDMARK PROJECT 

Knauf Insulation has launched FactoryClad 

Roll 35, a non-combustible glass mineral 

wool solution for built-up metal walls and 

roofs with the lowest embodied carbon of 

any equivalent 35 lambda mineral wool 

product on the UK market. 

FactoryClad Roll 35 was specifically developed to 

insulate the 12,000m 2 roof of the new Co-op Live 

arena in Manchester, one of Europe’s largest and 

most sustainable live entertainment arenas. 

“Co-op Live is a project that places 

sustainability at its heart,” explained Liliya 

Luke, Glass Mineral Wool Product Manager at 

Knauf Insulation. “So it was essential our new 

FactoryClad Roll 35 not only delivered the 

required thermal efficiency but met the 

project’s sustainability requirements. 

“We know that the construction industry faces 

a monumental task in delivering on the 

FactoryClad Roll 35 was developed for Co-op Live in 

Manchester – one of Europe’s most sustainable live 

entertainment arena. 

country’s net zero target. FactoryClad Roll 35 

not only ticks all the boxes in terms of thermal, 

fire safety and acoustic performance but it’s 

backed up by the sustainability credentials the 

industry needs, so we decided to roll it out to 

meet demand for sustainable insulation for 

commercial buildings.” 

FactoryClad Roll 35 is non-combustible with 

the best Euroclass A1 reaction to fire 

classification. Because it is made of mineral 

wool, it also acts as a sound absorbent lining 

within built-up metal roofs, so will help control 

the reverberation of internal sound. 

It comes in five thicknesses between 60 and 

220mm and is manufactured at a width of 

1,200mm for speed of fitting. It also has a high 

tear strength which ensures its durability and 

ease of handling during installation. 

FactoryClad Roll 35 is backed up by a wide 

range of sustainability credentials. It’s 

manufactured with ECOSE Technology, Knauf 

Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that 

contains no added phenol or formaldehyde 

and is 70% less energy-intensive to 

manufacture than traditional binders. 

Products made with ECOSE Technology 

generate low levels of dust and low VOCs and 

have been awarded the Eurofins Gold 

Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. 

www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/ 

factoryclad-roll-35 

STO PLAYS PART IN FIRE SAFETY OF TWO TOWERS 

An external wall insulation (EWI) system 

designed by Sto has ensured two residential 

tower blocks meet stringent fire safety 

requirements. 

Located in Tower Hamlets, Gayton House and 

Sleaford House are managed by housing 

association Poplar HARCA. Following 

amendments to Building Regulations, which 

banned the use of combustible materials in 

external walls of high-rise buildings above 18m, 

StoTherm Mineral K was specified to replace the 

existing EWI system. 

BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K comprises 

mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is 

classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in 

accordance with BS EN 13501-1. 

Working on behalf of Westminster Building 

Company, Square 1 Architectural Solutions was 

responsible for removing the existing EWI and 

Gayton House and Sleaford House are managed 

by housing association Poplar HARCA 

installing the StoTherm Mineral K system onto 

four elevations on each 23-storey block. The noncombustible 

mineral fibre insulation boards were 

secured to the existing concrete substrate using 

adhesive and mechanical fixings, and without the 

need for additional expansion joints. 

A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded 

with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to 

the face of the insulation boards. This was 

followed by the application of 1.5mm stippled 

StoSilco, a silicone resin render that provides 

high levels of water repellence to protect the 

walls from weathering. 

Andrew Downer, Director at Square 1 

Architectural Solutions, said: “Following an 

analysis of the existing external wall insulation, 

Sto developed a suitable specification which 

eliminated fire safety concerns. Thanks to the A1 

non-combustible mineral fibre insulation boards, 

the blocks will benefit from unrivalled fire 

protection while the single leaf construction 

ensures excellent thermal performance for the 

residents, without reducing the interior space. 

“Removing the existing EWI system on two 23- 

storey blocks was challenging but the 

installation of StoTherm Mineral K was 

straightforward. This enabled us to deliver the 

project quickly and effectively, minimising 

disruption for residents.” 

www.sto.co.uk 


FIRE SAFETY OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROOFS FOCUS 

The role of the roof in modern building 

design has expanded significantly in recent 

years. Now ROCKWOOL has published a 

whitepaper aimed at helping specifiers and 

roofing contractors to consider and plan for 

possible fire risks arising from flat roofs 

being used as multifunctional spaces for a 

variety of social and practical applications, 

highlighting, for example, the increasing 

number of solar energy installations. 

The Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade paper 

explores the fire safety implications of modern 

multifunctional roofs and discusses best 

practices for identifying and mitigating the 

risks. It also explains the role of the guidance 

provided in approved documents, including 

Approved Document B (ADB) for fire safety, and 

examines potential limitations of such advice 

for non-standard flat roof circumstances and 

scenarios. The whitepaper can be downloaded 

at https://rockwool.link/ffpr 

“While the use of flat roofs as functional 

spaces is not a new concept, the practice has 

become more and more popular in recent 

years, especially in increasingly crowded urban 

areas,” explained Lisa Stephens, Product 

Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK. 

“Now, flat roofs don’t just house plant and 

building services but energy efficiency 

infrastructure and social spaces too.” 

With the increasing complexity of the flat roof 

space in mind, this whitepaper addresses the 

risks associated with social and commercial 

uses of flat roofs, considering implications 

such as greater footfall and the impact of 

penetrations from building services and cabling 

on compartmentation and fire resistance. 

With the market for solar energy growing 

rapidly in the UK and Europe, Flat roofs: The 

functional fifth façade also places a specific 

focus on the lack of dedicated guidance for 

solar panels despite evidence that their 

presence may increase fire risk. 

“The information in the whitepaper will help 

those involved in the design and installation of 

flat roofs to make responsible choices when 

selecting materials to enable a modern flat roof 

to be multifunctional, safe and long-lasting,” 

said Lisa Stephens. “It offers practical advice 

to simplify specification whilst going above and 

beyond legislative requirements.” 

https://rockwool.link/ffpr 

TOP SOLUTION FOR PROJECTS WHERE SPACE IS TIGHT 

Spacetherm WL (Wall Liner) insulation from the 

A. Proctor Group has played its part in 

improving the thermal performance, and 

helped reduce the heating costs of a 1970’s 

building with limited internal space. The 

original building, created by the British 

architectural partnership Benson and Forsyth, 

is a modestly sized one-bedroom flat. 

To make the space feel bigger, the architects 

created a split level, giving the majority of the 

space to the living areas and compromising on the 

size of the bedroom. The bedroom, essentially a 

little cube, juts out from the 

rest of the flat, meaning there 

are three external walls; it’s 

also partially sunk into the 

ground. Above the ceiling is 

the pedestrian deck, so 

again, no insulation. All this 

amounts to a very cold room. 

Designer Stefi Orazi, from Modernist Estates, who 

lives in the flat explained: “When I first moved into 

the flat in 2015, I just kept the heating on in the 

bedroom the whole time, but it just seemed 

ridiculous to heat a room that I wasn’t in during the 

day. And then, during the pandemic, I noticed little 

mould spots all over my mattress and wall behind 

the bed. I had to do something about it. Properly. 

“I started researching different insulating 

materials, but because of the size of the room (it’s 

about 2.5 x 2.5m), I really couldn’t afford to lose 

any wall space with regular insulation. I then came 

across Spacetherm WL made 

by the A. Proctor Group. This 

seemed ideal as it’s only 

13mm thick, and you can 

glue it directly onto the wall, 

plus you can do it yourself 

and can download the 

installation guide direct from 

their website.” 

Stefi continued: “The A. Proctor Group were really 

helpful every time I emailed them with a question, 

and the boards are 1200 x 600 mm, so they are 

easy to handle for one person alone. “ 

Spacetherm WL is a high-performance laminate 

specifically designed to be fixed to the internal 

surfaces of existing walls without the need for 

mechanical fixings. Spacetherm WL consists of a 

Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket bonded to a 

3mm Magnesium Board (MgO) for use in 

applications where improved thermal performance 

is required with limited space. At just 13mm thick, 

Spacetherm WL has virtually no negative impact on 

floor space, there is no need to remove skirting 

boards and cornices, saving time and cost, and 

making it ideal for refurbishment projects where 

space is at a premium. 

www.proctorgroup.com 


Workwear Choices 

RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS WITH 

SAFETY FOOTWEAR 

Tests show there is a considerable quantity of safety footwear on the UK market that does 

not perform as advertised. BSIF CEO Alan Murray discusses the dangers of this 

widespread issue, and explains how PPE buyers can make safer choices. 

Quality safety footwear is vital for workers 

across a range of industries. As the 

Health & Safety Executive observes, the 

feet and legs are prone to a range of hazards 

including temperature, electrostatic build-up, 

slipping, cuts, falling objects, heavy loads, metal 

and chemical splash, and being crushed or 

struck by a vehicle. 

If a workplace risk assessment determines that 

PPE is required, the law stipulates that it must be 

adequate for the hazard and suitable for the 

wearer, the task and the environment. 

Workers might require footwear that 

is anti-static, electrically 

conductive, or resistant to 

penetration. It may need to 

prevent slips or protect against 

extreme hot or cold. 

With the potential severity of many 

of these hazards in mind, it is alarming 

that a significant proportion of the safety 

footwear on the UK market currently fails to 

perform as advertised. 

British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) testing 

has found that an incredible 88% of products 

that it tested from suppliers not signed up to our 

Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) 

showed failures against product claims and/or 

documentation. Only five of footwear products 

tested between December 2021 and December 

2022 were found to be fully compliant. 

UK requirements 

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, internet 

sellers and agents involved in the supply of PPE 

Left: BSIF CEO Alan Murray 

“Any products that claim to have a 

protective midsole should be able to 

prevent a nail going through the base of 

the footwear at a force of 1100 Newtons” 

have clear legal responsibilities and obligations in 

the UK. Safety footwear used at work must 

comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and follow 

the relevant approval procedures to qualify for a 

UKCA or CE mark. 

The regulation states that safety footwear must 

meet the standards specified by BS EN ISO 

20345. This standard identifies the basic and 

optional requirements for general purpose safety 

footwear including slip resistance, mechanical 

and thermal risks, and ergonomic behaviour. 

Footwear might also need to conform to other 

relevant standards such as BS EN ISO 20347: 

Personal Protective Equipment - Occupational 

Footwear or BS EN ISO 20349-1: Personal 

Protective Equipment. Footwear Protecting 

Against Risks in Foundries and Welding - Part 1. 

Safety shoes designed to protect against anything 

more than minor injury are classified as Category 

II or III. These products must undergo a typeexamination 

by an accredited testing body to 

ensure they meet their ‘Essential Health and 

Safety Requirement’ (EHSR). Category III 

products, which protect against permanent 

damage and death, additionally require ongoing 

independent quality assurance through either 

Module C2 Product Verification or Module D 

Product Quality Assurance. 

Manufacturers are obliged to provide the 

Declaration of Conformity along with user 


“The lack of market 

surveillance and 

enforcement in the UK 

means it can be 

difficult to distinguish 

responsible suppliers 

from less responsible 

ones” 

instructions and technical documentation to sell 

and distribute Category II and III safety footwear 

in the UK. 

Employers have a duty of care and are 

responsible for ensuring that the PPE they 

provide for their workers is properly certified and 

approved, too. Not all buyers and specifiers are 

aware of this responsibility – and very few will 

have all the knowledge or resources they need to 

validate suppliers’ claims. 

Product failures 

The lack of market surveillance and enforcement 

in the UK means it can be difficult to distinguish 

responsible suppliers from less responsible ones. 

Furthermore, the quantity of non-compliant 

products being sold in the UK market is on the 

rise. 

Some products claim UKCA or CE approvals but 

have not been appropriately certified. These 

items risk serious injury to wearers as well as 

exposing businesses to 

the risk of prosecution 

for failing to protect 

their staff. 

Our tests on nonmember 

products 

uncovered some 

disturbing failures. 

For example, there 

has been a 

proliferation of so-called 

safety footwear that is often 

promoted as “unbreakable” or 

“indestructible” on social media. These 

We encourage all those charged with specifying PPE to: 

1) CHECK your supplier is BSIF-registered. BSIF-audited suppliers are compliant, competent 

and trustworthy. Don’t settle for less. 

2) SELECT appropriate, certified and compliant products. Registered Safety Suppliers can 

support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge. 

3) PROTECT your workforce and your business. Registered Safety Suppliers go above and 

beyond, helping to keep your people safe and helping your business to thrive. 

A full list of registered suppliers is available to view at https://www.bsif.co.uk/rsss/ 

“Many products also failed the compression 

tests or had steel toecaps that were not 

produced with the correct shape or to the 

standards required” 

products all too often have not been tested or 

accredited to any of the required standards and 

failed many of our tests. 

Any products that claim to have a protective 

midsole should be able to prevent a nail going 

through the base of the footwear at a force of 

1100 Newtons. However, none of the so-called 

“indestructible” products we tested did so. Many 

products also failed the compression tests or had 

steel toecaps that were not produced with the 

correct shape or to the standards required. 

Registered Safety Supplier Scheme 

The BSIF works hard to 

eliminate unsafe, noncompliant 

and illegal 

safety footwear 

from the market. 

Members of our 

Registered Supplier 

Safety Scheme 

must sign a formal, 

binding declaration 

that all safety 

products they offer meet 

the appropriate standards, 

fully comply with PPE regulations 

and are correctly UKCA or CE marked. Every year, 

we source one item of PPE from members for 

assessment by an accredited test laboratory. 

We tested 108 items of safety footwear produced 

by RSSS members between December 2021 and 

December 2022. Whereas 88% of non-member 

products tested, failed, 90% of member products 

met all requirements on product claims and 

documentation. RSSS members whose products 

failed to meet the test criteria were required to 

rectify issues immediately to remain part of the 

scheme. If a member ever refuses corrective 

action they will be removed from the scheme and 

referred to the authorities. 

This is why we always recommend that all UK 

buyers and specifiers of safety products and 

PPE look for the Registered Safety Supplier 

Scheme Shield. Ensuring safety footwear is 

fully compliant with all required standards is 

hugely challenging. By using a Registered 

Safety Supplier, you can be confident that you 

are getting genuine, appropriately approved 

products that perform as they should. 

Contact the BSIF 

01442 248744 

www.bsif.co.uk 


Updates 


NEXT GEN KNEEPADS 

Snickers Workwear has been inventing and 

reinventing Work Trousers with Kneepads 

since 1975. 

With the company renowned for its continual 

innovation, the process has continued with the 

launch of the world’s first built-in, certified 

kneepads which are completely integrated into a 

pair of Snickers Workwear’s premium stretch Work 

Trousers. 

The unique AllroundWork, Stretch Trousers with 

Capsulized Kneepads and Holster Pockets deliver 

low-profile, comfortable impact protection. They’re 

an innovative combination of cutting-edge 

sportswear technology coupled with Snickers 

Workwear’s world-renowned comfort, functionality 

and sustainable fabric design technology. 

These street-smart hard-working slim-fit Trousers 

combine enhanced flexibility and comfort with a 2- 

way stretch fabric plus additional 4-way stretch 

panels at key stress points. There’s also CORDURA 

reinforced holster, ruler, and cargo pockets. 

And, as is typical of all Snickers Workwear 

clothing, these durable and comfortable Work 

Trousers with the lightweight Capsulized 

kneepads provide in-place ergonomic protection 

all day, every day. 

www.snickersworkwear.com/campaign/ 

capsulized 

TACKLE THE TASK WITH NEW JACKETS 

Tackle the elements head-on with the Carhartt Insulated Jacket range. Engineered for the tough, modern 

workforce, these men’s jackets combine rugged durability with unbeatable comfort, ensuring you can tackle the 

task at hand no matter the weather. 

Whether it’s loading the van or digging foundations, the Carhartt LWD Relaxed Fit Stretch Insulated Jacket (106013) guarantees 

ease of movement, flexibility and long-lasting wear. Safety on site is always paramount, so this jacket includes reflective 

details to enhance low-light visibility. With secure storage in the form of chest and interior pockets, essentials remain within 

easy reach and it has an adjustable hem which allows for a customisable fit. The Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Insulated Jacket (102208) defies the 

winter chill without the weight. Weighing just 1.75 ounces, its rugged Cordura Fabric shell is lighter than your average tee. Quilted for comfort, water-repellent 

for weather defence and loaded with pockets, this versatile jacket adapts to every temperature drop. Gear up for the elements with the Carhartt Montana Loose 

Fit Insulated Jacket (105474) – it’s tailored to triumph over wet weather. The synthetic down insulation and sherpa fleece lining in the upper body keep you 

toasty warm while the attached three-piece hood and adjustable hem keep out the rain. Boasting a loose fit for comfort and loaded with pockets inside and out, 

this jacket combines durability with style. www.carhartt.com 

NEW WERNER CATALOGUE LAUNCHED 

Werner has announced the launch of its new trade catalogue. 

The new catalogue features all of Werner’s products and has been updated to include the recently launched Pro Plus Tower, as 

well as other new bestselling products including the LEANSAFE X3 and Adjustable & Linking PRO Platform. For over 100 years, 

the Werner brand has been revered across the industry for its broad product line and its commitment to placing safety at its 

fore. Its vast range of products have been designed with the user in mind, helping to make working at height safer and faster, 

whatever the job. The catalogue includes Werner’s entire portfolio of extension ladders; stepladders; roof ladders; fibreglass 

ladders; aluminium ladders; telescopic ladders; stepstools; work platforms; access towers; loft ladders, and lock-in accessories such as paint cups and 

utility buckets. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, said: “Werner takes considerable pride in its continued investment in new products, markets 

and technologies. The Werner brand has achieved some exciting new developments and milestones over the past year, such as its 100-year anniversary 

and the launch of new innovative products such as the Pro Plus Tower, and we are excited to launch a new catalogue which reflects the brand’s 

commitment to innovation, and also its reputation as the number one choice for professionals.” www.wernerco.com/uk/literature 


WWW.FALLARREST.COM 

Fall Arrest is a website designed to 

provide information appertaining to fall 

protection and prevention. The site will 

aid clients, architects, surveyors alike with 

information and provide solutions that 

we can offer. These offerings include full 

design under CDM. Fall Arrest partners 

with leading and trusted suppliers & 

manufacturers within the industry. 

We can assist you in the design, supply, 

installation & recertification of fall protection 

equipment as well as the supply of highly 

engineered personal fall protective equipment 

through our partners www.harnesses.co.uk. 

info@fallarrest.com • www.fallarrest.com

Updates 


POWER UP WITH MAKITA 

Makita has introduced a new Impact Driver to 

its XGT range. Offering the same benefits as its 

predecessor, the manufacturer has introduced 

new dual spring technology and enhanced anvil 

stability for less bit wobble with its new TD002G 

40VMax XGT Brushless Impact Driver. 

Powered by a 40VMax XGT Li-Ion battery, the heavy 

duty TD002G 40VMax XGT Brushless Impact Driver 

delivers a maximum fastening torque of 220N/m, a 

no-load speed of up to 3,700rpm and up to 4,600 

impacts per minute. 

Notably, Makita has developed a new dual spring 

mechanism for this impressive tool, consisting of 

two types of springs with different load capacities to 

adjust impact power according to the workload, 

whilst helping to reduce recoil and vibration. This 

enables more comfortable operation across a wider 

range of applications, from light-duty screw 

tightening to heavy-duty metal fastening where the 

second spring is utilised. Furthermore, an increased 

screw tightening speed enables greater working 

efficiency – between 10% and 25% faster, 

depending on the type of screws being used. Users 

will also appreciate the one-touch bit installation 

which has been refined to remove resistance when 

inserting the bit. As such, screwdriver bits can be 

inserted easily with one hand without needing to 

pull back the chuck collar. Kevin Brannigan, 

Marketing Manager at Makita UK, commented: “We 

pride ourselves on making continuous 

improvements to our range of power tools – this 

ethos has been central to Makita’s longevity and 

success over the past 100 years.” 

www.makitauk.com 

SAFETY BOOTS THAT REALLY DELIVER 

Carhartt's Michigan Rugged Flex S1P Mid-cut Safety Boot (F700909) is designed for hard working tradespeople who 

refuse to compromise on protection or comfort. 

With a sneaker-inspired design, the Michigan Safety Boot blends advanced safety and smart design features with lightweight 

materials, setting a whole new standard in occupational safety in dry environments. This shoe has a strong fiberglass safety toe that 

meets the stringent EN ISO 20345:2012 S1P standards, providing solid protection from 200 joules of weight and impact. As comfort 

is so important for long days on site, the design includes a fully cushioned footbed with shock absorption to reduce fatigue, while the 

fit is carefully engineered to give enough space for your feet to expand over time, ensuring lasting comfort. This boot is ideal for all kinds of situations: the rubber 

outsole has (SRC) slip resistance, (HI) insulation and (HRO) heat and oil resistance so you can be confident working in a variety of conditions. Rugged Flex 

technology gives flexibility to the boot, so wearers can move around easily at whatever awkward angles they find themselves in on site. Constructed with a 

water-resistant treated suede leather and textile upper, the energy absorption heel in-sock also features anti-odour and absorption properties which can be 

removed for added convenience. www.carhartt.com 

NEW CORDLESS POWER CUTTER 

Power tool manufacturer Makita has added a new CE002G 80VMax (40VMax x2) XGT Brushless 355mm Dry Power 

Cutter to its range of high-powered construction tools. 

The CE002G is designed for dry cutting and is perfect for operations where use of a water supply kit should be avoided, such as 

indoor renovations and modifications. It is operated by two XGT batteries in series that provide up to 80VMax of power to achieve a cutting depth of 127mm and 

a high cutting speed of 4,200rpm – all without the need for petrol or cords. It also offers supreme convenience and comfort thanks to its anti-vibration housing 

with built-in damper spring, which helps to achieve an extremely low vibration rate of 2.0m/s². Notably, the tool is compatible with Makita’s wireless dust 

extractors via the Auto-start Wireless System (AWS) for wireless communication between the machine and the extractor. In addition to offering high 

performance levels, the CE002G Power Cutter includes key safety features such as active feedback sensors to shut down the tool in the event of kickback, as 

well as an electric brake. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, commented: “The CE002G is the latest in our extensive range of power cutters 

which have stood the test of time with our professional customers. There’s no fumes, pull starts or the maintenance associated with a petrol powered saw and 

we continue to evolve and enhance our cordless power tool range based on feedback from those using them on a daily basis.” www.makitauk.com 


ONDULINE® BATTEN 

CLOAKING PIECE 

ISOLINE® LOW LINE 

Bituminous corrugated underlay sheet, 

made from 50% recycled fibres. Robust with 

guaranteed waterproofing for 30-years. 

ONDULINE® EAVES 

VENTILATOR STRIP 

ONDUTISS® AIR 

Highly vapour permeable, breathable 

membrane with superior tensile 

strength and durability. 

ONDULINE® EAVES TRAY 

ISOLINE® LOW LINE 

Complete sub-roof system for low pitch roofs 

A unique under roof waterproofing system that can be 

used on a roof pitch as low as 10° for all roof tiles. The 

ISOLINE® sub-roof acts as the primary waterproofing, 

making roof tiles a secondary line of defence. 

Protection like no other! 

onduline.co.uk 

0207 727 0533 

enquiries@onduline.net

RAINWATER 

SYSTEM 

OGEE GUTTER 

110° OFFSET 

LARGE HOPPER 

PROJECT OFFSET 110° 

Y BRANCH 

3M DOWNPIPE 

PLINTH OFFSET 

SHOE 

MANUFACTURER OF ALUMINIUM RAINWATER SYSTEMS 

SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE PRODUCTION 

GUTTERS DOWNPIPES FASCIA SOFFIT COPING SILLS CLADDING 

· EXTRUDED AND SEAMLESS GUTTERING 

· EXTRUDED DOWNPIPES 

· SMOOTH OR CAST EFFECT 

· OGEE GUTTERING 

· HALF ROUND GUTTERING 

· BOX GUTTERING 

· BESPOKE GUTTERING 

· ROUND DOWNPIPES 63MM 76MM 100MM 150MM 

· SQUARE DOWNPIPES 63MM 76MM 100MM 150MM 

· RECTANGULAR DOWNPIPE 76*100MM 

Seamless Aluminium International Ltd 

Unit 6b, Solihull Building Trade Centre 

Olton Wharf, Olton, West Midlands B92 7RN 

Info@seamlessaluminium.co.uk 

+44 (0)121 765 4355 

www.seamlessaluminium.co.uk

January 2024

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