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ROOFING
TODAY
The trade magazine for UK roofing, cladding and insulation professionals
Issue 103 November-December 2022
s we go to press with meanwhile, discusses how Our contractor feature focuses
A this edition, the UN
Environment
Programme warns that unless
sustainability is being practiced
and measured in the company.
With so many more functional
on Derbyshire based, Dalton
Roofing and its characterful
owner Phil Dalton whose
carbon emission reduction success in creating a strong
requirements for roofs, Ross
actions are strengthened at this domestic roofing brand was
Finnie discusses the growing inspired by Disney.
month’s COP 27 in Egypt, the
demand for multifunctional
world is set to exceed its global Many have followed the
roofs and the design planning
warming temperature rise limit restoration of Shrewsbury’s
that’s needed.
of 1.50C by 2030. No one knows Flaxmill Maltings’s slate roofs
what that would look like, but Staying with flat roofing as well and now the project is
Inger Andersen, Executive as facades, Brian Mack explains complete, Welsh Slate relates its
Director of UNEP commented, why EJOT UK is on a mission role in conserving the world’s
"Only a root and branch to change best practice to first iron-framed building.
transformation of our include seal testing, arguing it’s
Regular contributor, John
economies and societies can just as necessary to ensure
Mercer talks us through the
save us.” performance quality as existing
correct construction of low
tests for air and water tightness.
Our industry has a huge part to pitch roofs; while there’s
play in the rapid transformation The energy crisis as well as exciting news in the North West
of buildings, energy efficiency climate change has meant that with a new roof training centre
and generation, manufacturing calls for a retrofit strategy are opening in Warrington in the
and transport. And, as Ingar increasingly vocal, and Simon new year.
Anderson adds, "We've got to Blackham adds his voice,
Other features discuss roofing
take climate change with us pointing out that the Code for contractors entering the solar
wherever we go." Construction Products should market and what services one
help to spread knowledge merchant is offering contractors
This edition explores how amongst installers, avoiding the
businesses in our industry are buying roof and floor timbers.
performance gap and making
going about the transition to Lastly, there’s several interesting
retrofit even more effective.
sustainability. Not least is case studies focusing on
Carlisle, and Allen Coldrake A big pat on the back goes to individual products – from
explores the path from LRWA members who have European Slate replacing
sustainability to circularity and recently completed their woodpecker attacked cedar
describes how a scheme in the Charity Team Challenge. We shingles, to quality Blue
Netherlands provides an celebrate their laps, maps and Diamond batten and a step-by-
exciting model of how to snaps, announcing the top step photo guide to installing
achieve more. Russell Roof Tiles teams and wins! gutters.
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Guidance for the Use of Building Facades Firm Trials Four Day
Boards with A1 or A2 Reaction to Working Week
Fire Classifications in Flat Roofing
ollowing an industry
F consultation period, a joint
SPRA—LRWA—NFRC technical
guidance document has been
published: Guidance for the Use
of Building Boards with A1 or A2
Reaction to Fire Classifications in
Flat Roofing.
Within the flat roofing industry,
there is a growing demand for
products with A1 or A2 reaction
to fire classifications (formerly
referred to as non-combustible
and of limited combustibility,
respectively) to be used as
ondensing its working hours mean BTS’ office staff can
alternatives to OSB3 and
plywood. This is due to the
use of Calcium Silicate, Cement-
Bonded Particleboard, Fibre
C hours, BTS Facades and leave at 1pm on Fridays.
apparent drive of Approved Fabrications is working towards
BTS’ operations director Nigel
Document B towards the Cement, Gypsum (mat- implementing a four day week.
Freeman is evaluating the impact
increased use of less combustible reinforced), and Magnesium on productivity.
The Newton Aycliffe based
flat roof decks and the fluctuation Oxide building boards as manufacturing business, which He said: “If the new working
in prices and supply of building structural flat roof decks; supplies facade and rainscreen pattern proves to be a success and
materials. These factors have
structural abutment wall upstands products nationally, has moved not hinder the productivity of
increased enquiries to SPRA,
LRWA, NFRC, and their (including parapets); acoustic from a 40-hour working week to each team, and all targets are met,
members about the use of such mass layers; thermal barriers; a 37-hour working week, it will prove we can move towards
products in flat roofing cover boards; and/or recovery without its employees’ pay being an 8-day fortnight.
applications. Some of the affected.
boards in flat roof overlays. “We’re already working on
materials being considered, The new working pattern has
The document, along with many productivity improvements for
however, do not have relevant taken six months to plan and each department and making
third-party approvals. SPRA Technical Guidance implement, after the initiative steps to take out nonvalue added
With the input of relevant documents, is available via the was first suggested by staff as a activity within the organisation
manufacturers and suppliers, the SPRA website www.spra.co.uk/ way to improve employee using project management styles
document offers guidance for the technical/downloads/. satisfaction. The new contracted like the LEAN principles.”
Complete Roofing Systems Acquires Allied Roofing
omplete Roofing Systems –
C the Warrington-based
roofing and cladding contractor –
who is well-known in the roofing
industry. Since his appointment
in 2019, revenue has more than
has acquired Allied Roofing of doubled to almost £20 million.
Stockport in a seven figure deal.
Allied Roofing was started in 1989
This first acquisition by Complete by Mark Threlfall, joined 10 years
Roofing Systems (CRS) will ago by business partner Neil
enable it to build its presence in Higson. The company specialises
the social housing sector. CRS in pitched roofing and employs 30
employs over 100 staff and staff primarily working on public
operates nationally for major sector and social housing projects
clients such as Aldi, AstraZeneca, across the North. The company
Warner Leisure, and the Ministry will continue to operate under the are complementary to ours and “At the same time we will continue
of Defence. Allied Roofing brand. to pursue opportunities to build
the acquisition provides many
the CRS business. As the roofing
Established in 2010 by father and Mike Wharton, CEO of Complete avenues for growth. We look industry is very fragmented, we see
son, Stuart and Jamie Lennon, the Roofing Systems, said: “This is an forward to working with Mark, potential to make strategic
company is led by CEO Mike exciting development for CRS. Neil and the team to further acquisitions alongside organic
Wharton, a former fund manager Allied Roofing’s skills and clients develop the company. growth.”
Industry News
Housing Association Appoints Contractors to £38m Deals
n Oldham housing people, who are committed to
A association has appointed
two providers to two, four-year
delivering an outstanding service
for our customers.
investment contracts, worth a
“We look forward to working
combined £38 million.
closely with the First Choice
First Choice Homes Oldham Homes Oldham team, building on
(FCHO) awarded Wigan family our existing relationships and
run builders, Connolly Ltd the delivering great results for their
external investment work, residents.”
including new roofing, windows
The appointments follow a
and doors.
tendering process in which both
The internal works deal, including contractors delivered bids with a
the life of the contract, and "These long-term contracts will
new kitchens, bathrooms and focus on providing high quality
adding further value through ensure customers’ homes are high
rewires, was awarded to Wates customer service and creating
wider community engagement. quality, safe and sustainable long
Property Services. social value through their work.
The contracts started in into the future, and will help us
Simon Harrison, Managing Social value will be generated by add greater value to the
September and are for an initial
Director of Connolly Ltd said: working with Oldham College to communities in which we work.”
four years, with the option to
“The success is a fantastic create training opportunities such
extend for a further year.
achievement for our family as apprenticeships, work The Connolly team has already
business and outlines the passion, placements and T-level Steve Mather, FCHO Director of started a programme of new
commitment and drive of our placements for local people over Assets and Sustainability said: roofing in Sholver.
Langley Reorganises into Three Core Units
Langley Roofing Solutions and Mike Brogan, provides green, blue
Langley Regeneration will be led and bio-solar roofs, green walls
by MD Dean Wincott. and podium landscaping.
Langley Roofing Solutions Tony Silvestri will remain Group
delivers waterproofing and safety CEO for Langley. He said,
systems for refurbishment and “Langley has been through a
new build developments across transformational period of growth
the public and private sectors. in recent years and I’m incredibly
Langley Regeneration provides proud to share the future vision
feasibility, design, planning and and structure of the business with
installation of rooftop our customers, colleagues and
angley has completed a major Roofing Solutions, Eco Solutions developments. partners as we enter a new era.
L restructuring and
transformation programme
and Regeneration to deliver a Langley Eco Solutions offers “We’re committed to our vision
more holistic and integrated green-infrastructure and design, of For Better Living, innovating in
following a period of rapid service to customers across everything we do, improving the
including sustainable roofing,
growth. roofing, green-infrastructure and water management, solar energy, lives of everyone we work with
The Langley Group will now rooftop development and decarbonisation and biodiversity. and having a positive impact on
operate three core business units: extension services. The business unit, led by MD the world around us.”
Charity Night a Blinder for Good Causes
oof tile manufacturer, Russell Horse Racing was the main
R Roof Tiles (RRT), has raised
£4,500 from its first ever charity
attraction of the night, with prizes
for each race winner as well as the
“Peaky Blinders” themed race best dressed Peaky Blinders - who
night, held at the Pirelli Football were Martyn Clarke and Jessica
Stadium in Burton. Wadsworth.
The RRT team along with friends, The money was added to Russell
family and customers dug out Roof Tiles Give 4 Good charity
their flat caps and flapper frocks pot, which now stands at £39,500.
as they enjoyed a night of betting It will be distributed at the end of
and boogying for a good cause, the year to 10 charities chosen by
hosted by Paul McLoughlin. Russell Roof Tiles’ employees.
Avonside Group Services Ltd Goes Into Administration Owing £32 Million to Suppliers, Bank, HMRC and Employees SPRA Golf Day & Dinner Declared
hen Roofing Today broke Monies Owed to Avonside a Perfect Golfing Day
W the news of Avonside
Group Services Ltd going into
The administrator’s report shows
that when Avonside folded it was
administration on 5 September,
owed £15.5m in debts and a
2022 it confirmed the worst fears
further £6.2m in retentions. A
of many who had heard rumours
deal has been done with Andrew
over the preceding weeks.
Morley to help recover some of
An official announcement on 7 these outstanding amounts. The
September verified Begbies administrators say that valuing
Traynor appointment as stock and work in progress has
administrators and the loss of 350 been difficult. They have sold
jobs. In all, 28 branches of 4 stock from Avonside Roofing and
Avonside Group firms collapsed: Bracknell Roofing to Morley at a
Avonside Roofing, Bracknell valuation of £100,000 with more ver 100 Single Ply Roofing Ronan Brunton, SPRA CEO said,
Roofing, Taylor Roofing and SM
Roofing Contracts.
to be recovered. Avonside
Group’s stocks were valued at model and its implications.” The administrators said, “At the
O Association (SPRA)
members and their guests took
“All clearly enjoyed the
competition, evening meal and
£6.5m in the last filed accounts. Inferring the company was caught time of our initial engagement, entertainment. It was a chance for
out by the rising materials there were materially part in the SPRA Golf Day and
Avonside and Bracknell Roofing Dinner at Carden Park Golf SPRA members and guests to
inflation of the past two years, inaccuracies due to a number of meet again at a wonderful venue
employees were owed £89,374 in Eddie points the finger at mis-postings and large Course in September 2022.
wages and holiday pay and have a where the weather was perfect for
Avonside’s developer and house unallocated cash balances Golfers taking part in the a golfing day and evening out.
preferential claim that builder clients who refused to pay posted against the general
administrators say will be paid. competition were joined in the
the cost rises. He also implies ledger, and other issues with the afternoon by non-golfing “A big thank you to all our
However, employees say that Avonside were pressured to over members and their guests for
ERP system.” Begbies Traynor attendees to watch ‘Trick Shot’
pensions deducted from them order materials “based upon making the day such a memorable
had first been brought into the entertainment provided by PGA
since June’s pay packets, were not spurious programme forecasts”, occasion and congratulations to
company in March 2022 and by professional golfer, Jeremy Dale.
paid over to the pension which, he says tied up working all the competition winners.”
June, it was clear that the ERP The afternoon’s entertainment
companies. Likewise, capital in stock and work in
problems could not be resolved, was followed by an evening drinks SPRA will be announcing details
subcontractors who were owed progress. of Avonside Groups Services Ltd triggering exploration of sale reception and awards dinner. of SPRA Golf Day 2023 soon.
end of the month payments or
The post attracted mainly failure. One, key reason involved options.
Avonside Group’s solar and retentions, or had paid for amounting to a takeover of
sympathetic responses, although the introduction of a new
insulation company, Avonside
Energy was bought out by
materials for work that will now
not be paid, are unlikely to see in a characteristically blunt accounting model in 2019 in the
Board Relationships board control.
LRWA Reveals Headline Sponsor
comment, former MD of multi- form of an Enterprise Resource Other causes for the Group’s While a lack of accounting
directors led by Bill Rumble and
funded by investment from
any of the £98,574 owed to them.
Unsecured creditors throughout
million M&J Group, Peter Planning (ERP) system. Kyle collapse are said to stem from visibility continued to hamper for 2023 Awards and Gala Dinner
Henrickson, said, “I can’t believe Burke, a director of parent the instability of internal the company, a rescue bid for he Liquid Roofing and
RCapital, saving 78 jobs. A
further 9 branches of Avonside
the supply chain are owed
£17.3m, with the largest creditor,
the crock of self pitying bilge I’m
reading in both the post and the
company, Burke Investments
since 2017, was apparently
structures and relationships
between directors breaking
the whole group had apparently
been formulated to supply the
T Waterproofing Association
(LRWA) has named Proteus
Group companies were sold on 7 SIG owed more than £7.2m. A comments.” Peter asserts, “Times responsible for the system’s down as various investors were £3.5m identified as needed
September as a pre-pack deal for total of £4.7m is owed in PAYE, Waterproofing as the headline
like this come around regularly incorporation into the company. brought in to rescue the from one of the shareholders. the perfect opportunity to
£437,500 to Andrew Morley national insurance and CIS to sponsor for its Awards & Gala
and well run, well managed According to the administrators, business. Certain members of demonstrate that. We are
Business Consultancy. Andrew HMRC, which is treated as a However, the bid needed the Dinner 2023.
business always outlast them - the Group experienced “severe the board were said to have looking forward to being part of
Morley was Chief Operating preferential creditor after the bank to accept a dilution of its
time to look more inward as to difficulties” following the been excluded from knowledge Offering solutions for new builds the celebration and recognising
Office at Avonside Group and he Group’s banker, NatWest, and existing security guarantees on
the reasons for failure.” implementation of the new ERP of “key information” earlier this and refurbishments, the the impressive skills and
– with former Avonside will be paid before unsecured Avonside’s £5m bank loan and
system. It led to the production of year. This was after Soho waterproofing specialist is strengths of all those who work in
Commercial Development creditors. In all, a total of £32m of Inaccurate Financial Data £9.75m operational facility.
inaccurate financial management Square Capital director Stephen headquartered in Essex, and the sector.”
Director, Vincent Hughes – are debts were left when Avonside The Administrator’s, Begbies information based on unreliable Edwards, brought in as an Additionally, during the following rapid expansion, delivers Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA,
both directors of the Consultancy folded. Traynor identified several causes data. equity investor to fuel summer, discussions were held projects across the UK. added: “Although the entire
with Jayne Pointon. Avonside’s growth, had
Construction Model to between shareholders, the Bank construction industry continues
That meant Avonside staff found resigned in March 2022 and Returning for the fifth time, the
Blame it difficult to operate day to day and one of the Group's largest to face change and challenge,
was replaced by fellow Soho LRWA Awards & Gala Dinner will
creating a strain on resources, and suppliers to explore providing many of our members have
Explanations of why Avonside director Stephen Ferris, who is take place at the Titanic Hotel on
led to concerns over billing – support to avoid liquidation, achieved growth over the past
failed have come from several said to have deployed more 22 March 2023 in Liverpool.
causing cash flow difficulties, but these proved inconclusive. year. This is testament to their
sources. Former CEO of Avonside aggressive tactics in seeking to Following the success of the 2022
Group, Eddie Stanton wrote a working capital funding issues, event, the celebration is expected to skills, professionalism, and
turnaround the company’s By the end of August, the
post blaming structural problems and margin erosion. Ultimately, it attract more than 300 people. dedication. Our event is a great
finances. directors concluded the
in the supply chain. He posted on led to the Group’s financial platform to, once again, shout
company was insolvent and on
LinkedIn on 8 September, saying: records being considered to be According to a senior source, at Jordan Bailey, director at Proteus about these successes, and bring
3 September, the sales of nine of Waterproofing, said: “The liquid
“Today is the saddest of days,” “materially inaccurate” and meant least one member of Avonside’s together the contractors, clients,
the Group’s branches and roofing and waterproofing industry
adding that the Avonside collapse that sources of new capital board had disagreed with the manufacturers, and suppliers
Avonside Energy were agreed. has a lot to be proud of, and the
should make people in the investment were refused for lack methods employed by Stephen which are helping our sector to
industry “reflect on their business of accurate financial data. Ferris, seeing his actions as LRWA Awards & Gala Dinner is thrive.”
Brickability Group Acquires ET Clay Beesley & Fildes Opens £2m North East Roof Training Group AGM
Products Distribution Centre T he NERTG AGM will be held
on Tuesday 22 November at
physical and financial wellbeing
support to the construction
rickability Group plc, the million and adjusted EBITDA of the Riverside Stadium in community and their families.
B construction materials
distributor, has acquired ET Clay
circa £3 million. Middlesbrough. In addition to
updates from local roof training They offer a variety of free
The purchase is being completed providers and CITB, the NERTG construction focussed training
Products for £11.6 million. with an initial cash payment of
is delighted to have the programmes, ranging from hour
Brickability purchased 100% of £8.1 million and a deferred long interactive wellbeing
Lighthouse Club attending to
the share capital of ET Clay payment of £3.5 million, payable sessions, through to the MHFA
raise awareness of the mental awareness of mental health issues
Products Limited and Heritage in cash over the next three years, England approved Mental Health
health services they offer. in the construction industry.
Clay Tiles Limited. subject to performance. First Aider courses.
The Lighthouse Construction
Established 25 years ago, ET Clay The cash purchase is being
Industry Charity is the only Their latest campaign: Help
funded from the Group’s existing
Products is a specialist supplier of charity that provides emotional, Inside the Hard Hat aims to raise
cash resources and is expected to
UK and imported clay facing
generate an immediate return.
bricks and handmade clay roof eesley & Fildes, a family- on-site manufacturing of various
tiles. Operating out of three yards,
the businesses will bring new
Alan Simpson, CEO, Brickability
Group plc, said: “The acquisition
B owned independent builders’
merchant has opened a new £2m
concrete products. One to Watch A First for Preston College
orkshire Independent Roof
customers to the Group,
particularly in the merchants
of ET Clay Products provides
another important step in the
distribution centre in Widnes. James Beesley, commercial
director at Beesley & Fildes, said: Y Training Group (YIRTG)
Officer, Denise Cherry recently
Leeds College of Building. Denise
also met Geoff’s daughter, Bobby
growth of our Import Division by Situated near the M56, M62 and “As we see the demand for Mae who is following in her
channel, Brickability says. went to meet with G Smith
further expanding the supply base M57, the facility will support the building products continually brother’s footsteps and starts
In the year to 30 July 2022, ET business’s 11 north-west branches increasing, it was vital that we Roofing Ltd, a family firm
of the Group through new access college shortly. Bobby Mae has
and its online click and collect specialising in loft conversion t’s a first for Preston College, The Group is even more
Clay Products generated
unaudited revenues of £44.3
to a range of overseas
manufacturers.” customers.
broadened our in-house
capabilities and operations. Plus, work in Leeds.
spent quite a lot of time on roofs
already and particularly likes I as training for 19 first-year
roofing apprentices is well
committed to supporting the
development of apprentices as
The 4.2-acre distribution centre is with our click and collect service Director, Geoff Smith - known on doing decorative slate work.
now rolled out across each of our YouTube as the Roofing Outlaw - underway in the Construction & part of its long-term strategy.
part of Beesley & Fildes’ wider
branches, we have an additional has made sure his teams are well YIRTG will be supporting Bobby the Built Environment area of Plans are already being made for
£3.2m expansion plans, enabling
route to purchase. trained, including putting his son Mae and following her progress Preston College, reports the visits to the quarry by the
it to purchase and house more
through an apprenticeship at through her apprenticeship. North West Roof Training apprentices for them to see the
stock across the building, civils, “Through our wider expansion Group (NWRTG). Following a production process, which uses a
and drainage market.
and distribution centre, we’re able block-release pattern, students mix of time-honoured
To service all 11 branches, the to provide our customers with a are attending College for one techniques and cutting-edge
centre is now home to an guarantee that products will be week in four, spending the other technology.
automated bagging machine for available and delivered on time, three weeks with their employers.
causing zero distribution to their Simian’s foray into roof
stone and sand, along with a Their first year will end with the slating/tiling apprenticeships is
batching plant which will enable projects.” June 2023 block, and it’s likely to start in January 2023. Lead
that another cohort will start in Tutor, Luke O’ Gorman,
LCB Invests in New Rigs as 2022 Roofing Successes are Celebrated the new year. Working to
standards, this will meet the
formerly of Bolton College, has
recently announced that training
eeds College of Building Optimum Skills in Gateshead
L (LCB) Roofing Department
has “significantly invested” in its
starting to offer roofing training
courses this autumn.
long-term skills needs of the
employers. Plans are underway
will take place in a brand-new
roof training facility in
for a wide variety of activities Warrington town centre. Read
apprentice training by replacing which aim to develop stronger more on page 40.
all the roofing rigs in its Lee Bogg, Curriculum Manager in
links with local schools and
workshop area at a cost of the Faculty of Construction Crafts There’s still time for those of you
communities to encourage and
£40,000. at LCB said, “We are more than with businesses in the Liverpool
promote interest in the
happy to help the growth of area (Liverpool, the Wirral,
programme.
The roofing rigs were rebuilt roofing training across the Sefton, Knowsley, Rainford,
ready for the new intake of country. The donations also Marley‘s lorry-load of sponsored Halton), or if looking for labour
roofing apprentices starting their helped us to reduce our carbon tiles arrived right on cue and will in the area, to be involved in the
courses this September. footprint and work sustainably, serve the department well over initiative with the DWP and
ensuring that we didn’t dispose of the coming months. Meanwhile, Liverpool College. If you will
The new intake will join a total of
the rigs into waste and that they the NWRTG is delighted that consider employing anyone
over 100 roofing apprentices
were recycled for future use. Burlington Stone is to supply the currently unemployed, we can
currently training at the college’s
College with slate, which is provide basic training, whether
South Bank campus on Cudbear “The renewed roofing rigs shows quarried in the Kirkby Quarry, in roof slating/tiling or RBM plus
Street, Leeds. how our roofing provision is the heart of the Lake District, health and safety training, all at
The college donated the original going from strength to strength, Cumbria. It has operated for over no cost to you. This offer is open
rigs to Simian Risk which plans to so much so, that we are now Lee added that the new roofing Chris Messenger who is moving 400 years and offers exceptional to all, regardless of membership
add pitched roof training to its bolstering our team by recruiting tutor will join the highly into delivering Roofing quality roofing slates to clients of our Group. Please contact us
current flat roofing courses in another full time roofing tutor to experienced roofing team of Dave Apprenticeship Standard end and their projects throughout the on nwrooftraining@gmail/07801
London and Warrington and support our delivery aims.” Mallory and Dale Yates, replacing point assessments. world. 278282.
n September, the structured health and safety and
I Construction Products
Association (CPA) published
the Built Environment – Proposed
technical induction for technical
representatives, whether engaged
in sales or site support. Products
challenge now is for the industry
to come together collectively to
agree how its key functions will
demonstrate construction product
Construction Product Competence and systems must be supplied competence and publish
Standard white paper on behalf of construction product competence
only to contractors whose
Working Group 12 (WG12) of profiles for the use of the entire
installers have passed a product-
the Competence Steering Group. built environment sector.
WG12 Construction Products specific training course. Training
Competence was tasked to create must be offered to contractors’ As ever, the wider challenge for
a solution that ensures all those technical personnel, such as all trade associations – not just
using construction products are estimators and supervisors. A SPRA – is to appeal to
competent to do so and can documented system of quality manufacturers and contractors
demonstrate their competence to control through site visits before who fall outside of their reach and
others. The white paper has been encourage them to become
warranties are supplied to clients
developed to outline proposals for members. The construction
must also be operated.
an industry agreed standard on industry, and the many sectors
construction product competence SPRA Associate Members, too, within it, are only as strong as
and give the built environment their weakest links.
must provide design guidance and
sector the earliest opportunity to technical support for SPRA The Built Environment –
consider these proposals and Membrane Manufacturer and Proposed Construction Product
ready itself. Competence Standard white
Contractor members.
The requirements of each core
level criteria of construction Contractors alike – perform one The white paper has been developed to outline
product competence (as outlined or more of the functions listed
in the white paper) apply to many above, despite employing a variety proposals for an industry agreed standard on
of the functions performed by of roles.
members of the Single Ply construction product competence and give the
Construction product competence
Roofing Association (SPRA).
Amongst others, these include lays at the core of SPRA’s raison built environment sector the earliest
designing, marketing or selling d’être. The SPRA Design Guide
construction products; providing has been the go-to technical opportunity to consider these proposals and
technical support for construction guidance document for single ply
products; specifying construction roofing for almost 30 years. ready itself.
products or designing with Several other technical guidance
construction products; procuring documents and component SPRA Contractor Members must paper is available to download
construction products or services quality standards have been be registered with the from the CPA website (under
that provide/use construction published in the meantime. And Construction Industry Training Publications, Technical and
products; handling or installing in more recent years, SPRA has Board (CITB) and demonstrate a Regulatory). At the time of
construction products; collaborated with other trade commitment to recognised
writing, SPRA is convening a
supervising, managing, inspecting associations to publish guidance training methods, such as
for the benefit of the entire flat National or Scottish Vocational working group for the creation
or verifying other functions
roofing industry. Qualifications and those provided and management of construction
around construction products;
and exchanging information by SPRA Membrane product competence profiles and
SPRA Membrane Manufacturer
about construction products. Manufacturer Members, as how those within the single ply
Members must provide a
outlined above. A detailed register roofing industry demonstrate
Functions are listed deliberately, comprehensive design guide for
of relevant training undertaken by construction product competence.
as roles are not standardised, the application of single ply
employees must be maintained. All SPRA members are welcome
meaning individuals with products in the UK based upon
different roles can carry out the requirements of the SPRA Clearly, much is being done by to participate.
similar functions. All SPRA Design Guide and relevant, the single ply roofing industry via
members – Membrane current British and European SPRA to drive construction
Manufacturers, Associates and Standards. They must provide a product competence. The
t’s hard to believe there was a
I time before the use of single
ply roofing when we consider
just how well-used it is across the
industry. Following the passing of
the Occupational Safety and
Health Act and the Passage of
Clean Air Amendment Act in the
1970s, the negative impact of
asphalt led to the introduction of
single ply roofing systems to fill
the gap. These roofing
membranes have also proven
their worth as a long-term
solution, especially when it is used
in a complete system.
Single ply products, such as
EPDM, are made from synthetic
rubber compounds and come in
large sheets that don’t require
many seams or high temperatures
to install. Its affordability, ease of
installation and no-fuss
maintenance alongside its
longstanding protection make it
an industry leader. While we still
see the occasional instance of
BUR, single ply roofing combines
all the elements of the multi- For smaller roofs and spaces, some installations only require a single
layered approach into a single
sheet of waterproofing material, sheet of membrane reducing those slightly weaker areas at seams and
that is easily laid and adhered to
just about any flat roof.
joins, which further increases the strength and durability of the system.
Come Rain or Shine In certain brands, sizes reach up to 15.25m x 30.5m.
Part of the issue with other flat strength, so even in extreme In addition, the design of single allowing for maximum coverage
roofing materials is they can be at ply makes it superior for and longevity.
temperature fluctuations, it can
risk of deterioration through high weatherproofing, due to its
provide superior waterproofing Working in Synergy
exposure to UV rays – this causes availability in large sheets. This
the loss of beneficial properties and is much more resistant to
damage. The elasticity within means for smaller roofs and Another reason why more
within the solution. Changes in
spaces, some installations only contractors are using singly-ply
temperature through the UK’s single ply membranes allows the
require a single sheet of roof systems is the versatility it
seasonal transitions can degrade building to move through
membrane reducing those slightly offers. It can be used on a variety
materials, resulting in cracking changing weather conditions, and weaker areas at seams and joins, of commercial and residential
and tearing particularly at weaker this is retained at extreme low which further increases the projects including extensions,
points. temperatures, up to –45oC in strength and durability of the terraces, sheds and larger
In contrast, single ply roofing some cases, such as EPDM rubber system. In certain brands, sizes buildings. It’s also a great option
solutions have a high tensile roofs. reach up to 15.25m x 30.5m, for repairing metal roofs and
supporting green roofs, which What improves the
have become increasingly
common in the drive for more lifespan of single ply
eco-friendly architecture.
systems, is the ability
A full system approach is best
when it comes to roofing and to adapt them to
consists of a membrane,
adhesives, tapes, primer, feature new additions
insulation and AVCL. Single ply
products are designed to work in such as roof lights or
synergy with a range of layers
resulting in a high performing, vent pipe. Customers
reliable roof.
can be safe in the
On projects where there are
challenges or tight timescales, knowledge they can
single ply systems make jobs
easier due to their quick keep up with trends,
installation process, with the large
sheets making for faster coverage. or their changing
No specialist tools, heat or flames
are needed, meaning teams spend
needs.
less time onsite.
Standing the Test of Time
Clifford Tower Case Study When looking for a long-term
solution, single ply roofing offers
an exceptional life expectancy – as
much as 40 years and potentially
longer. We know the first
Firestone rubber EPDM roofs
were laid in the States by
Firestone in the 1980s and are still
successfully protecting these roofs
today.
An added bonus, and what
improves the lifespan of single ply
systems, is the ability to adapt
them to feature new additions
such as roof lights or vent pipe.
Customers can be safe in the
knowledge they can keep up with
trends, or their changing needs.
With high-quality single ply
systems, the colour and finish is
an aesthetically pleasing shade of
black that looks more natural and
won’t show dirt easily. The
smooth, clean texture should stay
looking smart for years, as unlike
the more traditional systems,
moss is not able to grow.
Furthermore, choosing a full
system from a reputable brand
will usually mean the inclusion of
a warranty. For example,
Firestone offers a membrane
warranty up to 20 years with
every installation by a licensed or
authorised installer, so the roof is
set for the future.
he concept of green roofs
T is not new. Advocates have
for years pointed to the
benefits of reducing surface water
run-off and increasing bio-
diversity in urban areas. Add to
that list the fact that the thermal
mass of a green roof provides an
effective barrier to solar heat gain
and there is a compelling
argument in its favour.
And then there is renewable
energy. Solar PV panels are
enjoying a resurgence in
popularity as building owners
look to reduce energy bills and
move towards the goal of zero
carbon buildings.
Partnership Solution
Until now the choice between
these solutions has been seen as output. The roof’s vegetation, the perimeter of the roof and at vent pipes, HVAC plant, pipe and
just that: a choice. PV panels, combined with the evaporation of the corners where the wind vortex cable runs and even maintenance
even surface mounted, have rainwater held within the green is generally at its strongest. Ballast tracks and turntables.
typically been located too close to roof system helps to reduce the for the system is provided by the
Planning Stage
the surface of a roof to allow for temperature at the roof’s surface, growing substrate and wind
Calculations
vegetation to flourish around and which in turn reduces the mapping is required to calculate
under the panels. ambient temperature close to the the volume of ballast required at a At the planning stage for each
PV panels, further increasing specific location. project, SIG D&T and EGR will
SIG, with its growing portfolio of their electrical output. work with the PV provider to
sustainable products, has found a It all amounts to a relative
produce a roof layout which will
solution in the form of a In this system the PV panels are complex design and installation then be used to run a wind
partnership between SIG Design supported by the green roof process requiring multiple mapping analysis and work out
and Technology and Eco Green build-up eliminating the need to products and materials. For the minimum ballast requirements.
Roof (EGR). The SolarNature penetrate the waterproof installer, the benefit of the
system lifts the panel clear of the membrane. Instead, a steel SolarNature system is that it is Ballast weights will be calculated
roof, allowing light and rain to mounting system is incorporated supplied as a complete roofing on the dry weight of the growing
reach the planted surface. into the green roof reservoir system, with a single point of medium to ensure adequate
board at the base of the green roof contact for the waterproof layer, loading in dry conditions.
In this system, PV panels are
build up. the green roof build-up and the However, to design the
mounted above the roof substrate,
integrated solar panels. supporting structure it is the
with the front edge of each panel The reservoir board is deeply increased weight of the growing
at around 300 mm. This not only recessed to capture rainwater The D&T team at SIG steps in to medium and reservoir when
allows the vegetation to have the which will then support the help with the optimum design for saturated with water which is
right conditions to grow, but also vegetation by keeping soil moist. the system which will be bespoke used.
helps with the orientation of the It is important to make sure that for each individual building. The
PV panels. the board has sufficient capacity total area of PV panels, the A bird’s eye (or drone) view of
to fill and hold water even when it number, size and installation most UK city skylines shows the
The optimum angle for maximum
is in the rain shadow of the PV angle of the system will all be increasing popularity of green
output from south facing PV in
panels. Excess rainwater is dictated by the peak kilowatt roofs. We think this is a trend
the UK is generally between 35
directed to the roof perimeter output requirement. that will continue and that the
and 45 degrees from horizontal
where gullies and outlets allow for ability to combine this roof type
(although the precise angle will
Panels will need to be situated to with active energy generation will
vary depending on the latitude of runaway.
allow for maintenance access and allow contractors to add
the installation).
With panels mounted above the the bio-solar design will also need significant value to a new roof
The proximity of vegetation to the roofline, wind uplift is always a to integrate with other roof- installation or replacement roof
panels is also positive for power consideration - and particularly at mounted services such as: soil and project.
reater awareness of the Building
G climate crisis means that
‘green’ buildings are no
longer just for the eco-conscious;
materials can
environmental responsibility has only be re-used
been elevated from a nice-to-have
to a need-to-have. Alongside
or recycled
legislative requirements to cost-effectively if
construct greener buildings, the
whole subject of sustainability has they can be
become much more than a casual
conversation, littered with removed cleanly
greenwash and empty promises;
sustainability is now monitored as
from the building
an accountable element of the at the end of
procurement process.
But sustainability is always a work
their service life.
in progress. As a commercial Carlisle’s Hertalan EPDM roofing chain to get on board with the installation techniques should be
discipline, it needs to be system is a case in point. With a concept of circularity. For the factored into specification choices
approached with the principles of 50+ year service life expectancy, developer or building owner, it in order to reduce waste and
continuous improvement, which EPDM is already known as an not only potentially provides optimise circularity potential.
means taking opportunities to environmentally beneficial substantial cost savings on the This is why using our induction
learn from best practice. In roofing technology. The system final account, but also delivers an system with Hertalan EPDM
addition to selecting products that enhances these baseline green incentive to become actively membranes epitomises the
last longer, the roofing sector also credentials by enabling roofing involved in the specification principles of circularity - because
needs to consider what happens contractors to install the EPDM strategy, which could deliver it means the material can be fully
to construction materials at the membrane using an induction quality and service life benefits, separated from the insulation
end of their service life. Can they system, allowing the material to along with sustainability without contamination due to
be recycled or re-used? How can be stripped cleanly from the roof credentials. For the contractor, adhesives or primers. As a result,
they be given a second life? Who at the end of its service life for the incentive scheme enables due the amount of product that can be
will be responsible for ensuring recycling or re-use. diligence in dealings with the reprocessed to recover and reuse
that reincarnation? Circularity in Action: the supply chain and puts the onus the component compounds can
on the supplier to facilitate be maximised.
What is Circular Netherlands
circularity. And for building
Sustainability? In the Netherlands, to boost a products suppliers, there is an Long Term Sustainability
Circular sustainability is a culture of circularity in the incentive to step up efforts to Strategies
methodology that puts a cradle- construction sector, a Dutch achieve cradle-to-cradle lifecycles The benefits of circularity may
to-cradle approach to selecting Government initiative is enabling during the product development not be felt for a while – when it
developers or building owners to process.
materials at the heart of the comes to EPDM roofing
recoup up to 12% of the cost of
procurement process. This means While the UK does not have a membranes, for example, there is
both building materials and
selecting products that have government-led scheme to drive an anticipated service life of 50
labour. To enable the client to
reduced embedded carbon this approach, the UK years – but making the right
qualify for these financial
emissions, extended performance construction industry can still choices are still critical now. The
measures, the product supplier
and the ability to be returned to must promise to take back the learn from the best practice we’re devastating effects of this year’s
the value chain at the end of their materials at the end of their seeing in the Netherlands. summer heatwaves have
initial service life. It is a service life and recycle them or Building materials can only be re- reiterated that there really is a
philosophy that is seeing the drive reprocess them so that they can used or recycled cost-effectively if climate crisis and the roofing
for greener construction come of be re-used. they can be removed cleanly from industry has a responsibility to
age, and Carlisle is at the the building at the end of their consider long-term strategies to
vanguard of adopting those goals Structuring the scheme in this service life. Consequently, reduce its carbon footprint that it
in the roofing sector. way incentivises the whole supply ancillary materials and shouldn’t ignore.
hen was the last time
W you checked the tyre
pressures in your car?
It may seem like an odd question,
but it has parallels with something
that many roofing contractors do
day in, day out.
If you drive a modern car, it is
likely to have tyre pressure
sensors, so the car tells you when
your tyres need attention. This
could be a simple top up of air, or
an indication that you have a
puncture. The good news is,
however, that built-in technology
tells you when there is a problem,
giving you the chance to take
action before it causes you a real
headache.
If your car is not enabled with
tyres sensors, then visual
inspection or noticeable changes
in the car’s driving performance
are the only ways you will know
you have a problem. In these Like many aspects of life, other How do we ensure self-drilling fasteners are
situations, by the time you realise things take over so if there isn’t an
you have a tyre problem it could obvious problem it is unlikely to working as they should, set correctly to ensure
be too late to fix easily, with cost get our attention.
and inconvenience resulting. air and watertight performance is achieved
This scenario is similar to what
Despite being a relatively easy we see on construction sites every from day one of installation?
thing to do, the vast majority of day – and it is another situation
us probably never check our tyre where airtightness is key! Imagine if the self-drilling Problems Caused by
pressures before a long journey.
fasteners securing our roofs or Inadequate Fastener Seals
facades had technology built in to
How often have you seen inside
In a survey recently give us information that they
needed attention to stop air relatively new buildings a bucket
conducted by EJOT UK, leakage or water ingress and standing in the middle of the floor
prevent major maintenance or collecting dripping water from the
virtually no roofing roof replacement. If they did, our roof above? Clearly this could be
buildings would be far better caused by many things, but one is
and cladding installers
protected – like most of our a result of water ingress through
said they regard modern cars. Unfortunately, even an incorrectly installed outer
if the technology was available, it sheet. It is an obvious sign of what
self-drilling fastener would be extremely costly. can happen if we don’t get the
seal right during installation and
seal testing as the So how do we ensure self-drilling
fasteners are working as they can prove extremely costly. To fix
priority when working should, set correctly to ensure air the problem, the building owner
and watertight performance is or client will need to address the
on building envelope achieved from day one of situation, resulting in the original
installation? And why does it roofing installer having to return
installations.
matter? to site to rectify the issue.
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