Roof Overview Issue 20 Spring 2014

ROOF

OVERVIEW The voice of roof training

Issue 20 Spring 2014

Fault-finding from Redland

An alternative to natural slate

Think roofs – think NFRC

Solardome’s stunning skylight

. . . plus much more!

THE magazine about your roof training groups, leading federations and key industry figures

ROOF OVERVIEW

The magnificent Palais de Justice in Brussels undergoes a complete refit using Dörken DELTA® Trela insulating membrane (see also page 11)

Editor’s view

ROOF

OVERVIEW training The voice of roof

W

elcome to the Spring Issue of Roof Overview, in which there is a real buzz of excitement coming from many areas, indicating that the recession is relinquishing its long grip on the industry.

A new feature from the Ladder Association and PASMA describes their influence on health and safety in this sector.

The need for traditional skills is highlighted separately, not only on the Lead Contractors Association page, but also in J Wright Roofing’s article, through their involvement with magnificent period properties.

New appointments are announced by the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association as it commits to training the workforce.

Tapco Roofing Products, a regular in Roof Overview, sets out its stall not only as a highly reputable employer, but also as a manufacturer of products which offer a real alternative to conventional slate.

Roof Overview also travels to mainland Europe Issue 20 Spring 2014

Fault-finding from Redland

THE magazine

to An alternative natural slate

about your roof

Contact: Sue Clement Fernau Editorial Services Fernau Cottage Wivenhoe Road Alresford Colchester Essex CO7 8AJ Telephone: 01206 823775 Mobile: 07860 368159 E-mail: sue@fernaueditorial.co.uk sue@roofoverview.co.uk Website: www.roofoverview.co.uk

Think roofs – think NFRC

training groups,

Solardome’s stunning skylight

. . . plus much more!

y figures

ons and key industr

leading federati

through the Dörken DELTA® and Solardome Industries pages, in which tradition and innovation reach spectacular heights.

The NFRC is pulling out all the stops at this year’s Ecobuild to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the architectural and specification sector.

Training is as important now as ever, so look no further than London & Southern Roofing Training Group and South Coast Roof Training for their excellent selection of courses.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

If you would like to receive a regular electronic copy of Roof Overview, please e-mail sue@roofoverview.co.uk with your name, company and e-mail address. In addition, if you would like to be featured in these pages alongside roofing’s most respected and successful organisations, please use the contact details in the left-hand column.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the pages of Roof Overview. However, the publisher cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies contained herein. In addition, the views and opinions expressed in Roof Overview do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

– Minster Roofing and Roofline –

Renolit awards Minster sole Flexsom distribution

S

Contact details: Crawley Telephone: 01342 710640 Luton Telephone: 01582 813700 Website: www.minsterroof.co.uk 2

pecialist distributor Minster Roofing and Roofline has signed an exclusive contract with world-renowned Renolit for the distribution of Flexsom.

The Renolit Group is an international leader in the manufacturing of high-quality plastic films and related products for technical applications.

This is the first time Renolit has entered the roofing market on the UK mainland through a distributor. The agreement is a strong indication of Minster’s growing influence in the roofing industry.

Renolit recently said: “Minster supply a wide range of specialist roofing materials. Their relationships throughout the supply chain means they can offer their customers the latest product innovations and combined building solutions, which is good for Renolit.”

This new partnership enables Minster to bring exclusively to the market an excellent product that offers all of the high quality assurances of a major manufacturer.

Contact marketing@minsteronline.co.uk for

a copy of the guide, which includes the Renolit offer.

Flexsom range The Flexsom range consists of thermoplastic PVC-P roofing membranes available in a number of systems to suit both new construction and renovation projects.

The product comes with several benefits, including a BBA-approved life expectancy of over 35 years. With very good static and dynamic perforation resistance, Flexsom adapts to all roof geometries, lending itself to architectural design.

Paul Maidment, commercial director of Minster Roofing and Roofline, said: “We are absolutely delighted that a leading brand such as Renolit has selected to distribute Flexsom exclusively through Minster. With our collective knowledge, expertise and quality of service, we are primed to deliver more choice to roofers in the UK.” To find out more about Flexsom, e-mail marketing@minsteronline.co.uk.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

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– Redland –

Roofing faults explained in new

step-by-step workshop Technical training manager Matheau Woodyatt explains how Redland goes to extraordinary lengths to provide its customers the excellent service to match its products

H

ere at Redland we place a high value on quality. Our customers value the services and guarantees that we offer alongside our roofing systems and in turn we go to great lengths to ensure that the product that we put into the market is able to pass the most stringent testing criteria.

As a long-term champion of roofing know-how, we are also very aware that the way that a product is installed upon the roof is just as important as the quality of that product. This is why we put a great deal of effort into the production of clear fitting instructions, as well as the new contractors’ pocket book and the numerous YouTube videos which are available through www.redland.co.uk.

suited to anyone responsible for the inspection or management of roofing projects.

We have had considerable interest from local authorities and housing associations, who need to be able to understand what to look for when called to carry out initial inspections on tenant housing.

The issues caused by small tile cuts, poor

‘

At Redland we are committed to equipping our customers to fully understand the correct installation methods for the products we sell

’

To support this work, at the end of 2013 the Redland Training Centre launched a new roofing defects and workmanship course based upon our already popular roofing defects CPD workshop.

This one day course carries the learner, step-bystep, though the construction of a roofing system highlighting the most common areas of fault and failure.

Covering subjects such as faults in design, poor roofing detail and issues caused by poor quality roofing materials, the course is ideally

ROOF OVERVIEW

Issue 20 Spring 2014

mortar applications, and the mechanical fixing of tiles and fittings, will come to the forefront once again later this year with the revision of the British Standard BS5534 which is currently out for public comment.

Being able to understand the correct application of roofing details under the British Standards is vital for all serious roofing contractors.

At Redland we are committed to equipping our customers to fully understand the correct installation methods for the products we sell.

Based in South Cerney, Cirencester, the Redland Training Centre has served the roofing industry for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

Our basic introduction to roofing course is widely known as one the best in the UK and our components and PV training has also become increasingly popular over recent years. We offer an excellent two-day introduction to roof estimating course, as well as being able to offer bespoke training to groups of learners and individuals upon request.

Details of these courses and how to book can be found on the Redland website, or by request at training@monier.com.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Redland Training & Resource Centre Monier Ltd Broadway Lane South Cerney Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 5UH Telephone: 01285 863545 Fax: 01285 863546 E-mail: training.redland@ monier.com Website: www.redland.co.uk 3

ROOF OVERVIEW

– Working at height –

Trade associations advancing

the height safety agenda Ladder Association welcomes simplified HSE ladder guidance THE Ladder Association has welcomed the decision by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) not to change the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) following HSE’s completion of the review recommended by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt.

In particular, the association has welcomed the introduction of HSE’s revised and simplified guidance: INDG455 ‘Safe use of ladders and step ladders – a brief guide’ (formerly INDG402 & 3). This follows HSE’s conclusion that where problems existed with the application of the regulations, they arose from the misinterpretation of the regulations rather than from the regulations themselves.

The new guidance, developed in conjunction with the Ladder Association and other principal stakeholders, is unambiguous.

It makes clear, subject to risk assessment, that ladders remain a sensible and practical option in the workplace – and that if it is right to use a ladder, to use the right ladder and to use it safely.

Ladder Association chairman Cameron Clow said: “Ladders are a versatile and invaluable piece of workplace equipment but, like all other forms of access equipment, there are some common sense rules for using them safely.

It’s all about sensible and proportionate management of the risks.

“Fortunately, we now have some straightforward, easy-to-understand guidance from HSE that confirms and reinforces this message.

“More often than not, falls are caused by inappropriate or incorrect use, which is why the Ladder Association manages and delivers a national training scheme for users, supervisors and managers wanting to equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to use ladders safely and productively.

Encouragingly, delegate numbers are now at an all-time high.”

More at www.ladderassociation.org.uk

4

Another year… another record OVER 65,000 people successfully completed a PASMA training course in 2013, equipping them to use mobile access towers and lowlevel platforms, such as podiums or pulpits, safely and productively.

In comparison, PASMA trained 45,000 people in 2009 (an all-time record), achieved a modest increase to 47,000 in 2010, followed by a stepchange increase to 55,000 in 2011.

In 2012, training numbers went up yet again, reaching just over 60,000 by the end of the year.

PASMA training courses are widely acknowledged as the industry standard in the UK – and increasingly overseas – and almost every workplace now insists on the PASMA PhotoCard as the only proof of competence when it comes to assembling, inspecting, moving and dismantling mobile access towers.

Courses on offer from the national network of PASMAapproved training centres include towers for users, towers for managers, low level access, combined low level access and towers for users, and work at height essentials.

A new course, towers for riggers, developed specifically for operatives working in the hire and assembly sector, will be available soon. The five-day course covers all aspects of assembling and using advanced configurations of towers – a fast growing sector of the market (please see advanced configuration above).

Choosing a safe mobile access tower

The Health & Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham, March 11-13 2014, will mark the launch of a new PASMA safety campaign advocating the importance of only buying or hiring a mobile access tower conforming to European standard EN1004.

The principal message of the campaign – which is supported by Hire Association Europe and RoSPA – is that selecting the right tower is essential to safe working.

More at www.pasma.co.uk

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

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– J Wright Roofing –

To the manor born

M

ost roofing contractors will tell you that one of the great sources of satisfaction is the variety of work that they are asked to do.

However, there are always some projects that stand out far and above over the more day-today work, and for Jason Wright and his team in Bulwell, near Nottingham, the restoration of the roofs of a local Grade 2-listed manor house will be a project that will remain high on the list of memorable achievements.

The impressive Roecliffe Manor, set within 40 acres in the heart of Charnwood Forest between the villages of Swithland and Woodhouse Eaves, was built around 1800. After the last member of the family died, it was sold on in the 1940s, first to Leicestershire County Council and then to Leonard Cheshire Homes.

However, in 2005 the property was left empty and subsequently vandalised, with all of its original features and interiors stolen, including the lead and some of the original Swithland slates from the main roof. The elements were able to penetrate the building fabric, causing the main roof timbers to fail.

Roecliffe Manor was placed on the ‘At risk’ register and eventually put up for auction.

Thankfully a local businessman and philanthropist took on the enormous challenge of restoring it to its former glory and J Wright Roofing was appointed to restore the main roofs to their original condition.

One of the main challenges was sourcing sufficient original, local Swithland slates for the large top flat roof with cupola and parapet walls with Dutch gables. Although many could be salvaged from the vandalism and general neglect, a further 15 tonnes were still required. As the Swithland quarry had closed 30 years previously, reclaimed slates were the only option; fortunately, an ugly 1950s wing to the manor was due to be demolished, and this provided the necessary number of these slates to match the main roof.

The presence of bats – a protected species – also provided J Wright Roofing with another challenge. Lime mortar mixed with horse hair was ROOF OVERVIEW

Issue 20 Spring 2014

used for bedding the slates. As a sarking felt was specified for the bat population, no torching was required to the underside.

J Wright Roofing’s specialist leadworker Ashley Kennie (pictured) needed all his skills to design and dress in situ the top lead sheet roof. The lead cupola was completed on site in three separate sections, as were various intricate and detailed examples of lead welding.

Eight operatives – three heritage craft roofers, two newly-qualified craft roofers, plus three Year 1 apprentices, worked on the project with Jason in three phases over nine months, and completed on time and within budget.

Best year ever as turnover trebles Jason begins 2014 full of optimism for his most profitable year in the company’s history, as turnover has trebled since last April.

“We are delighted with the amount of work we are handling, and everything points to this trend continuing,” he said.

Happy first birthday!

East Midlands Roofing Supplies, the only independent roofing merchants within the city of Nottingham, has completed its first year of trading.

Since the first three months of trading, business has increased by over 400 per cent. Jason explained: “We’ve been delighted to see a steady increase in customers – we offer some great deals and quality products that represent value for money.”

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Contact: Jane Wright J Wright Roofing Dabell Avenue Blenheim Industrial Estate Bulwell Nottingham NG6 8WA Telephone: 0115 927 1333 E-mail: janewright@ jwrightroofing.co.uk Website: www.jwrightroofing.co.uk 5

ROOF OVERVIEW

– Lead Contractors Association –

Audley End is flagship project for heritage skills CSCS cards pilot scheme

by Kate Gunthorpe, English Heritage senior building surveyor

© English Heritage

Audley End: one of England’s grandest stately homes

A

Since 2010 more than 300 specialist leadworkers have registered for the CSCS heritage skills card, 85 per cent of whom work for LCA member companies.

Contractors can still apply for the card through the ‘HELPA’ assessment process, available through the Lead Sheet Association. Please contact either the LCA or LSA for more details.

t Audley End, one of England’s grandest stately homes, English Heritage needs the skills of the specialist leadworker to undertake essential repairs to the significant lead sheet roofs and gutters on the south wing.

The full scope of the works on the Audley End Representation Project will see English Heritage undertaking major maintenance and building improvements works, including repair and decoration to the windows, masonry repairs and upgrades to electrics and fire safety measures.

The project also offers the exciting opportunity to re-present the house to the visitors by opening up the second floor nurseries and coal gallery, as if in the 1830s, for the first time.

English Heritage has identified Audley End as the ‘flagship project’ for its heritage skills CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards pilot scheme.

Working with the Lead Contractors Association and the National Heritage Training Group, in 2011 English Heritage launched the requirement for all specialist leadworkers working on significant projects on their 400-plus sites to hold the heritage skills CSCS skills card. This requirement was then included in the tender and contract documents.

© English Heritage

Heritage skills CSCS cards pilot scheme In need of repair: one of the roof lights requires specialist skills

Lead Contractors Association Centurion House 36 London Road East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 1AB Telephone: 01342 317888 Fax: 01342 303200 E-mail: info@lca.gb.com Website: www.lca.gb.com 6

The selected specialist leadwork contractor, T&P Lead Roofing Ltd, was able to meet this requirement as its workforce holds heritage skills CSCS skills cards. The company has a strong record on quality standards and training, as longstanding Lead Contractors Association members, and demonstrating award-winning leadwork, including winning the Murdoch Award twice.

© English Heritage

Contact: Ray Robertson

Assessment: site visits take place to prepare for the necessary work

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

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– Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association –

LRWA commits to ‘Training

the Workforce’

T

he Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is proud to announce the appointment of a new training manager, Chris Bussens, who has been tasked by the association to roll out a ‘Training the Workforce’ programme.

Chris (pictured below) has worked in the roofing and cladding industry for over 40 years and in that time has qualified as an assessor and verifier on all flat roofing systems in the industry, as well as sheeting and cladding.

He was heavily involved with the specialist apprenticeships for single ply and now liquid roofing. Last year Chris was elected on to the board of governors for the Institute of Roofing, where he has an active part on the education and training committee.

Background to the project The association, supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), has approved a project to investigate the number of contractors/ operatives who are trained in the application of liquid applied membranes, what their skill level is, and who is supplying the training.

There seems to be a gap in the provision of training between what liquid manufacturers offer and what roof training groups and colleges offer (if any at all) for liquids. Therefore the LRWA has been tasked with helping to close that gap by bringing together the relevant parties to discuss training and how to move it forward.

Part of the project will also be to establish a group of trainers who will be able to work with the key manufacturers in the different liquid applied membrane chemistries, to develop their knowledge and expertise to be able to offer a standard course that can be taken nationwide.

The project aims to raise the level of skill in the roofing industry so that liquid applied membranes eventually become part of a general mainstream roofing training featuring all types of waterproofing.

This can only be done by working in conjunction with other key trade bodies such as SPRA and NFRC, which is the ultimate goal.

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Issue 20 Spring 2014

New LRWA technical chairman elected The LRWA is pleased to announce the election of a new chair of the technical committee, Steve Cookson (pictured right), who is the technical services manager for Sika Liquid Plastics.

With over 18 years’ experience in the roofing industry, Steve brings a wealth of technical knowledge and is a member of the Institute of Roofing.

Having worked both technically and commercially across all the major roofing disciplines; from roofing felt to liquid waterproofing and most things in between, his experience provides a firm foundation for this role.

He is looking forward to the challenge and believes that there is a massive opportunity to develop the liquid market and the association, to the benefit of everyone.

Key initiatives for the technical committee for 2014 include launching a brand new Hot Melt Code of Practice and a Guidance Note on Coating Metal Profiled Sheets. The aim of the committee is to provide collective best practice guidance for specifiers and contractors to ensure that liquid applied membranes are used correctly to perform as expected.

If you would like to get involved with the LRWA and learn more about liquid waterproofing, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Contact: Terry Wain Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association Roofing House 31 Worship Street London EC2A 2DY Telephone: 020 7448 3859 E-mail: info@lrwa.org.uk Website: www.lrwa.org.uk 7

ROOF OVERVIEW

– Tapco Roofing Products –

Innovation is our

cornerstone

T

he Tapco Group is recognised as a premier provider of innovative exterior building products, specialising in the manufacture of roofing, cladding, shutters, tool systems, egress systems, and cladding components.

The company has over 50 years’ experience under its belt, having introduced the first portable siding (or cladding) bender into the market in 1961.

Today, the Tapco Group products are widely recognised across the industry and offer the most options in style, size and colour.

Proudly made in the USA, millions of units per year are manufactured at six high-volume plants. Engineered with both contractors and home owners in mind, these products deliver the easiest installation with greatest efficiency

and quality. With faster fit, beauty and maintenance-free durability, these attributes are highly desirable to the home owner.

Tapco products are sold through more than 5,000 wholesalers, speciality and retail channels worldwide. The appeal of these products is far-reaching but, according to the group, the needs of distributors, architects, contractors and home owners have been researched and understood, and it is this knowledge that led to the creation of its unique products and solutions.

The group’s belief is that top quality products and service are inseparable and provide a great customer experience, combining competitive advantages with benefits that extend all the way to the home owner.

Tapco in the UK All business outside the US is undertaken by the international office situated in Beverley, East Yorkshire. The group employs 13 UK-based full-time staff, who deal with sales, distribution/ logistics, customer service, finance and marketing.

The Tapco Group has an active and vigorous health and safety policy and all staff receive the necessary training. On site are three first-aiders, two fire marshalls and an IOSH-accredited health and safety manager.

All employees are actively encouraged to undertake any necessary training that enables them to progress within the company personally and professionally. The Tapco Group offers a

comprehensive company life policy, pension scheme, private healthcare scheme and yearly bonus scheme.

A competitive alternative to natural slate

Tapco Roofing Products Unit 32 Tokenspire Business Park Hull Road, Woodmansey Beverley East Yorkshire HU17 0TB Tel: 01482 880478 E-mail: international@tapcoint.com Website: www. tapcoroofingproducts.com 8

Tapco has been promoting its composite slate and accessories for the past four years in the UK. TapcoSlate highlights the handsome character of slate but enhances roof performance; and unlike natural slate, TapcoSlate won’t break or delaminate.

There are several players in the synthetic slate market; however, TapcoSlate is firmly established as the market leader.

By tightening budgets and clever restructuring, there has been continual growth throughout the Tapco Group. TapcoSlate alone has doubled its turnover year-on-year, which, considering the recent recession, is a great achievement.

TapcoSlate has been universally accepted within the marketplace and is a viable and credible

alternative to natural slate. It has many benefits, which include being lightweight, easy to fit, faster to install, the largest industry colour choice, low 14 degree pitch capability and a limited lifetime warranty.

TapcoSlate, with the benefits of controlled factory production and consistency of product, is a competitive alternative to natural slate.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

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– Tapco Roofing Products – Environmental and quality A member of the US Green Building Council, the Tapco Group is at the forefront of corporate sustainability and green building.

Its products and processes minimise waste, conserve natural resources and offer credits towards LEED certification and other green building programmes. Dedication to conservation and recycling has reduced paper usage by 75 per cent and efforts to significantly reduce energy consumption are ongoing. Similarly, support of sustainable construction practices and green design in all construction is paramount.

Quality is essential and integral across all products, organisation practices and procedures:

t Quality relationships – the Tapco Group

is an involved member of the building industry and remains proactively engaged on the front lines, working closely with distributors and contractors to help drive quality and innovation. t Quality service – reliability, speed and accuracy are paramount in getting products into customers’ hands with thousands of orders and calls handled each month across the Tapco Group brands. The roof_overview_jan_2014_print.pdf 1 29/01/2014 company is proud to be an effective and

highly responsive supplier, achieving order accuracy of 99.6 per cent with on-time delivery greater than 99 per cent. t Quality tested – all products undergo rigorous third-party testing, many being ICC/BBA approved. This ensures safety and quality, and each installer has all the necessary information to enhance the product’s quality of life through the group’s sustainability practices. A large number of patents are testament to quality engineering, including more claddingcomponent patents than any other company. t Quality is guaranteed by offering an industry-leading warranty that gives peace of mind to both contractors and homeowners. The focus on quality is present in every facet of the Tapco Group.

12:14

Build a beautiful roof...

The Tapco Group is looking to maintain and increase current growth and acceptability within the slate market, primarily with product development, customer support and market awareness.

It will continue to ensure wider publicity of the Tapco brand, promoting its products, services and the advantages of using TapcoSlate within the roofing contracting fraternity, working with its client base to develop products and business.

2014 is an exciting year for the group, particularly with new roofing products being launched mid-year. As always, TapcoSlate will be available to view at the Ideal Home Show, which takes place at London’s Earl’s Court between March 14 and 30 (Stand 1V11 on the Prince’s Avenue).

And this year, there can be no finer accolade than TapcoSlate featuring on the roofs of all three of the Prince’s show houses at the event.

It seems certain that the Tapco Group’s dedication to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction will be key drivers towards another 50 years’ success.

BBA

APPROVAL INSPECTION TESTING CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATE No 08/4603

minimum pitch capability of 14º and upwards lightweight & easy to cut minimal waste & faster installation largest industry colour choice limited lifetime warranty

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100% Rec

For centuries, slate roofing has been desired for its durability and beauty. With authentic surfaces and edges, TapcoSlate highlights the handsome character of slate, at the same time enhancing roof performance through innovative design. Unlike natural slate, TapcoSlate won’t break or delaminate.

Present and future plans

call us now for more information

01482 880478 RECYCLABLE

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Issue 20 Spring 2014

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WWW.TAPCOSLATE.COM WWW.TAPCOSLATE.COM

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ROOF OVERVIEW

– Dörken DELTA® Pitched Roof and Façade Membranes –

Quality – what does it really mean?

Dörken’s UK business development manager, Colin Williamson, suggests that the liberal and often misused word ‘quality’ should be mixed with a healthy dose of ‘fit for purpose’

T

‘

he word ‘quality’ in advertising is bandied about today in the media with abandon.

It is used as marketing fodder for a plethora of commercial and industrial products, in some cases, with very little thought for how a more perceptive and considered use of this ‘advertising slogan/logo’ would be well placed.

One very good example of this shows how public perception of quality is sometimes misplaced. In the 1950s, French car manufacturer Citroen decided to build a motor vehicle – very similar to today’s 4x4 vehicles which in normal circumstances can ride over extremely rough terrain – for farmers and people working on the land.

The word ‘quality’ is used as marketing fodder with very little thought

called Pierre-Jules Boulanger heard about this and decided to contact Citroen, initially to put forward his design of a car that he thought would be fit for use on a farm track. Before he showed his design, he asked Citroen management to conduct another market research programme, this time with the following questions:

Motor vehicles for the farm: what is your idea of quality?

t A vehicle for everyday use on the farm t Ability to be able to ride over rough terrain, dirt tracks, etc, without breaking eggs

t Cheap and easy to run and maintain t Small enough to be able to park without

difficulty.

The results tallied perfectly with his design criteria and as a result, the 2CV was born.

’

Before they embarked on such a venture, it was decided to test public reaction with a view to designing a fit-for-purpose vehicle. A rather rudimentary market research programme was compiled and a team was sent out to test public reaction with a few simple questions, as follows:

Motor vehicles today: what is your idea of quality?

Listed was a row of five famous motor vehicles which the interviewee would check with a cross: t Rolls-Royce t Citroen t Ford t Bentley t Cadillac Contact: Colin Williamson Dörken DELTA® Mobile: 07725 816947 E-mail: colin.williamson@aol.com Website: www.doerken.de 10

The results were not surprising; over 65 per cent opted for Rolls-Royce, 25 per cent for Bentley, and ten per cent for Cadillac, while Ford and Citroen scored zero.

This result shocked the management team to such an extent that they decided to put the project on ice. However, a young mechanical engineer www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

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– Dörken DELTA® Pitched Roof and Façade Membranes –

Fit for purpose: Dörken’s ‘quality badge’ Far from engaging the public in market research studies, Dörken has relied on growth rates indicating that DELTA® membrane products are designed to a specific criteria above all others, and that they are ‘fit for purpose’ in so many applications, thereby encompassing ‘quality’ standards that are second to none in the industry.

Each DELTA® product comes with over 40 years’ built-in manufacturing experience, including pitched roof membranes that are designed to withstand extreme barometric pressure in mountainous regions.

These diverse products span usage throughout Europe, as the following examples demonstrate:

The Moscow underground metro extensions Over 100,000m2 of high density waterproofing and breathable membrane were fitted below ground.

Olympic venue projects in England and Russia These used specially-designed membranes to withstand extreme humidity and changeable airflow rates.

The Palais de Justice in Brussels, Belgium Products were designed to insulate and protect zinc roofing structures in a listed building.

Swiss and Austrian tunnelling projects These covered 50km of underground waterproofing refurbishment’, including the St Gothard and Tyrol mountain passes.

While growth rates indicate whether or not products are successful, they are by no means the end of the story. The in-house expertise Dörken brings to construction markets throughout Europe is now available in the UK, together with a range of made-to-measure ‘quality’ products available from leading retailers and builders’ merchants.

Dörken’s ‘fit for purpose’ products with the ‘DELTA®’ quality badge are listed below: t DELTA® Vent N – 1m x 50m t DELTA® FOXX t DELTA® Vent S – 1m x 50m t DELTA® Fassade t DELTA® Reflex t DELTA® Trela

To find out more about Dörken DELTA® membranes please contact Colin Williamson on 07725 816947 or Jim Dickson on 07894 496770, or visit our English language website at www.doerken.de.

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www.rooftraining.co.uk

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– London & Southern Roofing Training Group –

More funding, more

courses … more skills

T

How to present a successful claim

IoR licentiate membership training

Fire safety training

he new year is starting with some positive news – additional funding has been secured from CITB to provide discounted training for group members.

After much hard work and discussions with other regional roof training groups and CITB, the funding of the groups and the yearly targets will be managed by the Roofing Industry Alliance. These changes have been put into place so that we can adopt a more flexible approach to our members’ training requirements.

“We are expecting a smooth transitional period, but please bear with us while different practices are put into place,” said group training officer Brian Middlemiss.

The group has always been a keen promoter of Institute of Roofing (IoR) training and membership, and is currently offering members the opportunity to attend an 18-week day-release course leading to IoR licentiate membership.

For further details, please contact Brian.

Membership fees now due This is just a polite reminder that annual group membership fees are now due, so if you haven’t already paid, please contact Brian as soon as possible to avoid missing out on any discounted training opportunities.

Working together with CORC Contact: Brian Middlemiss London & Southern Roofing Training Group 15 Holland Pines Bracknell Berks RG12 8UY Mobile: 07791 377559 Fax: 01344 429071 E-mail: brian@ rooftrainer.co.uk Website: www.rooftraining.co.uk brianmiddlemiss@ nimrodtraining 12

Brian is delighted to have joined up with the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC) for the benefit of group members.

“We will be working closely with Allan Buchan and his team to provide advice and guidance on cost-effective training,” he said.

Tower training with PASMA January saw PASMA tower training discounted by 50 per cent for multiple delegates, an offer that was well received by members. The training concentrated on both the 3T ‘through the trap’, and the advanced guard rail (AGR), methods.

The group will be running this training throughout the year, so please contact Brian if you are interested.

There can be very few businesses these days that don’t experience problems with late or even non-payers, which can lead to serious cashflow problems.

Graham Cashin runs a successful debt recovery business – dispute-it.com – and has teamed up with the group to offer advice on how to present a successful claim.

His latest course for the group took place in January, when it became obvious how many people these days need to obtain professional advice on debt recovery, including, when necessary, help with pursuing monies through the courts.

For more information please contact either Brian, or Graham at info@dispute-it.com.

Fires are, thankfully, a rare occurrence both at home and in the workplace, but they can lead to devastation and fatalities if the correct procedures are not followed.

The group is able to deliver fire safety/fire warden training, which includes the selection and use of correct fire extinguishers.

Please contact Brian for more information.

Single ply training for anyone?

Are there any members interested in a special apprenticeship programme for single ply? This new course will consist of day release for two days a week over 18 weeks. Full details are available on request from Brian.

Brush up on your first aid skills The group is running one of its regular first aid courses on February 28 at Worthing. Again, full details are available from Brian.

And finally … new member views required by the steering group The next steering group breakfast meeting is taking place on Wednesday, February 19 at the Cottesmore Golf & Country Club, Pease Pottage.

We welcome any points of view or topics which you would like to be raised at the meeting, or indeed, any offers of membership of the steering group.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

ROOF OVERVIEW

ROOF OVERVIEW

– The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited –

show of strength at Ecobuild

NFRC puts on

F

ollowing the successful launch of its ‘Think roofs – think NFRC’ campaign exclusively for the architectural and specification community, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) – the UK’s largest roofing trade association – is pulling out all the stops at this year’s Ecobuild to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to this sector.

For the first time, NFRC will be hosting the Roofing Pavilion and joining them will be 15 member manufacturers who will be putting on a number of product demonstrations over the course of the show.

NFRC will also be providing help and advice from technical managers on the federation’s strict code of practice and standards, vetting procedures, training and wide-ranging technical support covering all roofing disciplines.

CompetentRoofer – the government-authorised Competent Person Scheme that enables members to self-certify that roofing refurbishment works are compliant with Building Regulations in England and Wales – will also be exhibiting in the Roofing Pavilion.

Now an accredited body for Green Deal and ECO, member companies can become Green Deal-and ECO-authorised in one simple

procedure, which is a further benefit to architects and specifiers.

Commenting on its attendance at Ecobuild, Ray Horwood CBE, chief executive of NFRC, said: “We have had an overwhelming response from architects and specifiers to our ‘Think roofs – think NFRC’ campaign, so naturally Ecobuild provides the ideal forum at which to further raise our profile to this sector.

“In a fast-changing construction environment, it’s more important than ever that architects and specifiers keep abreast of developments within the roofing industry, such as BIM supply chain and CompetentRoofer, and NFRC is the vehicle to make this happen.”

For more information please visit http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/page.cfm/ Action=Exhib/ExhibID=655

Come and see us on Stands N440 and N450 in the Roofing Pavilion.

Exhibition that makes a difference Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment and the UK’s largest construction event of any kind. It takes place on Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 6 inclusive at the ExCel Exhibition and Conference Centre at the heart of the new Green Enterprise District in London’s Docklands.

Ecobuild offers visitors the unique opportunity to stay abreast of industry trends and legislation that affects our industry. The conference will focus on topics relevant to the whole industry, including architects, contractors, developers and housebuilders.

Over the three days, over 600 industry experts, ministers and VIPs from the sustainable built environment will take centre stage at the heart of the exhibition to educate, inspire and debate. They include Joseph Rykwert, architectural critic, historian and writer, Ken Livingstone, former mayor of London, and RT Hon Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Topics include:

ROOF OVERVIEW

Issue 20 Spring 2014

t The Ecobuild Debate – can democracy deliver sustainability?

March 4, 12:00–13:00 t Better homes for less – can custombuild, crowd-funding and mutual home ownership solve the housing crisis?

March 5, 13:30–14:30 t Designing for deconstruction – the next big thing?

March 5, 13:30–14:30 t Fracking, nuclear, renewables or fusion – what is our energy future?

March 5, 14:45–15:45 t The Ecobuild Debate; do we have a blueprint for the resilient city of the future?

March 6, 13:30–14:30 t Nature – market opportunity or legislative burden?

March 6, 13:30–14:30 t Shigeru Ban: Works and humanitarian activities March 6, 12:00–13:00 To register for your free ticket, visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Contact: Tanya Coutts The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited Roofing House 31 Worship Street London EC2A 2DY Direct dial: 020 7448 3196 Direct fax: 020 7448 3850 E-mail: tanyacoutts@ nfrc.co.uk Website: www.nfrc.co.uk 13

ROOF OVERVIEW

– Solardome Industries Ltd –

SOLARDOME® PRO skylight reigns over

Austria’s unique therapy centre

© kristallsalzwelt.com

‘

Kristall Salz Welt’s new building is a truly stunning structure

’

S

outhampton-based Solardome Industries is thrilled to announce the official opening of an extraordinary new building on the shores of Lake Attersee, Austria.

Kristall Salz Welt, who specialises in wellbeing, in particular salt healing, has designed and built a contemporary new facility. Featuring a striking 9m diameter SOLARDOME® PRO geodesic dome skylight, the structure provides the finishing touch over the central two-storey atrium.

Forward-thinking architect Diana Hollacher, who designed the facility, chose the SOLARDOME® PRO skylight as the perfect structure to complete her vision for the building.

She said: “The geodesic dome skylight is a striking feature that provides natural light in abundance, protection from the elements and creates that perfect calm space with views of the sky that I was looking for.”

Founders Josef Hollacher, Gisela Hollacher, Diana Hollacher and Theresa Schmauz opened the event on December 5 last year, which was attended by over 50 guests representing all those involved.

Josef thanked the guests, saying, “Kristall Salz Welt is the first of its kind in Austria – a place where people can come to benefit from the healing powers of salt.

“We are delighted with the building that has been created and we are excited about the year

ahead. This has been an inspirational project that has involved a huge number of people. The end result of the hard work is truly magnificent.”

The atrium is used as a central waiting and refreshments area from which guests go on to enjoy the salt healing therapy rooms, dining room and seminar room, with stunning views of Lake Attersee.

The SOLARDOME® PRO double-glazed skylight provides optimum light transmission and heat retention over the atrium, resulting in a light and airy space.

Pippa Bailey, managing director of Solardome Industries, said “It was a pleasure to be involved in the project; Kristall Salz Welt’s new building is a truly stunning structure.

“Our skylight has helped create an innovative and unique environment and fulfils Diana’s vision of somewhere restorative, peaceful and calm.”

© kristallsalzwelt.com

Solardome Industries Ltd Unit 4 Yeoman Industrial Park Test Lane, Nursling Southampton SO16 9JX Telephone: 0845 4502155 or 02380 667890 E-mail: sales@solardome.co.uk Website: www.solardome.co.uk 14

© kristallsalzwelt.com

www.rooftraining.co.uk

Issue 20 Spring 2014

ROOF OVERVIEW

ROOF OVERVIEW

– South Coast Roof Training Ltd –

New Level 3 heritage roofing SUP at South Coast Roof Training

A

t South Coast Roof Training we have just started another heritage roofing specialist upskilling programme (SUP) course which is being attended by three operatives from Clarke Roofing in Eastbourne.

Another cohort has just started on the CITB apprenticeship roof slating and tiling programme, which is run within a two-year framework. The apprentices attend the training centre three days a week for four weeks, followed by four weeks working on site, where they use their new-found knowledge and gain practical experience. This course is funded for companies who are registered with CITB.

Flat roof and lead skills training As a training centre, we are constantly looking at new areas of training and are planning to provide a range of flat roof courses in the near future (check the website for more details). We will also be running bespoke lead skills training courses for operatives who wish to expand their knowledge, for example, in box gutters, dormer tops, dormer cheeks, finials, etc.

These will be in addition to the Lead Sheet Association (LSA) basic welding and bossing courses that are currently available.

This course is designed for roofers who are experienced in handling and using some heritage materials and techniques, but require upskilling in other elements. They spend up to 13 days (two days per week) at the training centre in Littlehampton, West Sussex, followed by on-site assessment to cover the required elements.

South Coast Roof Training also runs the heritage specialist apprenticeship programme (SAP) Level 3 in roofing (see picture on page 16). Although it is also for experienced roofers, it is more in-depth, and requires the operative to spend 30 days (two days per week) at the training centre, followed by on-site assessment.

New rigs have been built to accommodate the heritage programmes, which are fully funded by the National Specialist Accredited Centre (NSAC, a division of CITB), for CITB-registered companies.

Contact details:

Roofing foundation course available We also offer a 15-day foundation course in roof slating and tiling. This has proved to be a successful course, offering a basic introduction to roofing, and is a useful stepping-stone for those wishing to undertake a two-year apprenticeship programme.

ROOF OVERVIEW

Issue 20 Spring 2014

For more information on any of the courses at South Coast Roof Training, please log on to our website www.southcoastrooftraining.co.uk, or contact Mike Fildes (see contact details on this page).

www.rooftraining.co.uk

South Coast Roof Training Ltd Unit 18 Arndale Road Lineside Industrial Estate Littlehampton West Sussex BN17 7HD Telephone: 0845 678 0065 E-mail: scrtltd@yahoo.co.uk Website: www. southcoastrooftraining.co.uk 15

ROOF

OVERVIEW The voice of roof training