STA SET FOR OFFSITE EXPO 2023

As the largest UK trade association within the structural timber sector, the STA will be exhibiting on stand F10 to highlight its mission to promote the use of structural timber in construction, as timber presents the best opportunity for meeting the UK’s net zero commitments by 2050. As such, the quality and standards of timber construction must be to the highest degree; making accreditation crucial to providing investors and insurers with evidence that companies are held to high standards.

also sponsoring the ‘Best Use of Timber Technology Award’ for this year’s event. The awards celebrate companies and projects that are at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation and expertise.

Following the success of previous years’ partnerships, the Structural Timber Association (STA) is proud to once again be an Industry Partner with Offsite Expo, taking place on the 19-20 September at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Playing host to leading offsite manufacturers and suppliers over a two-day event, Offsite Expo is focused on supporting those that are driving change in the construction sector.

SR TIMBER PROVIDES ‘GUIDE TO GUIDELINES’

At the event, the STA will explain how its STA Assure scheme provides solid reassurances to the construction community that members meet or exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements. Recognised by warranty providers, as well as other key stakeholders including insurers, STA Assure ensures that we remain on top of the constantly evolving changes to quality and standards. The team will also be there to discuss how structural timber systems and offsite construction combined can support carbon neutral goals.

The Offsite Expo is also host to the Offsite Awards, which take place in the same venue on the 19h September; with the STA’s Andrew Orriss again on the judging panel. Additionally, the STA are

Andrew Orriss, from the STA, said: “It’s always an honour to be part of this event and I’m very pleased to have been invited to return to the judging panel for the 2023 Offsite Awards. The standard of entries has been exceptionally high this year and it’s very encouraging to see the progress and achievements that are being made across the industry. Awards like this are an excellent way of ensuring this innovative thinking is recognised and replicated.”

STA Chief Executive, Andrew Carpenter, will be leading a Q&A Session as part of the Masterclass seminar programme. Held in Seminar Theatre 1, at 10.30 am on the 19 September, Andrew will be on hand to answer any questions about integrating structural timber into offsite construction projects.

Visit STA on stand F10 by registering here for Offsite Expo 2023: www.offsite-expo.co.uk www.structuraltimber.co.uk

While there is greater awareness for the need to ensure battens meet British Standards BS 5534, some confusion still remains over what is specifically covered by guidelines. In order to cut through the confusion, SR Timber have released a ‘Guide to Graded Roofing Battens’ booklet to provide clarity on grading, and what to look for.

The booklet focuses on the four key areas which the supply chain, including contractors, should look out for to ensure that their roofing battens follow BS 5534. These four areas are: sizing, knots, markings, and due diligence. Speaking on the purpose of the booklet, Shaun Revill, Trading Director at SR Timber said. “Thankfully, awareness of the rise of substandard batten has really risen within the industry however there is still inferior stock within the market. However, when it comes to fully understanding and applying BS 5534, there’s still a question mark over what merchants or contractors should be looking out for.”

“I’ve grown up in this industry so it’s second nature for me. For importers or merchants, it might be harder to know what to look for. In response, we’ve set out this booklet to make identification fast and easy, no matter if you’re buying from suppliers or merchants. By doing this, we hope to provide clarity on what the industry needs to look out for in roofing battens and how it compares to what BS 5534 states. This will allow the industry to make an informed decision and ensure safety and conformity going forward.”

By breaking down the standards into bitesize pieces of information, the hope is that the information we have provided helps further understanding around the grading rules set out within BS 5534. Increasing the confidence that merchants and contractors have that they are purchasing and fixing true graded roofing batten. Available from both SR Timber’s website and in a physical copy, the booklet will bring greater clarity about what to look for when wanting to make sure that roofing battens meet the required standard set by BS 5534.

To download the guide visit: www.sr-timber.co.uk