ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91

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ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
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      TODAY
Issue 91 November 2020
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
5

    Contents

    roofing materials shortage crisis                                                               rspb is calling on roofers for swift action

                                                                                         10                                                                                               28

    4    news                                                                                       30 planning for the long game
                                                                                                         matthew fry, ior
    8    roof training group news
                                                                                                    34 sKills training high on the
    10 roofing materials shortage crisis
                                                                                                       agenda
    12 a guide to specifying exceptional                                                                 richard Kendrick, sig roofing
       slate                                                                              12        36 how to become an lrwa award
                                                                                                                                                                                          30
         dora Kotzeva, ssQ                                                                             winner
    14 small is beautiful in netherlands slating                                                         sarah spink, lrwa
       aesthetic
                                                                                                    38 ensuring Quality no matter what the challenges
    18 setting the bar on competency for the roofing                                                     steve ball, Kingspan
       industry
                                                                                                    42 mastic asphalt council spreads its wings
         James talman, nfrc
                                                                                                         mac
    20 the perils of debris on pitched
       roofs                                                                                        46 fasteners, fixings and everything
                                                                                                       between for fast tracK
         John mercer, roofing consultant
                                                                                                       construction
    24 leading by example at the lead                                                                    david fraser, nvelope
       sheet training academy
                                                                                         18         48 mechanical fixings for tiled                                                       42
    26 training centre of excellence                                                                   roofing
       opens in salford                                                                                  tomasz solnica, wabis roofing accessories
    28 rspb is calling on roofers for swift action                                                  50 news, proJects, products & people

    how to become an lrwa award winner                                                             mechanical fixings for tiled roofs

                                                                                         36                                                                                               48

     Roofing Today Magazine is published by Construction Media Publishing Ltd                      Editor                          Dr Claire Griffiths       editor@roofingtoday.co.uk
     31 Seymour Terrace, Seymour Street, Liverpool L3 5PE
     Tel. 0151 708 0070 | enquiries@roofingtoday.co.uk | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
                                                                                                   Senior Media Accounts           Brenda McNally           brenda@roofingtoday.co.uk
                                                                                                   Media Accounts                  Paul Fitzgerald             paul@roofingtoday.co.uk
                                                                                                   Administration                  Jemma Daly administration@roofingtoday.co.uk

     © Roofing Today 2020 All rights reserved.                                                     Circulation Manager             Helen Threllfall      circulation@roofingtoday.co.uk

     Every effort has been made by the publisher to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine. However, under no circumstances does the publisher accept liability for any loss
     or damage which may arise or result from errors or omissions in any advertisement or editorial, its content or position.
     All opinions and facts presented in editorial features are those of the companies and individuals submitting such editorial and are accepted and published in good faith by Construction
     Media Publishing Ltd and are not warranted to be correct in any way and the publishers will not accept any responsibility for, or any liability arising from, that content.

                                                                                                                                       www.roofingtoday.co.uk | ROOFING                 today   |3
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
News

 Quinn Rebrands to Mannok as it Shows Fifth Year of Growth NFRC Members
 N    ew brand “Mannok” signifies
      strength and commitment as                           Offer 40 Kickstart
 company’s earnings increase for 5th
 consecutive year                                          Placements
                                                                                                                                        FRC members are
 ‘Mannok’ is the new identity for
 Quinn Industrial Holdings.
                                                                                                                                  N     providing 40 six-month
                                                                                                                                  placements for young people on
 As the rebrand was announced, the                                                                                                Universal Credit, through the
 company also published its 2019                                                                                                  government Kickstart Scheme.
 financial results, showing its
                                                                                                                                  NFRC is applying for Kickstarts
 strongest position since its                                                                                                     as a gateway organisation and
 acquisition in 2014, with a fifth                                                                                                will be supporting its members
 consecutive year of increased                                                                                                    who are providing the
 EBITDA earnings.                                                                                                                 placements.
 Rebranding to Mannok marks the            The new identity resonates well              Mannok as our new brand identity,         CEO James Talman said: “I have
 culmination of a 5-year                   with domestic and international              which we believe better reflects          been blown away by the
 transformation and investment             stakeholders, an important                   the ownership, evolution and              enthusiasm and willingness of
 programme that has repositioned           consideration given the company’s                                                      our industry for this scheme. We
                                                                                        future focus of our business.
 the business as a provider of             increasing export focus.                                                               will now be able to give over 40
 sustainable building and packaging                                                     “2019 marked our fifth successive         young people on Universal Credit,
 solutions, supporting an increase in      Investment                                                                             a chance to work in our fantastic
                                                                                        year of earnings growth and a
 sales of over 30% in the period.          2019 saw heavy investment in both            robust performance given Brexit           industry – we should be
                                           Quinn Building Products and                  uncertainty.                              incredibly proud as a sector.”
 The name Mannok, derives from
                                           Quinn Packaging, totalling €11.5m,
 Fear Manach, the origin of                                                                                                       “We will still be accepting further
                                           which included fleet and mobile              "Looking ahead to 2021 and a
 ‘Fermanagh’, reflecting the                                                                                                      expressions of interest for the
                                           plant, and fixed plant projects              post-Brexit environment, we are
 company’s roots in the Fermanagh                                                                                                 scheme and once we reach the
                                           expected to yield significant                very optimistic about the future of
 and Cavan region, and its                                                                                                        next 30 will be putting in a
                                           profitability .                              Mannok and the strong position of
 commitment to the area’s people                                                                                                  further application. The more
 which, it says, “are the lifeblood of     CEO, Liam McCaffrey, said, “We               the company going into the                placements we can support, the
 the organisation’s success”.              are extremely pleased to unveil              coming year.”                             better.”

 Roofing Contractors Needed for £490m Roofing Contractors Wanted for
 Social Housing Repairs and Voids DPS Public Sector Framework
                                                                                              pecialist roofing contractors
 P     rocurement for Housing (PfH) is
       searching for SME roofing
 contractors across the UK to deliver
                                                                                         S    are wanted for a new four-year
                                                                                         framework to supply public sector
 responsive repairs and voids works                                                      projects.
 to social landlords such as fixing
 canopies, replacing joists and rafters,                                                 The design, supply and installation
 repairing tiling and guttering for an                                                   of roofing and associated works
                                                                                         (RS4) LHC framework is for public   RS4 framework offers contracting
 initial term of five years, through a
                                                                                         bodies to source specialist local   authorities more flexibility to
 new dynamic purchasing system             which may include call handling,
                                           repairs diagnostics and scheduling.           suppliers that provide roofing      combine different elements to create
 (DPS).
                                                                                         systems for new builds or           the system they want. They can
 The DPS is designed to help housing       The DPS helps small, local                    refurbishment.                      choose metal tile and liquid systems
 providers clear their £2.6m backlog of    contractors by streamlining the                                                   alongside traditional roofing which
 routine repairs and procure repairs       tender process. Once suppliers                The RS4 framework combines two also includes copper, lead or zinc.
 flexibly in the future. New roofing       have passed the DPS selection                 of LHC’s previous frameworks,       Adding solar panels to roof tops is
 contractors can join the DPS at any       procedure, they can quickly bid for           Pitched Roofing (PR3) and Flat      also an option under this framework.
 time, unlike a framework.                 any opportunities by submitting a             Roofing (FR2), to provide a
                                           tender. There is no need for them             consolidated option for contracting “We’re encouraging roofing product
 The total value of the reactive repairs   to go through the selection stage             authorities. This framework can be and system suppliers to partner with
 and voids work to be procured via         again and again for each contract             used for public and residential     established installers with a track
 the DPS is estimated at £490million.      opportunity.                                  buildings, including schools and record in delivering projects to a high
 Contractors will be required to either    PfH’s dPS for Responsive Works &              universities, high rise and         standard, backed up with robust
 supplement a social landlord’s            Voids will run for five years with the        sheltered accommodation.            system warranties.”
                                           option to extend for another five years.                                            to apply for the RS4 framework, contact
 in-house teams or to fully manage an      to apply visit: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/    Mij Rahman, Director of               your regional hub which you can find here:
 outsourced repairs and voids service,     procurementforhousing/aspx/Home               Procurement at LHC, said: “The        www.lhc.gov.uk/contact-us/.
4 | ROOFING     today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
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 News

  New LRWA Design                                      Golden Tile Find Crowns Monarch’s Day
  Guide for Specifiers                                 S    windon-based Monarch Roofing is the
                                                            winner of the BMI Redland Golden Tile
                                                       promotion after one of its employees
                                                       discovered the Golden Tile while working on a
                                                       roof at MOD Larkhill. The competition,
                                                       launched to celebrate 100 years of BMI
                                                       Redland concrete tile manufacture, featured a
                                                       special Golden Tile, hidden at random in a full
                                                       pallet of tiles before entering the supply chain.
                                                       So, a seemingly ordinary day for the Monarch
                                                       team turned into an extraordinary one when
                                                       experienced roofer Keith Lansley, who was           vouchers. Contracts Manager, Steve Fitzgerald,
       he Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing                                                                 has generously shared out £700 of the vouchers
  T    Association (LRWA) has produced a new
  design guide offering technical information and
                                                       loading the roof with tiles, found The Golden
                                                       Tile. Not sure if his colleague Tom Perry, who
                                                       was passing the tiles to him, was playing
                                                                                                           to the team of five who were on site.
                                                                                                           Monarch owner, Nick Jenkins, has, in an equally
  advice to help specifiers correctly select liquid    some kind of joke, Keith called down asking
                                                                                                           generous gesture, decided to give the remaining
  products and systems.                                for an explanation. A few moments later, and
                                                                                                           £300 of vouchers to local charities: “What a great
                                                       after some rummaging in the pallet, Tom
  Drawing on 40 years’ experience and research,                                                            way of celebrating a 100 years of concrete tile
                                                       discovered an envelope with the winning
  the LRWA’s Design Guide for Specifiers -                                                                 manufacture and we’ll certainly be celebrating. I
                                                       details of the Golden Tile promotion.
  Liquid Applied Waterproofing Systems for Roof                                                            think it’s only right that the guys receive a fair
  and Balconies - has been produced by the             The BMI Redland team has recently been able         share of the prize and that local charities benefit
  association’s technical committee, which             to present the prize of £1,000 in Amazon            from our lucky day as well,” he commented.
  includes manufacturers, contractors and
  associate members.
  The Design Guide covers the waterproofing of
                                                       Slate Development Manager Joins Burton Roofing
                                                            hil Wilden has joined Burton Roofing           Lee Keates, Slate Director
  all types of flat roof, balcony and walkway,
  including associated fittings and construction
                                                       P    Merchants as a Slate Development
                                                       Manager working exclusively on the newly
                                                                                                           at Burton’s, said: “Phil’s
                                                                                                           commitment to achieving
  using systems manufactured by LRWA
                                                       developed Glendyne range. Phil brings a             operational excellence in
  members.
                                                       wealth of experience and slate knowledge to         the field along with a
  Best practice advice is provided on a wide           Burton Roofing having worked in the roof slate      credible cross-functional
  range of specification factors such as the           industry for 30 years.                              skill set both in customer
  performance criteria for liquid systems, design                                                          service and technical excellence sits comfortably
                                                       In previous roles, Phil has worked at John
  considerations, and the materials that may be                                                            within our dynamic protocol.”
                                                       Williams & Co, Tegral Building Materials,
  used as part of a roof build-up.                     Harris Slate & Stone and Cembrit. He will be        Phil joins Burton Roofing as the company
  The Guide also references changes to building        working with architects, local authorities,         continues to expand its territories to ensure a
                                                       contractors and distributors in the UK.             consistent supply to its increasing customer bases.
  regulations following the Grenfell tragedy, as
  well as updates to British Standards and fire
  safety requirements and performance.
  In addition, there is a section offering advice on   Sales Success for CMOStores.com Half Year Results
  what specifiers must consider before choosing                                                            adapt quickly to a change in market conditions,
                                                       Online construction
  a liquid applied solution as an overlay to an                                                            and this year that meant not only pivoting to
                                                       products merchant
  existing roof, including the thermal                                                                     remote working – which we managed with zero
                                                       CMOStores.com has
  performance of an existing structure.                                                                    downtime within a matter of days – but bringing
                                                       reported 2020 half-
                                                       year sales over £23                                 in additional colleagues to help us manage the
  Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, said: “The
                                                       million from January                                increased demand.”
  versality of liquid applied systems means they
  are now a leading solution for both new build        to June 2020.                                       The Plymouth company has attributed its
  and refurbishment projects. With more                Profit at the company                               continuing growth to homeowners working on
  specifiers turning to liquids, we wanted to          has risen by 126% on                                large-scale home improvement projects and
  make sure that comprehensive technical               2019 and it expects to close the year with          using the company’s six e-commerce
  guidance is readily available.                       increased revenues and profits across the           ‘superstores’. It has also invested in improving
                                                       group.                                              user experience and new onsite personalisation.
  “Overall, the aim of the Design Guide is to help
  specifiers enhance their knowledge across a          CMOStores.com retained all staff on full-time       Sue added: “Sales and profits have exceeded our
  number of key areas, including roof and balcony      contracts and actively recruited during the first   expectations for the half year, and we have seen
  design, Building Regulations, and product            half of the year.                                   good results for our individual superstores too; in
  certification so that these can be taken into                                                            particular, our newest addition to the offering,
                                                       Chief Financial Officer, Sue Packer, said, “As      the Doors Superstore, has achieved 30 per cent
  account when developing specifications.
                                                       an online business, we have the agility to          growth since the first half of 2019.”
6 | ROOFING     today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
40

 Roof Training Group News

 Exciting New Training Facilities for the North West

                                               NCTS Master Roofers Academy, Salford                                               Langley Flat Roofing Trailblazer, Warrington

       xciting times here in the North        courses follow in the same month,        rigs, gas guns and general fit-out           Awareness. This is completely
 E     West, as two new roof training
 facilities are opening in November,
                                              all under the watchful eye of
                                              Stewart Rowles who heads the
                                                                                       has been granted by the Roofing
                                                                                       Industry Alliance following a
                                                                                                                                    separate from the range of framework
                                                                                                                                    agreements relating to social
 with a third early in the New Year.          academy. It will be such a benefit       successful bid by the Group                  housing. We have 20 individuals who
 Skills Construction Centre, Kirkham          for companies in the region to have      Training Officer. The Langley team,          have worked through the programme
 (Preston West), is almost ready to           this training locally and we send        led by Mark Dunn, will start to              - a real bonus for employers - and it’s
 go and is offering roof slating and          our best wishes for every success to     manufacture the rigs next month at           still available for companies located
 tiling apprenticeships initially. They       Stewart and his team, as well as to      the new training location in                 in Lancashire, Greater Manchester,
 will be adopting the block release           the delegates participating in the       Warrington. Longer term, we are              Cheshire, Merseyside and North
 pattern with one week in the                 training. Funding from the CITB          hoping for a flat-roofing upskilling         Wales.
 training centre, then 4/5 with the           GET fund is assisting group              course at the same venue - such
                                                                                                                                    Kickstart
 employer. An added bonus is they             members with course fees, so it’s a      good news for our region!
 will offer a roll-on, roll-off facility so   win-win for all.                                                                      Finally, we are working on the
                                                                                       Procure Plus, Preston
 employers are not tied to the                                                                                                      government-funded Kickstart Scheme
                                              Langley Flat Roofing
 traditional academic year start.                                                      Our work with Procure Plus                   which provides funding to employers
                                              Trailblazer, Warrington
                                                                                       continues. A couple of years ago,            to create 6-month job placements for
 They are also working with CITB so           The start date for the first cohort of   the company won funding from                 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit
 free accommodation and travel will           students taking part in the first-ever   CITB/DfE to help construction                who are at risk of long-term
 be available for those with a weekly         Langley Flat Roofing Trailblazer         companies ensure that entry-level            unemployment. None of our members
 spend of more than £20.                      Apprenticeship in the region is 18       recruits without any experience in           can offer 30 places (who can right
                                              January 2021. With just two places       the industry are site ready. Included        now?), however, we are able to work
 NCTS Master Roofers
                                              remaining, we are expecting a full       in their free training portfolio, is the     through the gateway organisation,
 Academy, Salford
                                              house and the strong possibility of      CITB 1-day Health & Safety                   Procure Plus which is providing help
 The NCTS/Master Roofers’                     a second cohort starting in early        Awareness Course, HSE touch                  with the applications.
 Academy, Salford, opened on 2                spring 2021. Final qualification will    screen test and green CSCS card,
 November, ready for its first five-day       result in NVQ Level 2 Flat Roofing       plus free training in Working at
 Hard Metals course. Two, fully               which will include RBM, Liquid &         Height, Asbestos Awareness,
 subscribed lead bossing/welding              Single Ply. Funding for the new          Manual Handing and Covid

  Training Group Collaboration Brings Outstanding Results
        espite the pandemic and                                                        RoofCERT Mobile Testing                     contact your local training group for
  D     reduced incomes from CITB,
  the Roof Training Groups have
                                                                                       This has also been delivered by
                                                                                                                                   further details.

                                                                                       Roof Training Groups in several             This all sits alongside the day to
  joined together, collaborating to                                                                                                day operations of groups, which
  produce some outstanding results                                                     areas, following an initiative by
                                                                                                                                   include advising companies,
  in the past six months, they report.                                                 groups which provides capacity for
                                                                                                                                   sourcing training and funding,
                                                                                       additional testing in England,
                                                                                                                                   ensuring best value for companies,
  The E-Learning Project                                                               Scotland and Wales.                         encouraging take-up of
  This has delivered over 3,000                                                        Training and Assessment                     apprenticeship and trailblazer
  training courses to almost 1,000                                                                                                 courses and encouraging new
  roofers across the UK. Training
                                              RoofCERT progress                        Assessor and Trainer Upskilling is          recruits through schools
  groups promoted courses (which              The courses were chosen to               a high priority and Roof Training           engagement and the government
  were funded by the Roofing                  complement RoofCERT                      Groups can support delivery of              Kickstart Scheme.
  Industry Alliance) towards the end          requirements and many learners           courses to develop training and             If you need advice on training
  of the first 2020 lockdown and take         have progressed towards RoofCERT         assessment capacity across the UK.          contact your local training group –
  up by roofers was excellent.                competence through this route.           Places are limited, but please              they can help!

8 | ROOFING      today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
Roofing Materials Shortage

  The Roofing Materials Shortage Crisis                                                                                                                          totals together. We then know what
                                                                                                                                                                 to expect, and make provision to
                                                                                                                                                                 accept delivery when available.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          markets to justify this kind of major
                                                                                                                                                                                                          investment. We recognise the need
                                                                                                                                                                                                          for businesses to have clarity of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The company had initially been
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  forced to make redundancies but
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  has now increased its operational
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  team by 15% in a bid to increase
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            products at the correct time, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            giving us the best chance of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            meeting customer demand.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          supply, and we want the market to
                 Roofing contractors have had a very busy summer and autumn but are now facing long delays in                                                    “We have actively declined orders
                                                                                                                                                                                                          know we are working hard to             output. It has also boosted capital       In the meantime, Wienerberger has
                                                                                                                                                                 to ensure consistent supply to our
                 deliveries of roofing materials. Roofing Today investigated the extent of the crisis and spoke to                                                                                        provide this.” The point here is        investment by £1.3m, upgrading            taken the difficult decision to
                                                                                                                                                                 loyal customers, which we hope
                                                                                                                                                                                                          that, without certainty that demand     plant to improve efficiency, and is       introduce allocation systems for
                 merchants, distributors and manufacturers about how they are addressing the situation.                                                          will serve us well in the long run,”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          will continue at current levels,        focusing on larger stock holding of
                                                                                                                                                                 he adds, illustrating the painful                                                                                          merchants, which at least has the
                                                                                                                                                                                                          manufacturers can’t take the risk of    all products. Russell Roof Tiles is
                                                                                                                                                                 decisions the current situation is                                                                                         merit of building some certainty of
            one of our roofing                                                                                                                                                                            investing in more capacity.             currently reporting delivery times of

  N         contractor readers will
            need telling that there is
  currently a severe shortage of
                                                                                                                                                                 forcing.
                                                                                                                                                                 But, as Contour Roofing MD,
                                                                                                                                                                 Jonathan Woods points out, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Andrew Hayward, Managing
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Director at Russell Roof Tiles, has
                                                                                                                                                                                                          bucked the trend somewhat: “We
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4-6 weeks.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At Wienerberger, apart from putting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  on extra shifts at their factories, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            future supply. As Ian comments,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “We recognise that anything we
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            can do to contribute to stabilising
  roofing materials. Concrete roof tiles                                                                                                                         current situation was foreseeable:                                                                                         the market has a benefit to all.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          are in a better position because        focus is on improved
  and battens seem to be the most                                                                                                                                “The current shortage of material
                                                                                                                                                                                                          though we stopped production in         communication to obtain accurate
  extensively affected with lead times                                                                                                                           and distribution has been of no                                                                                            Winter lockdown
                                                                                                                                                                                                          lock-down we resumed                    schedules from customers. Ian
  from order to delivery being at least                                                                                                                          surprise and we prepared as best
                                                                                                                                                                                                          manufacturing in May once our           Caddick explains, “This allows us a       As the nation enters a second
  12 weeks and up to 22. In fact, there                                                                                                                          we could during the lockdown by
                                                                                                                                                                                                          social distancing measures were in      clearer vision of future demand,          lockdown and a no-deal Brexit is
  are shortages and delays on most                                                                                                                               keeping key staff employed to
                                                                                                                                                                                                          place.                                  leading us to produce the correct         just weeks away, the likelihood of
  roofing materials, including fascia,                                                                                                                           ensure that this information was
  roofing underlays and insulation.                                                                                                                              communicated to all our                                                                                                    material shortages improving is
                                                                                                                                                                 customers.”                               UK based raw materials are under severe                                          remote. Andrew Hayward is stark in
  It’s the last thing roofers need at
  this time of course, as they are still                                                                                                                         So, even as lockdown was                                                                                                   his forecast, “UK based raw
                                                                                                                                                                                                           pressure, this will have a knock-on result across
  making up time whilst they catch                                                                                                                               underway, roofing contractors were                                                                                         materials are under severe pressure,
  up with backlogs. Through the                                                                                                                                  aware that materials stocks would         the whole of the supply chain with most issues                                   this will have a knock-on result
  summer and into autumn the                                                                                                                                     be running low. In the North West,                                                                                         across the whole of the supply
  roofing sector has never been so                                                                                                                               the first thing one major contractor      appearing spring/summer next year.                                               chain with most issues appearing
  busy.                                                                                                                                                          did, as lockdown was announced,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            spring/summer next year.
                                                                                                                                                                 was to secure their supply chain. So
  Materials shortages are being
                                                                                                                                                                 how have the materials shortages                                                                                           “Prices will increase around 10%
  thrown into stark relief as demand
                                                                                                                                                                 developed?                                                                                                                 next year as raw materials become
  pressure is mounting. At the end of
  October, one roofing contractor                                                                                                                                Demand and stocks                                                                                                          increasingly difficult to obtain. The
  resorted to twitter in desperation,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       USA has already entered European
                                                                                                                                                                 Ian Caddick, Sales Director at
  trying to locate just four pallets of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     timber markets which has affected
                                                                                                                                                                 Wienerberger explains, “During this
  tiles. A few weeks before, another                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        prices by 30%. In addition, Chinese-
                                                                                                                                                                 [lockdown] period, manufacturers’
  contractor put out a plea for roof
                                                                                                                                                                 production facilities were unable to                                                                                       sourced products, along with
  tiles on LinkedIn, saying "We have
                                           with Redland roof tiles giving us                                              the supply chain to merchants and      produce and build up stocks. Once                                                                                          mainland European products, are
  three sites all waiting on our                                                      Without sufficient
                                           minimum 10 weeks wait. It’s                                                    distributors. These companies are      we could return to work, we have                                                                                           just starting to be impacted by
  materials on order placed 6-10
                                           having a major impact on us.”                                                                                         worked hard as a manufacturing
  weeks ago. The lead times on all                                                    materials roofers are               buying up as much stock as they                                                                                                                                   delays which is pushing the prices
                                                                                                                                                                 industry to maximise the
  roof tiles just now is getting                                                                                          can get their hands on but, much                                                                                                                                  up.”
                                           A complex predicament                      in danger of being                                                         production from our factories, whilst
  ridiculous."                                                                                                            like the panic buying in March, this
                                                                                                                                                                 adhering to the required social                                                                                            In the face of such a bleak outlook
                                           It’s a complex predicament facing                                              only exacerbates the situation.
  In a recent NFRC survey, accessing                                                  forced to leave roofs                                                      distancing protocols.
                                           all contractors. If they over-order to                                         Shane Watts, MD at Watts Roofing,                                                                                                                                 the roofing contractors Roofing
  materials was a major concern            protect supply they have stock                                                 is uncomfortably aware of the irony:   “We continue to invest in additional                                                                                       Today spoke to remain
  raised by more than half of the          sitting on site, tying up cash and         just felted and                     “Obviously we’re bulk ordering to      shifts, where possible within Covid                                                                                        determinedly upbeat. Here’s Darren
  trade body’s members. NFRC CEO,          running the risk of theft. Even with                                           try and get round it but then we’re    restrictions. This will realise extra
                                                                                      battened and                                                                                                                                                                                          McGhee again: “I’m trying to adapt
  James Talman said, “Concrete roof        a stockpile, moving tiles to different                                         becoming the problem.” As Shane        product for us shortly, but we do
  tiles and timber were listed as the      sites as they’re needed risks                                                                                                                                                                                                                    and just be as positive about it as I
                                                                                                                          says, it’s a phenomenon happening      not expect lead times to be
  top material shortage areas. This        breakages. Without sufficient              waiting for tiles.                                                         dramatically impacted by this                                                                                              can, we’re all going through the
                                                                                                                          across the industry.
  seems to be due to the incredible        materials roofers are in danger of                                                                                    improvement.                                                                                                               same difficulties. I pray that it’s
                                                                                    Another danger is that, with graded   Garrett Courtney, Sales Director at
  amount of demand we have seen in         being forced to leave roofs just                                                                                                                                                                                                                 only going to be like this for a short
                                                                                    roofing batten supply threatened,     About Roofing Supplies explains        “We see demand remaining strong
  the last quarter combined with the       felted and battened and waiting for                                                                                                                                                                                                              duration.”
                                           tiles. But in this situation             lower quality timber will be          how he’s trying to learn from his      into Q1 of 2021, but find it difficult
  lag seen in production, following
                                           contractors may find the contract        accepted on site, which could         experience of shortages in past        to predict the market beyond that                                                                                          Jonathan Woods has a similarly
  lockdown.”
                                           does not allow for part payments;        endanger any roofer trusting their    times by gauging upcoming              point. Much will depend on the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            hopeful tone: ““We are all sailing in
  Darren McGhee, MD of DMG                 potentially increasing costs             weight to it, apart from quality      demand: “We have placed lots of        policies and initiatives coming out
                                                                                                                                                                 of government, coupled with any                                                                                            the same boat but by working
  Roofing and MyRoofCare, and              incurred for delayed completions, or     standards issues.                     bulk orders with manufacturers,
                                                                                                                                                                 further Covid restrictions put in                                                                                          closely and sensibly with
  NFRC Scotland board member, said         even imposes penalties. Not only                                               knowing the lead times, with a
                                                                                    Merchant pressure                                                            place. Investments in production                                                                                           manufacturing and our customers,
  “It’s tough going just now for all       that, prices are inevitably rising,                                            simple equation: our customers
  roofing contractors across the UK.       meaning projects quoted 12 or 22         Just as roofers are battling the      telling us what work is coming up      facilities are always under                                                                                                we will all get out at our
  We are experiencing very long lead       weeks before may now be loss-            tremendous pressures they face,       and looking at our sales for the       consideration, but clearly, we need                                                                                        destination in one piece – we
  times on all our sites, particularly     making.                                                                                                               a clear vision of strong future                                                                                            always do.” |||
                                                                                    that pressure is being passed up      product historically and adding the

10 | ROOFING     today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.roofingtoday.co.uk | ROOFING          today     | 11
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
59

  Slate roofing

  A Guide to Specifying Exceptional Slate
                   Dora Kotzeva, Head of Marketing at slate experts SSQ, gives her tips on how you can ensure
                   the slate you’re specifying is the best.

              hy do thousands of           homeowners themselves are               How else can you tell if slate is

  W
                                                                                                                           How much maintenance does a
              architects, thousands of     adamant they want to replicate a        quality?                                slate roof require?
              builders, and millions of    slate-roofed building’s original look
                                           and feel.                               Water absorption is one indicator.      That really depends on the quality
  buildings all around the world use
                                                                                   The less water a slate absorbs, the     of the slate used. As you’d expect,
  slate?                                   But increasingly, we’re seeing it       smaller the risk of delamination,       poorer quality slate deteriorates
  Because it’s robust, attractive, and     used in contemporary style projects     minerals inside the slate swelling      faster, and requires more intensive
  100% natural. Those are the              too. One growing trend is modern-       up, or damage from the freeze-thaw      maintenance.
  characteristics that have made it        looking properties designed to use      cycle.
                                           traditional materials as much as                                                Individual slates can sometimes
  popular for centuries. In our                                                    The British Standard requires           crack or break and need replacing,
                                           possible.
  environmentally-conscious age, in                                                slate’s water absorption to be          but with high-quality slate that’s an
  which naturalness and longevity are      Slate, with its combination of          below 0.6%. However, that’s             extremely rare occurrence.
  highly-prized, those are the             authentic looks and outstanding         recently changed. It used to
  characteristics fuelling slate’s         performance, is the obvious choice      demand water absorption of less         In general, however, a quality slate
  steady growth today.                     when it comes to the roof.              than half that, 0.3%, and many in       roof requires very little maintenance
                                                                                                                           at all.
                                                                                             Slate has to                  How do slate tiles need to be
                                                                                                                           laid to ensure a high-quality
                                                                                             always be laid                finish that will last for years?
                                                                                             by a                          Slate has to always be laid by a
                                                                                                                           professional roofing contractor with
                                                                                             professional                  experience in slate roofing. The
                                                                                             roofing                       quality of the craftsmanship is as
                                                                                                                           important as the slate itself.
                                                                                             contractor with               For more complicated roofs, we
                                                                                                                           recommend that technical advice is
                                                                                             experience in
                                                                                                                           requested prior to installation.
                                                                                             slate roofing.                That would include a quantity take
                                                                                                                           off as well as the calculation of the
                                                                                             The quality of
                                                                                                                           headlap (the length of the overlap).
                                                                                             the                           This is the only way to ensure that
                                                                                                                           a slate roof is watertight.
                                                                                             craftsmanship is The best way to get the best
                                                                                             as important as But the most reliable way of
                                                                                                                           ensuring an outstanding slate
                                                                                             the slate itself.             supply is to work with a company
                                                                                                                           that only offers the cream of the
  So, if you’re interested in specifying   What accreditations should              the industry would argue that 0.3%      crop.
  it, what are the key things you          you look out for when                   is still the mark of excellence.
  need to know?                            specifying slate?                                                               For 40 years, SSQ has had an
                                                                                   Rates of oxidation are another          exclusive supply arrangement with
  When is a slate roof suitable?           Ensure any slate conforms to BS         crucial factor to look at. If a slate   the Del Carmen quarry in the
  Slate is hugely versatile. There’s a     EN12326 standard. If it hasn’t been     contains large amounts of iron-         Cabrera mountains – one of the
  common misconception that it’s           tested, and doesn’t have CE             sulphur minerals, there’s a high        only high-grade Spanish quarries to
  only compatible with historic            marking, it doesn’t meet UK             chance a slate will oxidise on the      send its best material to the UK as
  buildings, and that the only time        Building Regulations and shouldn’t                                              well as France.
                                                                                   roof.
  it’s used in a present-day context is    be installed.                                                                   And it’s one of the only companies
  when conservation guidelines                                                     Check if the slate you’re
                                           But it takes more than the right BS                                             of its kind capable of supplying
  require it.                                                                      considering has been subject to         phyllite, the stunning architectural
                                           EN accreditation to distinguish the     thermal cycling tests – it’s not a
  Replacing historic roofs is one of                                                                                       stone it sources from its own quarry
                                           best slate. In fact, 12326 doesn’t      100% sure-fire method, but the test
  the key instances where slate roofs                                                                                      in Argentina. |||
                                           tell you much about slate quality at    will usually show if there are any
  are used, of course – either because                                                                                     If you’re interested in learning more,
  that’s what the local conservation       all – just that it’s been through the   iron-sulphur minerals present.          please don’t hesitate to give SSQ a call -
  office demands, or because the           standard tests.                                                                 020 8961 7725

12 | ROOFING     today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
20

Slate Roofing

Small is Beautiful in Netherlands Slating
Aesthetic
                Dutch roofing company Walter Verhoeven BV has worked with Welsh Slate for all of its 140 years, but it
                was only this year that the contractor’s employees got to see exactly how the slates are made when
                they visited Welsh Slate in North Wales.

            anaging Director, Wim        Small slates, steep roofs                                                     Walter Verhoeven is a family

M           Verhoeven flew his
            brother Thom and 21
other colleagues over in February for
                                         The reason for this is twofold.
                                         Firstly, slate production in the
                                                                                 The visit brought home
                                                                                 the differences between
                                                                                                                       business and now run by Wim and
                                                                                                                       Thom, the fourth generation. But
                                                                                                                       Welsh Slates have been shipped to
a 140th anniversary two-day trip to      north-east of Belgium and Northern                                            the low countries of Europe since
                                         Europe was predominately in small       the slate sector in the               the 13th Century.
the UK, one of which was spent
visiting Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn      sizes, due to the material’s inferior   UK and the                            The big growth in sales to these
Quarry in North Wales.                   quality. So, the architectural style
                                                                                                                       areas, due to the durability of the
                                         developed to accommodate these          Netherlands where
Here they witnessed the full                                                                                           superior Welsh Slate product,
                                         small slates which could be
production process, from rock face,                                              roofing slates are                     corresponded with the massive
                                         incorporated into complex roof                                                growth of the Welsh Slate industry
through sawing, splitting and
                                         designs not feasible with the larger    typically almost half                 from the end of the 18th Century to
dressing. Some even tried their hand
                                         slates sold in the UK. Hence the                                              its height in the late Victorian
at splitting the premium Penrhyn
Heather Blue slate themselves.
                                         proliferance of steep roofs and         the size of British slates.           period of the 1880s.
                                         mansards on the North European
The visit brought home the                                                                                             Their team of up to 18 craftsmen
                                         mainland.
differences between the slate sector                                                                                   has used hook fixings on small
                                         Secondly, small slates were             The small size of slates used in      Welsh slates on more than a
in the UK and the Netherlands
                                         produced in Wales as a                  The Netherlands also impacts their    thousand buildings in The
where roofing slates are typically
                                         by-product of the manufacture of        fixing method. This relies on hooks   Netherlands.
almost half the size of British slates
- 300mm x 200mm (12” x 8”) or            the more familiar, larger slates, so    rather than double-nailing each
                                                                                                                       Now specialists in slate, and zinc,
approximately 45/m2, and seldom          were both readily available and         slate, a process that is              lead and copper roofing, 90 to 95%
longer than 350mm/14”, compared          sold at a comparatively low price,      approximately 10% quicker, at five    of their work comprises the re-
to 500mm by 250mm (20” x 10”) or         as there was no market for them in      to 10 minutes/m2, than the UK         roofing of heritage buildings such
approximately 20/m2.                     the UK.                                 process.                              as chateaux, churches, cathedrals, ||-
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
26

  Slate Roofing

                                                                                                                                      Wim said: “We like to work with
                                                                                                                                      Welsh Slate as it is the best quality
                                                                                                                                      and easily lends itself to the
                                                                                                                                      complex roof structures we work
                                                                                                                                      on. The colours and structure of the
                                                                                                                                      Welsh slate are very nice and they
                                                                                                                                      have proven their quality over the
                                                                                                                                      years.”

                                                                                                                                      This work ethic is already apparent
                                                                                                                                      in potentially the fifth generation –
                                                                                                                                      Thom’s 19-year-old son who
                                                                                                                                      already has metal roofing
                                                                                                                                      qualifications and is now into his
  Wim Verhoeven, MD of Netherlands roofing company, Walter Verhoeven BV, flew himself, his brother, and 21 colleagues to the UK and   second year working with slates,
  visited Welsh Slate to celebrate the contractor’s 140th anniversary.
                                                                                                                                      alongside a colleague who has
                                                                                             11 years ago but where the Chinese       worked for the company for 32
                                                                                             slate roof has already failed due to     years.
                                                                                             poor materials and workmanship.
                                                                                                                                      It’s all a far cry from the early days
                                                                                             Poor-quality projects are
                                                                                                                                      when the business was set up by
                                                                                             increasingly the case, with many
                                                                                             heritage buildings such as               the brothers’ great-grandparents.
                                                                                             churches being forced to close due       Wim and Thom’s parents combined
                                                                                             to lack of visitors and therefore        roofing with the installation of gas,
                                                                                             income. These are then being             water and plumbing in houses, but
                                                                                             converted into apartments or             that side of the business was
                                                                                             commercial/retail units by               divested almost 20 years ago when
                                                                                             developers who do not always
                                                                                                                                      it could not compete against the
                                                                                             want to invest in a re-roof or will
                                                                                                                                      growing number of sole traders.
                                                                                             only pay for a cheap and inferior
                                                                                             job.                                     Then, slate comprised 40% of the
  -|| castles, monasteries and civic           certificates since they were
                                                                                                                                      business. Now it is almost 80%.
  buildings (which the Dutch                   introduced.                                   There are two heavily-detailed
  Government pays grants towards),                                                           projects Walter Verhoeven is             Looking to the future, Walter
                                               While their employees do not have
  with new-build houses, shopping                                                            particularly proud of. One is the re-    Verhoeven employs two
                                               to complete a seven-year
  centres and business premises                                                                                  2
                                                                                             roofing, with 400m of Welsh Slate’s
                                               apprenticeship to become a Master                                                      apprentices who were looking to
  making up the remaining five to                                                            Penrhyn Heather Blue slates, of a
                                               Slater, such as in Germany, the                                                        start college just before the country
  10%.
                                               company takes such pride in its               castle with 16th Century origins in      went into lockdown, on a training
  To work on heritage buildings in             own heritage expertise that it will           Berlicum which was being
                                                                                                                                      scheme that had been restored after
  Holland, there is a preference for           turn down contracts where the brief           converted into a private home. The
                                                                                             second, is the re-roofing, with          it shut down during the 2008
  roofing contractors who are certified        is not for a quality job.
  for disciplines like slate and metal                                                       700m2 of Cwt-Y-Bugail slates, of an      recession. Now they hope to start
                                               Currently, Walter Verhoeven is re-                                                     this month (November), Covid
  roofing and Walter Verhoeven BV is                                                         enormous 100-year-old villa in
                                               roofing a villa that was only built
  proud to have had all these                                                                Helmond.                                 permitting. |||

                                                                          ( 02380 200994
                        3.2mm         UND                          *       sales@europeanslate.co.uk                            P ESCO 5   P ESCO 402
                                         ERCL
                                         N    OAK
                                                                   7                                                            P ESCO 9   P MERAYO
                                      AVAI OW                             WWW.EUROPEANSLATE.CO.UK
                                          LABL
                                               E                                                                                P ESCO 100
         4.5mm
                                                              tHE NatURaL CHoICE FoR RooFING SLatE
16 | ROOFING      today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
ROOFING TODAY Issue 91 November 2020 - Roofing Today 91
18

  Competency in Roofing

  Setting the Bar on Competency for
  the Roofing Industry
                                James Talman, CEO, National Federation of Roofing Contractors

                ompetence is a word           to tackle this issue head on. This    will be assessed. This will be        This definition of higher-risk

       C        being talked about more
                and more in the
       construction industry. The HSE
                                              group has just published its final
                                              report ‘Setting the Bar’ that sets
                                              out a blueprint for a new
                                                                                    overseen by a new competence
                                                                                    committee, who will sit within
                                                                                    the new Building Safety
                                                                                                                          includes over 13,000 buildings,
                                                                                                                          and the government will have the
                                                                                                                          right to extend this definition if
       defines competence as ‘the             competency regime for our             Regulator.                            they see fit.
       combination of training, skills,       industry. The report recommends
                                                                                    Competency standards                  Contractors don’t have wait until
       experience and knowledge that a        that all those whose work on
       person has and their ability to        higher-risk constructions is likely   From the bottom up, across the        the law changes, to demonstrate
       apply them to perform a task           to affect the safety outcome of the   industry, a national suite of         their team’s competency.
       safely’.                               building, or who work                 competency standards will be          Fortunately, in the roofing

                                                                                                                           From the bottom up,
                                                                                                                           across the industry,
                                                                                                                           a national suite of
                                                                                                                           competency
                                                                                                                           standards will be
                                                                                                                           developed in line
                                                                                                                           with the
                                                                                                                           overarching
                                                                                                                           competency
                                                                                                                           framework.

       Dame Judith Hackitt, in her            unsupervised on these buildings,      developed in line with the            industry we are ahead of the
       review of building safety following    should have to meet the               overarching competency                game and already have an
       the Grenfell tragedy, highlighted      requirements set out in the new       framework. NFRC is playing a key      accreditation scheme for
       that, while there are many             competency framework for their        role in developing the bottom-up      individual competency –
       competent people working on            particular sector.                    approach for installers as part of    RoofCERT.
       higher-risk construction, the                                                Working Group 2 . Over time all
                                              Top down, bottom up                                                         We currently have 2,000 funded
       current system is fragmented,                                                businesses and installers working
                                              The report sets out a top-down                                              places ready to accredit
       complex and inconsistent.                                                    on higher risk buildings will need
                                              and bottom-up approach to                                                   individual roofing operatives. At
       Ultimately, she said, this can                                               to demonstrate they meet the new
                                              competency. At a high level, a                                              the time of writing we have
       seriously compromise the fire                                                requirements.
                                              new ‘overarching competency                                                 accredited almost 100 roofers and
       safety of higher-risk buildings and,
                                              framework’ is currently being         So, what does this all have to do     have hundreds more in the
       therefore, a more comprehensive
                                              developed as a British Standard.      with roofing? Well, if you are        pipeline.
       approach was needed.
                                              This will address Dame Hackitt’s      work on any higher-risk building
                                                                                                                          The industry is only going in one
       Following her report and               concerns by taking a                  (residential building or student
                                                                                                                          direction when it comes to
       recommendations, a ‘Competency         comprehensive and consistent          accommodation higher than 18-
                                                                                                                          competency, the question is, are
       Steering Group’ of over 150            approach to competency. It will       metres or six storeys), in the not-
                                                                                                                          you prepared? |||
       organisations, including the           set out core principals of            so-distant future you will have a
       National Federation of Roofing         competence across all disciplines     legal obligation to demonstrate       Sign your team up to RoofCERt at:
       Contractors (NFRC), was formed         and professions and how these         you and your team’s competency.       https://roofcert.co.uk/register/.

18 | ROOFING   today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
7

  Pitched Roofing

  The Perils of Debris on
  Pitched Roofs                                                                         John Mercer, Roofing Consultant

              have always found it             products, though long term, it        from valleys and gutters together      Side abutment flashing details,

         I    fascinating that there are as
              many people who ask how to
         promote moss growth on their
                                               may lead to the premature
                                               delamination of clay roof tiles.
                                               Clay roof tile manufacturers will
                                                                                     with any moss or lichen growth
                                                                                     that restricts the flow of water off
                                                                                     the roof slope. The RTA
                                                                                                                            particularly those for use with
                                                                                                                            flat, single lapped interlocking
                                                                                                                            tiles, require careful
                                                                                     publication provides useful            consideration. The traditional
         new roof, to give it a ‘weathered’    normally recommend the regular                                               detail for weathering the junction
                                                                                     information on how to remove
         appearance, as there are people       removal of heavy growth on their      and inhibit moss and lichen            is a continuous ‘secret’ gutter,
         who want to know how to remove        roof tiles as part of their           growth on clay and concrete roof       with the tiles finishing close
         or inhibit moss growth.               conditions of guarantee.              tiles.                                 (within 15mm) to the wall face.

         Whilst moss growth on roof tiles      Heavy moss growth may block             Heavy moss growth may block clay and
         may be considered to add a            clay and concrete roof tile
         certain ‘rustic charm’ and help       interlocks and channels and side        concrete roof tile interlocks and channels
         blend in a new roof into its          joints in slates, ultimately
         surroundings (such as the house       causing water leakage into the          and side joints in slates, ultimately causing
         under the trees, in the photo         roof structure, particularly on low
                                               pitched roof slopes.
                                                                                       water leakage into the roof structure,
         above), what hidden dangers
         could the growth impose?                                                      particularly on low pitched roof slopes.
                                               Similarly, heavy deposits of pine
         Though some minor growth does         needles can block gutters and
         not seem to harm roof tiles or        channels – in the photo above, a
         hinder their primary function of      slate roof failed when heavy          Roof design                            Whilst this detail is excellent for
         shedding water and keeping the        deposits within the side joints                                              keeping water out, it is prone to
                                               caused water to leak through the      Roof design also plays an
         weather out, too much moss and                                                                                     blockage, particularly in areas
         lichen can be damaging.               slate headlaps and side laps.         important role in avoiding
                                                                                                                            where there is a risk of debris
                                               The Roof Tile Association (RTA),      blockage on pitched roofs. For         such as leaves and pine needles
         Damp risk
                                               in its publication ‘Care              example, the width of an open          etc. Therefore, it has become
         The risk that moss poses is that it   Maintenance & Repair of Clay          channel valley, commonly at            common practice to install a
         impedes the flow of water from        and Concrete Roof Tiles’              least 125mm, is considered wide        cover flashing in addition to a
         the roof and so hold the roof tiles   recommends carrying out regular                                              secret gutter to prevent blockage.
                                                                                     enough, under normal
         in damp conditions for much           visual inspections of the roof,
                                                                                     circumstances, to avoid build-up       Alternatively, side abutments can
         longer than would otherwise be        usually twice a year, in the
         the case. In normal                   spring and autumn. During             of debris on a domestic roof,          be designed with an open
         circumstances moss growth is          regular maintenance, any leaves       though regular inspections are         channel, such as those commonly
         unlikely to damage concrete           and debris should be removed          still recommended.                     used in Scotland. The channel, ||-

20 | ROOFING   today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk
Pitched Roofing                                                                                                                                                          16

 -|| whilst exposed, is wide enough to       The traditional detail for weathering the            downpipes. The cons are they do
  discourage debris build up, though                                                              not keep out fine debris, they may
  regular inspection is still                junction is a continuous ‘secret’ gutter, with the   become clogged by fine debris
  recommended.                                                                                    themselves, and they make
                                             tiles finishing close (within 15mm) to the wall       cleaning out the gutters more
  Back gutters, including those behind
  chimneys and some roof windows,            face... . it has become common practice to           difficult. |||
  are prone to blockage from                                                                      Summary
  surrounding trees. By their nature,        install a cover flashing in addition to a secret
  they have an open channel to collect                                                             m Do not allow the heavy
  water and so must be inspected
                                             gutter to prevent blockage.                             build up of moss and lichen
  regularly and cleaned out where                                                                    if it is likely to block tile
  necessary.                                                                                         channels and interlocks and
                                                                                                     impede water flow.
  Of course, much of the debris that
  lands on a pitched roof will inevitably                                                          m Design roof junctions to
  find its way into the gutters.                                                                     minimise the risk of them
  Generally, bi-annual inspections and                                                               being clogged by debris.
  cleaning will be necessary to keep
  the gutter clean of excessive debris.                                                            m Consider installing gutter
  One option is to fit gutter guards,                                                                and hopper guards to catch
  netting or brushes, in the gutters to                                                              leaves but remember that
  keep them clear of leaves.                                                                         fine debris may either clog
                                                                                                     the guards or get through to
  However, there are pros and cons to                                                                the gutters.
  fitting gutter guards; the pros are
  guards are easy to install, they cannot                                                          m Carry out regular roof
  be seen from the ground and they                                                                   inspections and remove roof
  keep leaves out of the gutters and                                                                 debris where necessary.

                                                                                                                               23

                                                                                                                                                                           55

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7

  Lead Sheet Training

  Leading by Example at the Lead Sheet
                                                                                                                                                                With all the team’s experience, they      Whilst the fundamentals of              passionate about making a              he’s in talks with a trade body to
                                                                                                                                                                are skilled at calibrating courses to     traditional leadwork might be           difference to individuals.”            collaborate on developing a new
                                                                                                                                                                learners. Says John, “There are           timeless, the industry is continually                                          programme, which he expects to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  “We’re looking at offering tailored

  Training Academy
                                                                                                                                                                some individuals that pick it up          evolving, as John describes:                                                   announce at the end of the year.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  packages of training. Not all
                                                                                                                                                                really quickly and for some it takes      “Things change in the industry, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  contractors can get away for a         Other plans in the pipeline are to
                                                                                                                                                                a bit longer, which I think is to do      we need to discuss that with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  prolonged period of time so we’re      work with Kent County Council on
                                                                                                                                                                with people’s learning styles. Some       employers and collaborate with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  looking at offering training for a     going into schools to promote
                                                                                                                                                                learners are very auditory or visual,     industry so that we can adapt our
                     Roofing Today spoke to John Lewis, Director of Training & Operations at the Lead Sheet                                                                                                                                       specific skill or project area in      opportunities in the specialist
                                                                                                                                                                however a majority of our learners        programmes to meet their needs.
                     Training Academy to find out how they are coping with the Covid-19 crisis and what the                                                                                                                                       smaller blocks.”                       roofing sector and in roofing in
                                                                                                                                                                are physical kinesthetic learners,        That strengthens the employer’s
                     future prospects are for the organisation.                                                                                                 meaning they learn through their          company because the quality of          Apart from responding to industry      general.
                                                                                                                                                                sense of touch and practical ability.     their staff increases. But we also      with employer-led training, John       Of course, the LSTA has had to
                                                                                                                                                                It’s very much an artisan skill and       keep students and learners at the       also formulates longer term strategy
           he Lead Sheet Training         developing the programmes and                                                                                                                                                                                                                  respond to the pandemic crisis, not

  T        Academy in East Peckham
           is arguably the best-known
  lead and hard metal training
                                          bringing in innovation.”
                                          John has the ideal mix of skills and
                                          experience, coming from an
                                                                                                                                                                people progress at differing paces to
                                                                                                                                                                develop what is, after all, a skilled
                                                                                                                                                                specialism.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          centre of everything we do. I’m very    for the Academy. At the moment         least with reduced numbers on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         courses to ensure safe distancing,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         and that affects the bottom line. For
  organisation in the industry.                                                                                                                                 “It’s something I’m very passionate                                                                                      training organisations, the
                                          engineering background gained                                                                                         about, that people get the training                                                                                      unpredictability emanating from
  Synonymous with the sector’s            from serving with the Royal                                                                                           they need for their future, whether                                                                                      CITB adds to the uncertainty.
  bible, the Lead Sheet Manual, it        Engineers for 14 years. He’s also a                                                                                   that’s functional skills in geometry
  has been operating for almost a         qualified tradesman and trained                                                                                       or advanced techniques. With these                                                                                       Uncertainty
  century, taking on responsibility for   and worked with lead in the past.                                                                                     skills under their belt, a whole host                                                                                    “I’ve kind of got one eye on CITB
  both setting the methods and            After a period of self-employment,                                                                                    of opportunities open up to progress                                                                                     and one eye on how we’re going to
  standards of leadwork in the UK.        John started a career in further                                                                                      them in their work life and of course                                                                                    move in other directions,” says
                                          education teaching, eventually                                                                                        increase their earning potential.”
  John Lewis joined the Lead Sheet                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       John. “If CITB dropped out it would
                                          becoming Director of
  Training Academy (LSTA) in                                                                                                                                    Funding                                                                                                                  have an impact on a huge number
                                          Apprenticeships at Barking &
  October last year as its Director of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   of training providers and levy
                                          Dagenham College.                                                                                                     There are several ways contractors
  Training & Operations and he is                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        paying employers who access the
                                                                                                                                                                can source funding to get qualified
  mindful of the long history of the      Working alongside John, is Simon                                                                                                                                                                                                               grant funding. It would impact
                                                                                                                                                                in lead. Courses can be fully funded
  organisation he now heads.              Wood as the Centre’s trainer and                                                                                                                                                                                                               across the sector and the industry
                                                                                                                                                                using the CITB grant funding
                                          assessor, Paul Cobbing as lead                                                                                                                                                                                                                 as a whole. We know what
  “I knew what a great reputation the                                                                                                                           system if they are with a levy
                                          assessor, and Sharon Phipps in                                                                                                                                                                                                                 happened with Carillion – all of
  organisation had and what it did for                                                                                                                          paying company, or they can go
                                          charge of accounts, administration                                                                                                                                                                                                             sudden there were hundreds of
                                                                                                                                                                through their regional roof training
  the industry even before I joined,”     and funding. With this small team                                                                                                                                                                                                              apprentices with nowhere to go,
                                                                                                                                                                group. There are also bursaries
  says John “My main priority has         the Academy has been very busy                                                                                                                                                                                                                 and that could happen again if
                                                                                                                                                                available through City and Guilds,
  been to maintain that, as well as       since reopening in early July, after                                                                                  as well as Advanced Learner loans                                                                                        there was a loss of funding.
                                                                                                                                                                through the gov.uk site for Level 3                                                                                      “One of the things we’re doing is to
                                                                                    Rather than doing 35 days in one go, learners                               courses and above.                                                                                                       register with the Education and
                                                                                                                                                                Lead, of course, is a traditional                                                                                        Skills Funding Agency which opens
                                                                                    now come and do one-week blocks. It’s much
                                                                                                                                                                roofing material and leadwork                                                                                            up opportunities for apprenticeships
                                                                                    easier for them to fit it into busy work                                     practices remain largely unaltered.                                                                                      and access to adult education funds
                                                                                                                                                                That said, one area John explains                                                                                        – it broadens the pot and
                                                                                    schedules.                                                                  that changes have occurred is in the                                                                                     potentially offers more funded
                                                                                                                                                                health and safety approach to                                                                                            programmes to employers and there
                                                                                                                                                                leadwork. “It’s highly controlled and                                                                                    staff or indeed attract new people
                                                                                 the lockdown, and is now fully         split it down into four modules. This   we give guidance to all our learners                                                                                     into the industry.”
                                                                                 booked until Christmas.                not only breaks down the cost into      at the outset on the safe use of lead,
                                                                                                                                                                and its environmental impact.                                                                                            Overall, John remains upbeat: “I’m
                                                                                 John explains, “The most popular       manageable chunks for those
                                                                                                                                                                Regulations and legislation have                                                                                         a very optimistic individual and
                                                                                 courses are the Lead Bossing and       companies that aren’t accessing
                                                                                                                                                                got a lot tougher recently especially                                                                                    we’re very positive about the future.
                                                                                 Welding at basic and intermediate      funding, but it also allows some
                                                                                                                                                                for things like lead in blood testing.                                                                                   There’s clear demand for training in
                                                                                 Level 3. The basic course is popular   flexibility. Rather than doing 35                                                                                                                                the sector and a need for CPD to
                                                                                                                                                                If you’re out in the industry you
                                                                                 because it is designed not just for    days in one go, learners now come                                                                                                                                continue to make sure the next
                                                                                                                                                                should be getting your blood tested
                                                                                 those starting out in a lead           and do one-week blocks. It’s much                                                                                                                                generation are not disadvantaged
                                                                                                                                                                at least every six months. Here in
                                                                                 specialism, but also for slaters and   easier for them to fit it into busy                                                                                                                              and they can continue on their
                                                                                                                                                                the centre, all our trainers are tested
                                                                                 tilers who need to know how to         work schedules.                         every three months.”                                                                                                     training pathways. We must ensure
                                                                                 correctly do lead flashings,                                                                                                                                                                            that they have the opportunity to
                                                                                                                        “They can also ‘pay as you learn’       “From my perspective, it’s about
                                                                                 guttering and other lead detailing                                                                                                                                                                      train and upskill and that specialist
                                                                                                                        and spread the cost, one module at      sharing good practice. If we teach
                                                                                 to a high standard.                                                                                                                                                                                     lead skills remain in the industry to
                                                                                                                        a time. At the end of 6-7 one-week      that here then it bleeds out into
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         benefit not only individuals and the
                                                                                 “When I first got here, the Level 3    blocks, learners receive a City &       industry where others can follow
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         companies they work for, but the
                                                                                 intermediate course was a              Guilds Traditional Intermediate         that example and use lead in a safe
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         industry as a whole.” |||
                                                                                 standalone one and I immediately       Lead or Hard metals crafts.”            and controlled manner,” John adds.
24 | ROOFING     today   | www.roofingtoday.co.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                                               www.roofingtoday.co.uk | ROOFING        today    | 25
Roofing Training

  Training Centre of Excellence Opens in
                                                                                                                                                                             In the past, experienced lead and         Hoddesdon at the beginning of         The Covid pandemic means that a         the first courses are under way,
                                                                                                                                                                             hard metal workers were issued            lockdown last March, but since        full launch of the centre at Salford    we’re confident that bookings will
                                                                                                                                                                             CSCS cards through industry               then the tide has turned as far as    will not be possible while              be coming in thick and fast,” said
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Nigel. |||

  Salford
                                                                                                                                                                             accreditation, also known as              enthusiasm for training is            restrictions are in place, but Nigel
                                                                                                                                                                             grandfather rights, often on              concerned.”                           and Stewart are intending to send
                                       In an exciting development for the roofing industry, a new training centre for pitch and                                              employer recommendations rather                                                 out invitations to all interested
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Training materials are expensive                                              For information on any of the training
                                       flat roofing has opened this month in Salford, Manchester. Roofing Today went to find                                                 than the achievement of a                                                       parties at appointed times. It’s not
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       but Associated Lead Mills (ALM) is                                            and/or assessments available at either
                                                                                                                                                                             recognised qualification. CSCS            already sponsoring both centres                                               of the two centres, please visit the
                                       out what’s on offer.                                                                                                                                                                                                  ideal, but better than no
                                                                                                                                                                             closed this process to new                and Logan Roofing Solutions in                                                Master Roofers or NCtS website,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             opportunity to see the centre at all!   telephone 01992 801914, or email
          s the nights draw in, the              will offer them easy access to all                                                                                          applicants in 2010, but existing          Northern Ireland is keen to support

  A
                                                                                               We have thrown out                                                                                                                                                                                    training@ncts.org.uk. Bookings on any
          weather gets colder and the            their training needs, either at                                                                                             cardholders have been allowed to          them with roofing supplies, which     “The centre is already a big talking    of the courses may also be made via
          Covid 19 restrictions                  Salford in the north west or at our           the old norms, the                                                            renew on the same basis.                  in turn increases their own brand     point in the roofing sector and once    telephone or email.

  become tighter, we might all be                other training academy in                                                                                                   However, from 1 January 2020 all          awareness in England.
  forgiven for feeling a little gloomy           Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. By                  repetitive rigs, the
                                                                                                                                                                             cards renewed under grandfather
  and in need of something to cheer              working together we will become a             simplified exercises.                                                         rights will expire on 31 December          From beginner to
  us up.                                         stronger brand both in the north                                                                                            2024, and CSCS will stop issuing
                                                 and south of the country.”                    We wanted                                                                     the cards from 30 June 2024.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        experienced
  So how about this for some great
  news! A state-of-the-art training              The Salford training academy is               challenging and                                                               Of course, such an ambitious plan          tradespeople, we
  facility in the north west of England          within easy reach of the M602 and                                                                                           of setting up a training centre of
  is opening its doors to the first of           suitable accommodation is just a              comprehensive roof                                                                                                       can offer a range
                                                                                                                                                                             excellence in Salford, together with
  many trainees keen to further their            few minutes’ walk away.                                                                                                     running the existing facility at           of industry-
  knowledge and skills in the roofing                                                          set-ups, real-life                                                            Hoddesdon on a similar level, is
                                                 Master Roofers’ Managing Director,
  sector.                                                                                                                                                                    bound to raise eyebrows when most          recognised
                                                 Stewart Rowles, explained the                 situations in a                                                               industries are feeling the effects of a
  National Construction Training                 thinking behind this brand-new                                                                                                                                         qualifications
                                                                                               workshop                                                                      global pandemic.
  Services (NCTS) are partnering                 training facility. “When we first
  Master Roofers to set up this unique           began our discussions, our aims                                                                                              “Lead and hard metal courses are          designed to help
  training academy in Salford, Greater           were very clear: to change the way            environment ... to be                                                         almost fully booked to the end of
  Manchester. Although other roofing             training was delivered in roofing,
                                                                                               exciting and                                                                  the year and enquiries and bookings        you make the next
  training facilities exist in the north         and to create an inspiring training                                                NCTS Managing Director, Nigel Johnston
                                                                                                                                    conducting onsite assessment training
                                                                                                                                                                             for slating and tiling training are
  west, none can offer lead and hard             experience,” he said.                         inspiring.                           (OSAT).                                  going through the roof – literally!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        move in your
                                                                                                                                                                             said Nigel.                                career, improve in
                                                                                             The aim is that all tutors will also   “From beginner to experienced
                                                                                                                                                                             “We are of course keeping to
                                                                                             be qualified assessors and vice        tradespeople, we can offer a range                                                  a niche area or
                                                                                                                                                                             government guidelines so we won’t
                                                                                             versa, offering a complete, bespoke,   of industry-recognised
                                                                                                                                                                             be running our courses at maximum          simply gain more
                                                                                             training and assessment package.       qualifications designed to help you
                                                                                                                                    make the next move in your career,       capacity – we’ve already
                                                                                             “Having exceptional trainers and       improve in a niche area or simply        experienced closure of courses at          confidence.
                                                                                             tutors is paramount to the ethos of    gain more confidence,” said Nigel.
                                                                                             our centres and really is the
                                                                                             backbone of our educational goal,”     “We are dedicated to developing a
                                                                                                                                    curriculum which will benefit the
                                                                                             Stewart added.
                                                                                                                                    roofing industry and our centres are
                                                                                             Both centres will also carry the       open to all roofing sector employers,
  Master Roofers’ Managing Director, Stewart Rowles in front of one of the challenging and                                          as well as those looking to develop
  inspiring roofing rigs available for training in the Salford facility.
                                                                                             ‘Richard Murdoch Training Centre
                                                                                             for Excellence’ accolade, among        or start a career in the industry.”
  metals training in this area, and for          “We have thrown out the old                 many other industry-recognised         The range of courses available at
  some time contractors have been                norms, the repetitive rigs, the             accreditations.                        each centre covers sector-specific
  expressing a need for training in              simplified exercises. We wanted                                                    training, for example qualifications
                                                                                             No expense has been spared in the
  this sector without having to travel           challenging and comprehensive roof                                                 in lead and hard metals, slating and
                                                                                             design of the Salford premises to
  hundreds of miles.                             set-ups, real-life situations in a                                                 tiling, and health and safety.
                                                                                             fulfil the aims set out by this new
  NCTS Managing Director, Nigel                  workshop environment, and above             partnership. The rigs have unusual     The on-site assessment and
  Johnston explained: “As part of our            all, for the student experience to be       detailing to offer a level of          training (OSAT) programme is an
  expansion plans we decided to join             exciting and inspiring.”                    excellence unrivalled elsewhere,       efficient route for experienced
  up with Master Roofers which has                                                           and there is also a fully kitted-out   workers without formal
                                                 He went on to say that a great deal
  over 14,000 members, all contractors                                                       classroom, together with canteen,      qualifications, who can obtain
                                                 of work has been put in to find the
  ranging from sole traders to much                                                          office and toilet facilities.          recognition of their skills by
                                                 best tutors and craftspeople in the                                                obtaining an NVQ Level 2 or Level
  larger companies.
                                                 country who have many decades of            Needless to say, the NCTS              3. These assessments are carried
  “Many of these members have not                experience in the sector, for both          curriculum is designed to offer        out on site, reducing the amount of
  already been able to train, or now             the Salford and Hoddesdon training          skills and development to everyone     time the candidate has to spend off
  need upskilling. This joint venture            facilities.                                 in the roofing industry.               site.

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