Total Contractor Magazine

🏆 Congratulations to all those involved with the shortlisted projects for this year's LRWA Awards! The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2025 Awards & Gala Dinner... Winners will be announced during the gala dinner on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at the iconic Titanic Hotel in Liverpool’s Stanley Dock. Alongside winners in each project category, the evening will also celebrate individuals excelling in the sector with awards such as Trainer of the Year and Student of the Year. LRWA says the 2025 Awards & Gala Dinner, supported by headline sponsor Remmers Gruppe, promises to be the biggest celebration yet as it marks its seventh year. Discussing a new award category for 2025, Sarah Spink MIoR, CEO of the LRWA, commented: “This year marks a new milestone for the LRWA Awards with the introduction of the Sustainability Award, a category that reflects the growing importance of sustainable practices in our industry. It’s incredibly exciting to see members rise to the challenge and showcase their innovation and dedication to addressing environmental and social impacts." 👀 Find out which projects and companies have been shortlisted for this year's awards here: https://lnkd.in/ecUKK78m #roofing #waterproofing #flatroofing #liquidroofing #construction #roofingcontractors #sustainability #builtenvironment #installers #constructionawards #roofingawards

Taylor Roofs continues growth with move to significantly larger HQ! The family-run firm serves domestic clients across central Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Lothians and has recently opened the doors to its impressive new base in Livingston, in a move which bosses believe will be a 'gamechanger for the company'. Measuring around 7000 sq. ft., the new premises is nearly four times the size of Taylor Roofs' previous home in Bathgate, boasting 12 offices, a board room, staff canteen and a custom-built podcast studio – the new home for the successful podcast Taylor Talks Trades. The owners say the space allows for future expansion, further enhancing the customer experience and staff environment, and enables the company to realise their plans for growth in what is "shaping up to be a busy few months on a number of areas." 🗣 Managing Director Jamie Taylor explained: “We had been looking around for a suitable property for a little while as we knew we were outgrowing our place in Bathgate and it was putting an artificial ceiling on our growth. “A lot of hard work has been put in by a lot of people to get us to this stage and I’m really excited about the future. Our commitment to the roofing trade, our customers and staff has always been the priority for us and we will have a laser focus on that now. “We have big plans for 2025 and are genuinely excited about what lies ahead.” 👀 Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eipEyGfP #Roofing #roofers #roofingcontractors #roofingskills #roofingsector #constructionbusinesses #constructionsector

🔎 New comprehensive Guide for roof slating launched... Compiled as a collaborative effort between the Roof Tile Association and NFRC, The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling will support everyone from apprentices to experts on their projects and “bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.” The associations say The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling is a crucial tool for those undertaking diplomas, apprenticeships, and certifications, and provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date guidance for roof tiling available, covering all the information that budding tilers, as well as those with experience, need to know when they’re on the job. “It’s designed as a step-by-step guide covering the fundamentals of tiling, but it also goes into more detailed areas which will benefit more experienced roofers,” explained Ben Rowlands, Technical Manager of Slating and Tiling for NFRC.  Paul John Lythgoe, RTA Chair from 2021-24, added: “Over a 3-year period, the book was meticulously created to contain roof-tile history and manufacturing details, plus the latest pitched roofing construction detail, in all aspects.” The guide extensively covers the following areas:   • Up-to-date best practices: The guide is aligned with British and European Standards to meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks.  • Illustrated learning: Clear diagrams and explainers make complex concepts easy to understand.  • Specialist techniques: Step-by-step guidance on advanced topics such as historic heritage roofing and sustainable roof designs.  • Real-world applications: Insights into health and safety, material handling, and modern construction challenges. 👀 The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling will be published on 19 December 2024, find out more and how to purchase your copy here: https://lnkd.in/e5Syfwnf #roofing #rooftiling #pitchedroofing #guides #construction #skills #roofingskills #learning #careerdevelopment #constructionsupport #competence #bestpractice

📹 New video up on www.Roof-Tube.co.uk... The latest instalment of EJOT UK Ltd's series focusing on the Applitec Centre and Technical team is available to view on Roof-Tube. In this video we meet Dylan Roe (Dylan R.), Technical Advisor at EJOT UK. 🔎 Dylan plays a key role in EJOT UK’s Applitec team, specialising in product design developments. He is immersed in CAD for developing or modifying products, initially completed in a digital environment before moving to laboratory for the rapid prototyping process. 🗣 As Dylan explains, the Applitec team are there to support customers with the correct guidance, advice and support for each individual project: “Best practice for EJOT is probably one of the most important things we push towards customers. We always advise and suggest the most appropriate equipment, the most appropriate fixing and guidance towards how they can use them in combination to make sure that their fixing can be installed correctly.” 👀 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/ekVS9Njq EJOT UK Building Products Showcase #roofing #cladding #facades #TechnicalSuppport #BestPractice #FixingsAndFasteners #RoofingProjects #facadeProjects #CAD #BuildingDesign #EnevlopeDesign #BuildingSafety

👏🏻 Another fantastic project, congratulations to the volunteers at Band of Builders and all involved! 20 volunteers from construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) have completed a project in North Lanarkshire on roofer Jim Gallacher’s family home, after his fall from scaffolding on a retail park project left him with extensive injuries, including a broken back and neck, meaning he had to close his roofing business and leaving him unable to finish a small extension already underway on his Bellshill home… Jim had started building work at the front of his property – and then in April 2023, he fell 8m from scaffolding and landed on an Armco barrier in a freak accident at a retail park in Bristol. Although the 53-year-old has confounded medical experts with his recovery, he has been told in no uncertain terms that he will never be able to lift anything heavy or work at height – and any slip or trip could result in him being in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. As a result, he has had to close his roofing business. The volunteers finished the porch – including rendering, plastering and adding outdoor lights. They also landscaped the garden over three weekends. Marvelling at the finished work, Jim's wife Debbie Gallacher explained: “Being able to walk safely through your own front door may not mean much to most people – but to us, it’s life-changing,” she said. “We used to live with the constant worry that Jim may slip or trip outside – which meant he didn’t get out of the house much. But that’s all changing as he can get around safely. “What has been most amazing has been the amount of people who don’t know us but volunteered their time to help us. We are so, so grateful.” 👀 Find out more about this fantastic project and Jim's story here: https://lnkd.in/e3ai-Cec #roofing #roofers #roofingcommunity #construction #constructioncharity #installers #roofingcontractors #charity #support

CEO of The Institute Of Roofing steps down... The Institute of Roofing (IoR) has announced its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kay Triana Rose FIoR, has tendered her resignation and will be stepping down from her role as CEO in December 2024. In her position as CEO, Kay had been spearheading the IoR's proposed integration into The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), with Kay explaining in a personal update on Linkedin: “As many of you know, throughout the last couple of years my main focus has been on the proposed IoR integration into the CIOB. Having worked tirelessly on this from its inception I’m proud to have reached the final hurdle, however, have now decided to pass the baton on.” The IoR has stated that the discussions to integrate with the CIOB are continuing, as Mark Dunn FCIOB, FIoR, Vice Chair of the IoR, explained: “The Board of Governors at the IoR remain in discussions with the CIOB about ways to move forward on behalf of IoR members, and we will provide updates in due course.” He continued: “In the meantime, we’d like to thank Kay for her contribution and dedication to the IoR, and wish her well for the future.” 👀 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/erDJgtnD #roofing #roofers #roofingcontractors #roofingskills #careersinroofing #bestpractice #construction

🗣 Some key quotes from the December issue... P16: "There's a fantastic number of contractors out there doing great work, which must be celebrated" Bob Richardson of NFRC shares his tips for submitting a strong entry for the UK Roofing Awards 2025 P18-26: "We need to proactively embrace best practices across the industry as we take the first steps on the long road toward necessary wholesale culture change" Joan Ferrer MIoD of Ravago Building Solutions UK is one of the many contributors to our packed sector Reflections & Forecasts feature P30: "With clear guidance on ventilation, contractors can confidently install roof-integrated solar panels without compromising roof integrity or performance" Stuart Nicholson of Marley discusses NHBC's updated guidance on ventilation requirements for roof-integrated PV panels P34: "While low-pitched roofs could lend a sleek, modern look to a building, they often required frequent maintenance and repairs to address water pooling, leakage, and weather-related wear" Paul Duffy of Onduline Building Products Limited, explores the evolution of low-pitched roofing, the key challenges it has faced, and the innovations that are shaping its future P38: "Clearly, the aim is to keep the risk to occupant safety as low as possible. However, each project is different and has its own unique requirements, and it's important not to lose sight of this in specification" The team at MINSTER discuss some of the key considerations when it comes to façade specification P40: "Every building is different, so there will never be two identical projects where a previously used method for fixing these elements into position can be applied with total confidence" Carlton Jones of MCRMA highlights the importance of correctly designing and installing flashings and fabrications to ensure the metal building envelope delivers on its performance promise P42: "The ‘correct’ level of airtightness is project specific" the team A.Proctor Group Ltd. address contradictions and misconceptions around airtightness P46: "The end goal should always be to complete the insulation in all elements of the building fabric to maximise thermal efficiency and occupant comfort" Bradley Hirst of Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland offers advice on retrofitting insulation in suspended timber floors P52: “Yes, comfort matters on the job, but even minor alterations can compromise gear integrity, leading to serious consequences in the event of an accident" Elle Clarke of Milwaukee Tool UK highlights the problems around self-modified PPE and workwear 📸 Thanks to Don & Low Ltd for the fantastic cover artwork – Head to page 28 to read about Roofshield®: The Forever Original Roofing Membrane, Enhanced for the Future. 👀 View the full December issue here: https://lnkd.in/eJirNrZ #roofing #roofers #roofingcontractors #facades #cladding #installers #solarpv #construction #healthandsafety #careersinconstruction

🏆 Congratulations to all the team at the Roberts Group who took home the prestigious edie Net-Zero Strategy of the Year (SME) Award! The manufacturer of advanced liquid solutions, which includes Polyroof and Restec Roofing Systems, triumphed against tough competition and walked away with the trophy at a glittering London ceremony on Friday 29th November. The edie Net-Zero Awards reward both individuals and organisations who are spearheading the UK’s transition towards a Net-Zero carbon economy. 🗣 Discussing the award, Andrew Roberts, the Group’s Head of Sustainability, explained: “We are elated to be the recipients of the edie Net-Zero Strategy of the Year (SME) Award, which comes as a remarkable milestone and is testament to the sustainable achievements we have already made as a business. As leaders in the manufacture of high-performance liquid solutions, we are proud to be one of the few businesses in the roofing sector receive an award of such high calibre." 👀 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eU2QZ-Qv #roofing #waterproofing #liquidsystems #roofingcontractors #construction #sustainability #builtenvironment #sustainabilitytargets #netzero #edieNetZeroAwards

🌱 Applications open for chance to pursue fully-funded PhD study on green roof function in the UK context... Wow, what a fantastic opportunity for those interested in the green roof sector! An exciting opportunity is now available to pursue a fully-funded PhD study on green roof function in the UK context, supported by the Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) doctoral research training programme. Based at The Open University (OU) in Milton Keynes, and working in collaboration with industry partners Bridgman & Bridgman LLP and the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), the successful candidate will take the lead on a new green roof experimental platform being installed on campus, to investigate the performance and ecological function of different vegetation and substrate combinations. 📆 The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 8th January 2025. 👀 Find out more about the project and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eTnyht85 Image Credit: Green roof at Old Street Station, courtesy of Eco Green Group #sustainability #greenroofs #greeninfrastructure #builtenvironment #careersinconstruction #roofing #roofers

🗣 "The much-anticipated boost from a switch in Government in July has yet to fully materialise, leaving many in the industry still waiting for a turnaround" Allan Wilen, Economic Director at Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo... 📊 The December 2024 edition of Glenigan's Construction Index shows hotel, leisure, and education projects are driving gains despite faltering residential and civils work. 🔎 The data shows: • The value of underlying starts was flat against both the preceding three months and the previous year • Residential construction-starts declined 1% during the index period and fell back 6% on 2023 figures • Non-residential project-starts grew by 9% against the three months to the end of November, finishing a tenth higher than a year ago • Civils work starting on-site dropped 17% against the preceding three months and was flat against the previous year. On a more positive note, Allan explains: "Despite current, sluggish conditions, our data forecasts a return to growth from 2025, offering the industry brighter horizons and renewed optimism as the new year approaches.” 👀 Find out more about the December 2024 edition of Glenigan's Construction Index here: https://lnkd.in/dTSUVNS8 ❓ How are you finding the market currently, and are you positive for the year ahead? #roofing #roofers #construction #facadeprojects #claddingsector #constructionprojects #constructionsector #builtenvironment #residentialsector #commercialprojects #constructionforecasts