Construction managers overseeing domestic and commercial projects incorporating green roofs are being reminded to plan especially carefully over the coming months to best manage supply chain issues created by Brexit. Many of the roll-out green roof systems popular in the UK are European imports of sedum and wildflower blankets and rely
Metal roofing has now become a viable option for almost all homes. If you are interested in the benefits of metal roofing, here are some things you should know. Replacing a roof is an expensive project and requires immense work. We interviewed a Sydney based roofing company, Exclusive Metal Roofing to get
AFTER dominating the domestic EPDM rubber flat roofing market for the past two decades, Permaroof – the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover – is expanding into the commercial sector. Building on its past experience of supplying rubber membranes to its customer base working on commercial projects and its expansion into modular projects during the UK-wide lockdown this
What can a family do when their home roof starts making scary noises? Which noises are a concern and which ones are just a normal part of roofing? There are 4 types of roof noises that can happen for different reasons. Some noises happen in new homes and others are
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020,
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’
Permaroof has completed 24,000 orders in 2019 marking its most successful year to date and the highest number of orders in its 19-year history. The significant milestone follows four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000
Construction managers overseeing domestic and commercial projects incorporating green roofs are being reminded to plan especially carefully over the coming months to best manage supply chain issues created by Brexit. Many of the roll-out green roof systems popular in the UK are European imports of sedum and wildflower blankets and rely upon delivery within a set timeframe to ensure the sedum arrives in a suitable condition for the roof to establish successfully. However high levels of freight traffic in ports, compliance with new import regulations and border disruption could delay deliveries, creating issues in the supply chain and potential delays on-site. “Maintaining close contact with your green roof supplier or manufacturer will be critical over the coming months for two reasons,” said Julian Thurbin, Director of UK grower and system supplier Wallbarn. “Firstly, the sedum element of roll-out green roofs is usually delivered to site on a ‘just in time’ basis because the plants are delicate and should not, we believe, be left rolled up for longer than 72 hours. If the blankets are held up at borders it could impact their long-term performance and create delays on-site. Clients therefore need to know how their supplier is managing the situation and the plans in place to ensure on-time deliveries. “Secondly, many British producers such as ourselves are already seeing higher than normal levels of enquiries from specifiers and purchasing departments looking to secure a home-grown green roof supply through the first quarter of 2021 and onwards. We don’t foresee demand outstripping supply but we are advising customers to plan well ahead. They should also keep dialogue open and frequent with their chosen supplier especially for larger projects or where timescales are particularly critical,” added Julian. Green roofs are a buoyant sector of the construction industry and bring huge benefits to environments they are installed into, encouraging and supporting pollinators and wildlife, controlling stormwater run-off, regulating city centre temperatures, improving air quality and being great to look at. Research has confirmed they also prolong the life of flat roofs, making them an environmentally friendly, long-lasting roofing solution. Wallbarn pioneered the M-Tray modular green roof system which contains all elements of a roll-out green roof within a portable tray that can be hand lifted into position on-site. M-Tray sedum and wildflower plants are grown in Hampshire and Wallbarn endeavours to source all elements of the system as locally as possible to maintain a low environmental footprint.
Metal roofing has now become a viable option for almost all homes. If you are interested in the benefits of metal roofing, here are some things you should know. Replacing a roof is an expensive project and requires immense work. We interviewed a Sydney based roofing company, Exclusive Metal Roofing to get their take on all things metal roofing. We learnt that there are cost efficient ways for you to get a metal roof installed that provide you complete protection from the elements. In some cases, a metal roof can be a big advantage. In other cases, the negative factors outweigh the positive factors. Let us learn more and discuss the advantages and disadvantages, so you can determine if a metal roof is right for you. What Are the Types of Metal Roofs? The metal roof is made of copper, steel, aluminum, and other metals. Every component has its distinctive features, and roofing systems generally come in two distinctive forms: metal panels and metal tiles. One seems to have an unique appearance, obviously with a metal roof, while the other is more traditional. The good news is that you can choose between traditional and modern styles because the two styles are so different. Metal sheet roof: This style does not obscure its essence. Long metal plates are stitched together vertically to give a stylish and modern look. This works best in modern style homes and keeps the look fresh and linear. Metal tile roof: This style has been carefully designed to look like a traditional roof and is available with Spanish tiles, wood, or slate. They usually have multiple factory finish layers, including granular stone topcoats, to give them a realistic look. From ground level, this appearance may not differ from the traditional appearance. The function is the same as that of the metal panel. Check out the repairing and replacing guide of the tile/shingle roofing system. What Makes a Metal Roof a Great Choice? From durability to a clean look, there are many options for metal roofs. This new roofing method uses modern materials and technology to provide you with an excellent product. So let’s see what the benefits are and see what will help you. Life expectancy: The life expectancy of a metal roof can be the same as that of your home. Most companies support their products for 20-50 years. Besides, if you paint on a metal surface, there is usually a 30-year limited warranty. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of your roof for a long time without having to worry about repairs or replacements. Complete protection: The metal roof can be sealed against water, strong wind, and snow. If you live in a snowy climate and want to hold an ice dam permanently, this could be your solution. Sustained resistance: A smooth surface avoids some of the risks that traditional roofs face. They are more resistant to mold, insects, and rot. If you are concerned about a fire, the metal roof can also achieve a fire rating of class A, the best possible rating. However, if a metal roof is placed over existing shingles, the rating may drop to C, depending on the baseline conditions. Easy and quick installation: The metal roof is easy to install and can be quickly prepared. Sometimes they can be mounted directly on top of an existing roof, saving time and money. Metal panels are surprisingly light as well, which means that savings can be made on technical projects and apartment supporting structures. Eco-friendly: Metal roofs can be made up of 95% recycled materials. Then, when the roof reaches its end of life, it can be 100% recycled. This means that it starts and ends in an environmentally friendly way! Heat conductivity: The metal roof reflects the radiant heat of the sun. The addition of specially formulated paints and cool pigments increases the effectiveness of heat reflection. This means you need less energy for air conditioning. If you want to increase performance in the colder months, increasing the dead space between the roof and the roof covering can increase insulation. Effectively prevents rain and snow: Metal roofs perfectly prevent rain and snowfall. Their interlocking panels are combined with a hard and smooth surface that effectively prevents moisture from entering the house during rain and snowfall. Why a Metal Roof Might Not Be Right for You Professionals make the idea of a metal roof sound brilliant, especially when you know you can buy roofs that look like traditional roofs. However, there are some disadvantages, ranging from initial cost to concern about whether repair or construction of additional parts is required. Let’s look at some areas that can be of concern. Expense: Metal roofs can be expensive. According to rough estimates, the cost of metal roofs is about two times higher than that of asphalt shingles. This has a longevity side to it, but sometimes the initial expense is not feasible. Noise: A problem you need to consider that metal roofs can be very noisy sometimes, and if hail or rain bothers you, it is not a great idea to have a metal roof. If you really want a metal roof, adding a concrete barrier minimizes noise and gives you the outcome you desire. The durability of Paint: Although most painted metal roofs come with a 30-year warranty, walking on them can cause additional wear. Scratches during installation will shorten the life of the paint. To increase the durability of the varnish during installation, the panel should be handled with care. Modifications: Since the metal is large, small repairs can be a challenge. Also, if you build a house yourself, it is not easy to find the right materials. Check out the evolution of roofing maintenance. What to Consider if you Decide to have a Metal Roof? If you have weighed your options and decided that a metal roof is right for you, it is time to start shopping. We provide some important features to help you choose a great product that will get you the results you want. Warranty: Please note the guarantee and its source. It
AFTER dominating the domestic EPDM rubber flat roofing market for the past two decades, Permaroof – the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover – is expanding into the commercial sector. Building on its past experience of supplying rubber membranes to its customer base working on commercial projects and its expansion into modular projects during the UK-wide lockdown this year, the business – which was set up in 1999 and is based in Derbyshire –now offers design, specification and installation on commercial projects using the proven and durable rubber membrane Firestone RubberGard EPDM. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “During our time specialising in domestic flat roofing projects, we’ve proven ourselves in the residential sector and gained unrivalled expertise of the industry. “After hitting our 20-year-old company milestone and with a record year in 2020, we were ready to expand our offering. The next logical step was to use our knowledge and move into the commercial sector – further increasing our portfolio of providing permanent solutions to age-old problems. Our vision is to become a leading commercial flat roofing supplier within just two years.” As part of the firm’s strategy to increase the delivery of large-scale installations, Permaroof has hired experienced national commercial manager Sunny Lotay to lead its new commercial flat roofing division. Adrian said: “While we’re not new to EPDM, having specialised in Firestone membranes for the past 17 years, residential rubber roofing and commercial flat roofing are two very different animals. Because of this, we’ve recruited an experienced national commercial sales manager, who will lead our new commercial flat roofing division and work with the Firestone technical team to ensure its global reputation is maintained. “Permaroof will be following Firestone’s proven business model, which has led to some very prestigious jobs around the world, totalling millions of square metres. “Through our national contractor stockist network, we have extensive access to commercial projects, which will enable us to organically tap into this source. We know we will be able to make a substantial difference in the number of projects we can bring flat roofing solutions to and we are thrilled to now be offering design, specification and installation to the commercial sector.” Sunny – who has more than 14 years’ experience under his belt – started his career at SIG Roofing where he spent almost seven years as a business development manager, followed by one year as a specification manager at SIG Design & Technology. He then moved to Saint-Gobain/Jewson as head of flat roofing. A five-year stint was followed by almost two years as a regional specification manager at Flex-R. He said: “The launch of the commercial flat roofing division in partnership with Firestone is part of Permaroof’s continued success story, which is steeped in providing waterproofing systems and solutions to its customers. “Because of the number of waterproofing solutions available for commercial flat roofing, building owners and project managers need to think in the long term and research the economics of their decisions, and this is where we can help. Our industry knowledge and experience combine to make us perfectly placed to support customers in finding the best commercial roofing system for their premises. “I’m incredibly excited to start working closely with customers to help them get the most value from their roofing system investment. From the initial design right through to the end user walking into the building, we’re on hand throughout the entire lifecycle of a built environment project, providing an excellent waterproofing solution with full technical assistance, and a warranty to back it up – providing peace of mind.” Firestone RubberGard is a high performing synthetic flat roof membrane that has an expected lifespan of more than 50 years. The system offers a unique combination of features, including superior weatherability and durability, low lifecycle cost, and high flexibility and elongation. The material is available in standard grade at 1.14mm and premium grade at 1.52mm for heavy duty installations and can be custom cut to size. Adrian added: “Since their introduction, Firestone EPDM membranes – which are backed by more than a century of Firestone experience in rubber technology – have dominated the single-ply roofing market through their proven performance, durability and flexibility over a wide range of building types. “EPDM – which has a low lifecycle cost, requiring little to no maintenance once installed correctly on a well-prepared substate – is proving to be the leading flat roof material for the future, particularly due to its environmental properties. “If you are an architect, specifier or building owner, please do get in touch with our team of experts, who can fully explain how Firestone RubberGard can benefit your commercial project.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide permanent solutions to age-old problems. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing, as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel-framed buildings. In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its 20-year history, after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market as well as quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic. Its positive end to the year follows several record months including a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
What can a family do when their home roof starts making scary noises? Which noises are a concern and which ones are just a normal part of roofing? There are 4 types of roof noises that can happen for different reasons. Some noises happen in new homes and others are part of a home aging. If the noises are causing the family concern, call a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and find the causes of the roof noises. Finding Out What Those Noises Are and If Something Needs to Be Done About Them How is a homeowner supposed to know what is causing strange noises on their roof? The best way to solve the mystery of roof noises is to contact someone such as https://eriemetalroofs.com/ or another local roofing contractor for a roof inspection. Keep track of where you hear the noises and when you hear them. Keeping a roof noise journal for a while before getting a roof inspection can be very helpful to the roofing expert inspecting the roof. The local roofing expert can tell the homeowner what the noise is caused by, how serious it is, and if repairs are needed to get rid of the noise. Some noises are an irritation, but not serious and require no repairs. These noises might have to be lived with as part of the house. 4 Types of Roof Noises and Their Causes There are 4 basic types of noises the roof can make. 1. In a new home roof or a recently replaced roof, new wood materials might have some residual moisture that dries out with time and makes cracking noises. This problem will solve itself in many cases but it is best to have a qualified roofing contractor check it out to make sure there are no repairs required. Metal roofing if improperly installed can make noises. 2. If the house has an HVAC unit such as a swamp cooler on the roof or if ductwork runs through the house’s attic, noises can occur with changing temperatures or moisture levels around the system. Dirty ductwork can also cause noises. A malfunctioning HVAC unit can even dump water on the roof causing damage to the roof and attic or a mold problem. Fans, chimney caps, and other roof-mounted equipment can be loose or improperly installed causing noises. Skylights can cause or transmit noise. 3. The outside temperature can cause the roof to make noises if it changes too quickly which causes the roofing materials to expand and contract. The expanding and contracting can cause the roof to make noises such as banging. In this situation, a roofing specialist can check the roof to make sure it has not sustained damage from extreme temperature changes. Metal roofs and other roofing materials can be affected by these temperature changes. The wind can cause roofing to make howling noises when it blows from certain directions. 4. The environment and leaks in the roof can cause noise such as dripping or plopping noises. Roof leaks can be caused by storm damage, tree branches, roof materials breaking down with age, wind damage, or missing roof tiles. There can be noise from a tree branch rubbing against the roof doing damage even before it causes the roof to leak. Trees overhanging roofs can drop small branches, leaves, and acorns on roofs causing noises. Trees can also host animals that go from the tree to the roof making scampering noises. It Is Important To find the Cause of Roof Noises It is important to find out the cause of roof noise so that it can be avoided or if there is roof damage, it can be repaired. Regular roof inspections after bad storms, or when new noises develop can help roofs to last longer and make less noise.
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of the region’s leading housing associations, converted it into 120 residential flats in the 1980’s. Midland Heart asked roofing contractor Hodgson Sayers to survey both flat and pitched roofs on the multi-storey building and advise whether repair or replacement was needed to meet current building regulations. In turn, Hodgson Sayers invited manufacturer BMI to survey and provide specifications for renewing the flat and pitched roofs because the poor condition of the existing roofs ruled out repair as an option. A BMI flat roofing system comprising areas of BMI Sealoflex liquid waterproofing and BMI Icopal bituminous waterproofing and insulation was specified for the flat roofs, and BMI Redland Cambrian tile on the pitched roofs. The Welsh-made Cambrian tile slate replicates the original slate roofing, and so meets Birmingham City Council’s conservation policy whilst offering a robust modern material that withstands severe weather conditions. “Midland Heart chose BMI because it not only met the design brief, it provided support and on-site supervision throughout the project,” said Rob Kraska, Senior Contracts Manager (planned), Midland Heart. “The BMI SpecMaster service also provides a 15-year guarantee for further reassurance. The use of Redland’s Cambrian tile slate also enabled us to meet conservation guidelines and, because it is made from recycled Welsh slate, our own environmental criteria.” He explained that the housing association had previously used different manufacturers for the flat and the pitched roofing which had caused issues, usually at the point where the two different systems met, and delays while responsibility for repair was established. “BMI Icopal and BMI Redland systems work perfectly together as they complement each other technically with the bonus of looking good. Furthermore, BMI has taken full responsibility for the design of all construction details to ensure the systems are streamlined.” The £1.2m project, which took over a year to complete, involved stripping the existing waterproofing back to the deck, repairing damaged areas and installing an insulated three-layer bituminous system. The work included dealing with the common issues of raising upstands, water checks and altering outlets and other penetrations. There were more unusual challenges too as some of the confined areas meant alternative build-ups and products had to be found. For instance, a new gutter layout had to be designed for the inner court yards to remove standing water and the complexity of the top gutters meant Sealoflex liquid waterproofing was deployed to ensure the installation was waterproof. Sealoflex was also used in conjunction with bitumen to seal the window cleaning rig support structure. “One of the greatest challenges was carrying out this lengthy project with the least disruption possible to the 180 Midland Heart tenants living in the flats,” added Kraska. “The contractors had to maintain safe access for residents at all times and strictly adhere to their own working areas. Scaffolding had to be constructed around the exterior of the apartments so that the construction team could access the different roofs, and also provide an edge protection to the entire building. “It was also essential that large quantities of roofing material were removed safely and transported quickly from the site as there is very little on-site storage and the building lies between two busy roads on the edge of Birmingham’s bustling Jewellery Quarter.” John Sayers, director of Hodgson Sayers, said: “Working together the project was carried out and completed within the required timescale. We have worked with BMI on various projects over the years and we were comfortable with the proposed products and the capability of its site team. Hodgson Sayers has a strong reputation for quality and to maintain that reputation we need to install high quality materials and BMI`s products certainly fit the bill.”
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020, it’s been two amazing consecutive months for the Derbyshire-based team with the likelihood of a healthy July too. This follows reports of 2019 being its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed: the highest figure in its history. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, attributes the success to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team, and diversification into new services and products. Adrian said: “Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic – such as supply issues, merchants closing, and roofing projects being delayed or put on hold – our team has managed to buck the trend and deliver amazing results that are a true testament to the service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we have with customers nationwide.” After increasing its warehouse capacity in 2019, as well as broadening its offering by acquiring The Skylight Company and becoming the sole distributor of Permafence, the team met the challenges posed by coronavirus rapidly and decisively. Additional stock had already been purchased in preparation for Brexit, ensuring ample supply to meet any level of demand from contractors, many of which still needed to fix damaged and leaking roofs in need of urgent maintenance. New products were also added to Permaroof’s portfolio including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely, while investment in the team was crucial with a strong focus on marketing and a new marketing co-ordinator recruited to push out a formal communications strategy. At the same time, Permaroof adapted its offering to work closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. Adrian continued: “Clear communication to both staff and customers has been vital. Pushing forward with marketing has allowed us to do this while reinforcing our brand and putting out messages of stock availability at a really important time. I have no doubt that this has been crucial to breaking our sales records during the UK lockdown. “I hope that our success proves that there is still opportunity out there for UK SMEs and that the building and construction sector is ready to bounce back and thrive. We’re certainly committed to supporting both the contractors and merchants we work with and hope that the next quarter is as positive for them all.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age old problems.” They offer this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive – 6300m2 of roof. The main contractor, Mace, appointed Itech Roofworks to remove the existing single ply, replace damaged sections of plywood, build bunding and subsequently weatherproof with the Sealoflex Ultima liquid system. A working airport such as Heathrow needs products that can be installed without affecting its operations, so Sealoflex solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing and FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane were specified. Sealoflex Ultima is virtually odourless when it is applied while FireSmart Pyrobar is self-adhesive and can be installed very quickly once the existing single-ply membrane is stripped out. The BMI technical team were tasked with supplying a roofing system with improved fire performance characteristics. BMI met this challenge and developed a bespoke solution for this specialist application; by incorporating BMI Icopal’s innovative FireSmart technology to the specific bituminous and liquid elements of the system. “Both of these are bespoke solutions devised especially for this project,” explains Simon Ashworth, Synthetics & Liquids Product Manager. Simon had surveyed the roof with Construction Director Hayley Reynolds and found that several sections exhibited signs of long-term water damage and required replacing. Together they devised a working plan that allowed the damaged sections of plywood to be replaced without interrupting the day-to-day activities of the busy terminal. Use of the Pyrobar Carrier layer permitted a swift removal and replacement of the existing single ply, constantly maintaining the waterproofing integrity of Pier 6. Even when weather stopped the roofing teams working on-site, Itech Roofworks would look to pre-laminate replacement sections of plywood to minimise any lost time and future interruptions. Hayley Reynolds, Construction Director, says: “Mike Street and Simon Ashworth from BMI put a lot of work into the tender and their knowledge and support during the project was invaluable.” Hayley’s mission was to oversee the refurbishment ‘airside’ – right next to superjumbo jets landing and taking off – without disrupting the operation of the airport. “Managing logistics, getting materials and staff on and off-site while dealing with security and a working airport was definitely challenging,” says Hayley. “As main contractor, Mace co-ordinated the project to ensure that this was achieved smoothly so the programme ran to schedule.” The scale of the project meant setting up five teams, a total of 50 operatives, on both day and night shifts, every one of whom walked more than 10 km each day. Their task was also complicated by the plant rooms on the roof which meant they had to work around and under all the pipework and ducting, often on their hands and knees. The night shift stripped out the existing mechanically-fixed single-ply and installed FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane to the existing plywood substrate to create a weatherproof roof. The day shift then applied Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free waterproofing membrane if weather permitted or prefabricated the replacement sections. The restricted working spaces on the project posed significant challenges and required a highly skilled and experienced team of installers, a member of which went on to win Craftsman of the Year at the IMA Awards 2019 in recognition of the skills he demonstrated on this project. “The technical support from BMI that underpins the 20-year guarantee was very good,” comments Hayley. “We’re very familiar with the products yet it’s always important to ensure that you’re following best practice and getting the details correct.” To make sure that workmanship met the highest standards, each team had a quality manager who marked up drawings, wrote daily reports, and inspected all aspects of the installation. Now one of the world’s busiest airport terminals, catering for the world’s largest passenger aircraft, is covered by BMI and will not need anything but routine maintenance for decades. “We’re delighted with the result of this project as it truly demonstrates how we can add value for both the client and the roofing contractor,” says Simon. “We worked together closely and came up with a bespoke solution for a very challenging situation. We not only delivered a customised solution to meet the project needs for the client, but we also supported our approved contractor in developing a way of working effectively on a terminal that’s operating 24 hours a day, every day.” Ideal for situations where a site is operational during roofing works, Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing is virtually odour-free so there is no disruption to the use of the building It is also very flexible, so that awkward penetrations to plant and equipment supports are easily waterproofed, and it benefits from wet-on-wet application, allowing faster application as the primary waterproofing elements can be applied in a single operation. The result is a robust and seamless surface finish. Simple to install, Pyrobar Underlay will waterproof exposed areas very quickly, so it lends itself to re-roofing projects where the existing membrane build-up is stripped out. This polyester reinforced SBS-modified bituminous membrane features an upper surface that is finished with Red Syntan acrylic coating. This coating reduces the weight of the material, making it easier to handle on-site whilst also providing the ideal surface to receive the Sealoflex Ultima liquid waterproofing system. For more details of BMI UK & Ireland’s flat and pitched roofing solutions, visit www.bmigroup.com/uk
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence names to its offering, Lily is tasked with further strengthening each individual company in addition to the parent Permaroof UK Ltd brand, heading up all communications activity and implementing formal marketing strategies. Lily said: “Permaroof is a leading name in the flat roofing market; it has a strong reputation for strategic growth at an impressive rate. It was this market position and the company’s move into new markets, such as fencing and artificial grass, that held great appeal as a marketeer. “Permaroof is run as a really tight-knit friendly business, which extends to its relationship with customers. This is not only enjoyable as an employee, but it’s a fantastic basis for the formal marketing strategy that will be rolled out throughout 2020.” Permaroof, which has its head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has grown rapidly since it started trading as a family business in 1999. Over the past five years, the firm has tripled its turnover. In 2019, the business celebrated its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed; the highest figure in its 19-year history. This significant milestone followed four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000 sq ft of racking to its Derbyshire head office in early 2019, allowing the addition of new product lines, as well as increasing its sales force by eight to form a nationwide team of 37. Managing director Adrian Buttress said: “Lily’s appointment reflects the growth that we achieved in 2019 and our ambition to keep down this path with the aid of a clear and recognisable brand. I’m delighted to welcome Lily to support the evolution of our products and services which continues to progress quickly, even during the coronavirus pandemic.” During the outbreak, Permaroof reacted swiftly to adapt its offering to begin working closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. As a result, Permaroof is now supplying its Firestone RubberGard EPDM roofing system to four different modular projects – including Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guilford, Bristol Royal Infirmary and Chesterfield Royal. For further information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk.
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’ to reopen parts of society – highlighting construction and manufacturing as an example of an industry where returning to work would now be explicitly encouraged. With this in mind, Adrian Buttress, managing director at Permaroof, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, shares his top tips on how traders can continue to work effectively and safely with both suppliers and customers. He said: “Many roofing installers have continued to work throughout the pandemic and now, the rest of the industry is being encouraged to return to their jobs. We recommend contractors strictly implement the government’s social distancing requirements and avoid public transport to minimise the risk of spreading the virus and keep the public – as well as themselves – safe.” Be organised when collecting materials “Despite lots of workers now being encouraged to go back into their workplace, this doesn’t mean everything will go back to as it was pre-pandemic straight away. “At the moment, you’re probably not going to be able to go to a trade counter and decide what you need while there. You will need to know exactly what you want beforehand and pre-order the stock so the guidelines in place can be strictly adhered to. It’s also important to stay on top of stock checks so you know exactly what you have already to avoid placing unnecessary orders.” Expect delays “Most businesses are running on skeleton staff who will be working different shifts and will have changed their ways of working to continue trading, meaning processes may be slower. When ordering from the merchant counter, it’s likely your order may take longer to fulfil than normal. To avoid this impacting on your business, forward plan and place orders before stocks become critically low.” Organising quotations “When carrying out quotations, it’s important to communicate with customers clearly. Tell them to stay inside while you get up the ladder and take the measurements. The quotation can then be sent over email – offering a completely contactless service.” Offering a contactless service “Once you’ve got the materials and secured the job, work to pre-arrange any electricity extensions to be put outside the building so you don’t have to go inside the home. Also, it’s worth thinking about toilet facilities and how you’re going to access these safely while staying away from the customer. “Sadly, tea and coffee should be off the cards too and make sure you’re sanitising as you go along. Not only is all of the above good practice in terms of health and safety, it’s all good for the customer to see that you care about their wellbeing. “When it comes to roofs, things can go wrong and urgent maintenance and repairs sometimes need to be carried out without further delay to avoid problems down the line. However, it’s vital that these take place safely to avoid the further spread of the virus.” For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
Permaroof has completed 24,000 orders in 2019 marking its most successful year to date and the highest number of orders in its 19-year history. The significant milestone follows four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000 sq ft of racking to its Derbyshire head office in early 2019, allowing the addition of new product lines, as well as increasing its sales force by eight to form a nationwide team of 37. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, said: “This has been a stellar year for Permaroof in terms of the growth of our team, services and products. The resulting sales figures are testament to the quality of our staff and the service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we’ve built with merchants and contractors nationwide. “I’m incredibly proud not just of the number of sales but the types of projects we’re now working on. As we’ve recently launched into the commercial sector, we sold our largest roof to date at 12,000 m2. I’m similarly delighted that we trained more than 500 professionals through our in-house courses; working to improve standards of installation and the reputation of the flat roofing market throughout the UK.” The business also acquired The Skylight Company and became the sole distributor of Permafence in 2019, reflecting its strategy of offering high-quality, permanent solutions to age old building and DIY problems. Adrian continued: “Next year will see continued investment and growth; something that’s vital to continue the excellent support of the merchants and the contractors who work with us. We are looking to double our sales force to build even stronger ties across our customer network, launch a range of new, innovative products, and celebrate our 20th anniversary in style.”
