Articles

Beneficial for space-saving, energy efficiency and housing mechanical and electrical equipment, flat roofs are commonly specified for diverse applications across many sectors. Considering this, Will Wigfield, product manager – flat roof at ROCKWOOL UK, examines the role of the modern roof, discusses why it is susceptible to fire hazards, and offers best practice advice on how best to mitigate these.

Whilst the UK has been an industrial leader for decades, shifting trends in manufacturing has meant output has been overtaken by several other countries. However, industrial technology is advancing and with the UK at the forefront, this could restore the country's industrial leadership.

Stuart Hicks, chief executive officer of the Institute of Roofing, offers RCI readers advice and guidance on home-based learning, and why upskilling is more important than ever

With an open-led government consultation to review the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings, Paul Richards, managing director of Aquarian Cladding Systems, discusses why a balanced explanation is needed to enable stakeholders to make an informed decision on materials

While the outward appearance of roofs may not have changed a great deal, there have been many developments in the last 50 years to improve the quality, performance, and durability of tile and slate pitched roofs, as John Mercer, a technical roofing consultant, writing on behalf of Edilians, explains in this article.

Turning unloved and little-used flat roof spaces into beautifully finished paved areas or lush green roofs is a speciality that Wallbarn has built its reputation upon. The business, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is a leader in both areas, but jokes that it is the really successful company that many people are unaware of. RCI spoke with Julian Thurbin, director at Wallbarn to find out more.

The new guidance from the Trussed Rafter Association provides builders with design options to meet the fire resistance requirements for trussed rafter ceiling constructions in individual homes.

James Sainsbury, fall protection sales leader for MSA Safety, explains why a holistic approach to safety is needed, and highlights the potential risks of making ill-informed changes to a defined safety system specification

Supply chain collaboration, pressure to build quickly and skills shortages are top of the list of productivity challenges for construction professionals, according to new research from Etex.

Shaun Revill, trading director at SR Timber, says his team has long championed the use of quality, compliant roofing batten, while being vocal about its frustration at the lack of proper policing of UK standards. However, in a short space of time, two new bodies have been announced to police and drive-up standards in construction and housebuilding. Shaun asks whether this is going to bring about genuine change for the roofing sector.