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After many challenging and enjoyable years working within the roofing business I find myself discussing the subject of 'warranty' more and more. Never has this word been more poignant in our day-to-day discussions, or for investors' pockets.

Gone are the days when we used to supply mainly carbon steel fixings, maybe with a SELA head. Rarely was life expectancy asked about, "10 years will do" was the norm, and we shipped millions without question. Post recession things have changed, 25 years plus is now very typical for a building's design and "costing" life, and for this, a warranted product is essential.

There is no doubt that this has been driven by the increasingly onerous Building Regulations and the concerns of the building owner and/or landlord whose asset value, and/or rental value, is closely tied to regulation compliance. Too many have paid high prices for a poorly performing building; lessons sadly are still being learnt. The investor and developer are increasingly looking for assurance that the structure will perform within Building Regulations and at least achieve its investment and cost plan throughout its lifetime. Therefore, it is increasingly vital that the products being installed combine to facilitate Part L criteria such as reduced air leakage, and be able to stand the test of time and perform structurally and aesthetically for the full 25 years investment period.

It is then no surprise that the demand for a genuine performance warranty from contractors is drastically on the increase and will influence tender acceptance. This is becoming a part of the pre qualification process. While some contractors may be happy to offer any warranty in order to gain advantage, street wise developers will probe to ensure that the warranty is valid and securely backed, not just a simple headline.

So, what can the responsible contractor do? My advice is to seek detailed equivalent warranties from the manufacturers; the devil is in the detail, we all know this! Taking just a few minutes to go over a short check list will minimise potential liabilities for the solid and successful contracting business.

• Is the product and warranty supplied by a manufacturer or a re seller?
• Check who is really manufacturing your purchase and to what quality standards and warranty term? 
• A number of re sellers "manufacture" a very limited range in the UK and source the bulk of their products from lower cost sources around the globe. Dig deep and check the paper warranty from a UK manufacturer really covers product that is out sourced. 
• Which business is responsible for the warranty liability?
• What is the "full" warranty term? Is it decreasing liability?
• Does the issuing business really have the financial strength to support the warranty? If not is it really worthless?
• Are there limitations in the event the warranty is invoked? E.G. claims are limited to the value of product supplied on the project. Claims are limited to the free issue of replacement fasteners or sealant only. There is some sort of excess due by the contractor?
• Are consequential costs covered in any way?
• Beware insurance backed warranties, this is a minefield, most companies fall back on product liability insurance, very, very few have specific insurance for a warranty and those that really do have cover for a max of 10 year periods.

I appreciate that small components such as fasteners are often seen as an insignificant part of the total value of the materials purchased, yet I cannot reiterate enough the essential role they play in sustaining the building's long term integrity.

It remains bewildering therefore, given the lesser value of these components, that contractors significantly increase their total risk in order to save only a few pence short term. The pursuit of profit for further investment in any business is an obvious driver, but one that must be balanced with common sense risk management decisions. Investors are trying to find ways to minimise their risk and building component warranties are a tool here to stay.

So even when times are tight and contracts are fiercely contested, we all need to think carefully about critical product specification compromise. Developers and management contractors will be scrutinising contracts and tenders ever more carefully, looking for unacceptable corner cutting; that competitive edge you think you hope to get may cost you much more than you save.

Have you had any similar experiences with warranties or building failures? It would be great to hear feedback on the challenges others face when matching Building Regulation criteria and cost so please share your thoughts below.

Just wondering, as I look down from my office window at the builders merchants yard next door which is half empty, what we have to do to get the industry back constructing again, and what contractors (and us) need to look at to meet the challenges of these times.

While the metal roofing and cladding industry remain in the current change mode, it's adapt or die in many cases. This has been forced by the decline in demand for traditional metal roofing since the 2008 recession, so many contractors are turning to wider building envelope applications.

All of us should make the effort to evolve with the shifting market. Materials and architectural designs are becoming more complex as demand has become more sophisticated and manufacturing has developed to accommodate for a new era of design, and all with impressive aesthetic results. We are seeing the rise of the "envelope contractor".

Shed construction used to be our bread and butter. No longer – schools, hospitals, offices and larger domestic construction have filled the demand hole. Materials like glass are being specified more regularly due to its visual appeal and ability to add new dimensions within construction, including rainscreens.

Terracotta materials, used worldwide for many years are now much more in demand across the UK. Their aesthetics and durability are valued, specifically in façades and rainscreens. Many lead OEMs have innovated in this sector bringing a wide range of façade choice.

So as well as protecting the direct exterior of a building from weather and other extremities, trends in modern architecture have made rainscreen systems as fashionable as they are functional. This has resulted in their increased specification, particularly within the growing retrofit market.

More of us than ever have been involved in refurbishment than new build projects during the last 12 to 18 month. This is because there are many advantages: greater cost savings; increased speed to market due to the reduced demolition time; fluid cash flow as the building can usually remain open and functioning during work; original building features can be retained; and projects are usually more sustainable with a lower impact on the environment.

Those roofing contractors who have benefited from this shift have done so by expanding their knowledge. The latest generation of systems, with more skills to design and install them correctly, are required to deliver an increasingly complex outer shell. The contractor must ensure a building performs and functions efficiently and meets the necessary standards and regulations.

We know that EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) and Building Regulations must be adhered to in any instance, but in a retrofit project the most likely area in which a building may fail is at the interface. So if you are an envelope contractor, you must become an expert not only in your specialist area but in all elements of the building envelope.

For example, the installation of a rainscreen façade, as opposed to a composite panel or typical built up construction, differs in application and requires a different skill set. Without the skills and knowledge required to deliver these progressively more complex specifications, you could lose out on vital business.

You are not alone. Organisations like The Rainscreen Association (TRA), which has very recently been launched, have been created to provide contractors and installers with guidance on industry best practice and training programmes to help them keep up to date. Constituted within the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the launch of the TRA training programmes will help contractors to qualify to an NVQ level.

You need this kind of formal training. If you install rainscreen and façade systems incorrectly, it can have a negative impact on your business.

For example, you must be aware that carbon steel fasteners must not be used with aluminium sheeting or structural elements. The likelihood of electrolytic reaction between the dissimilar metals may lead to rapid corrosion of the fastener; it is only austenitic stainless steel fasteners which can be used alongside aluminium. Get this wrong and the safety of the building could be at risk.

Alignment of façades is another installation discipline where you need the insight that training can provide. A poorly aligned façade can be an expensive disaster.

Only if you equip yourself with the proper knowledge and expertise will you be able to compete within the new total envelope business. Increasing sophistication and the need for improved quality of build is what is in front of our industry; knowhow and minimising the risk of getting it wrong through innovation and training will help.

Sat on a train from Cheltenham to Leeds, I thought I would share my thoughts on the events of 2010. The year began with great uncertainty as projects planned for quarter one and two were placed on hold and quickly reduced in number. The project "bank" was at its lowest for over 15 years. On existing projects, poor weather conditions at the start of the year also caused massive delays for businesses across the supply chain, inevitably increasing the amount of pressure to complete across a shorter time scale.

Investors awaited financial clarity as the general election beckoned. Money was there to invest but the environment was far too uncertain and high risk to take chances. Demand for warehouses and distribution centres was at a record low.

The slow start to the year was quickly followed by a more productive quarter two and further improvements in project starts and tenders in quarter three. Activity started to reflect at least budget levels, but big projects were still being put on hold. Following the general election, we found that project delays began to reduce and the industry as a whole got back on track. It was good to see many large projects being kick-started and although there will be cut backs within the PFI sector, this will not be significant until 2012. And all of this as revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations were again implemented on 1st October.

Against these many challenges, it was pleasing to see so many lead specialist contractors and manufacturers survive through the year. There is now a more constant stream of work moving into 2011, in comparison with the latter end of 2010. We are all coming to terms with the implications of the revisions to the Building Regulations with further changes to airtightness specifications and an increase in ‘built’ costs, to name but a few. We can all draw positives on this as the stricter guidelines mean the assurance that a building will be airtight, now holds more ‘weight’ with clients and architects.

Post recession, manufacturers which have experienced the "innovate or die" conundrum have thrown themselves feet first into the development of new products, bringing exciting new innovations such as the TIA mechanical fix for easy tapered installation, to the fore. In addition, we have seen an increase in the number of quotes and tenders being completed by contractors, but they continue to face challenges on price levels. The good news is that work is being won but at barely above overhead recovery levels. Any profit to be had is very small as the building procurement process differentiates the simplest way it can - ever lower prices.

At SFS intec, we haven’t just sat by and watched this happen but looked to see how we can help. Never before have application and fastener solutions that truly take cost out of the build been more needed. Building in the same way as last year, accepting an even lower price for the same products and services, may result in business failure. I fear many will still experience this next year.

SFS intec and a number of our partner system manufacturers are, and have brought to market, innovative products and services that bring real in-place cost savings compared to thinking and doing things the way we ‘always’ have. ‘Game’ changing product design now exists, allowing the enlightened contractor to move with the times with reduced risk. For example, the modern and high performance thread design of the New Generation SX fastener maximised in design with secondary steelwork, allowing significant cost savings in steel purchases.

As we continue to face economic challenges, collaboration between parties in the supply chain at the early design stage will save thousands of pounds at the contract stage, as we have proved time and time again. The contractor must adapt and liaise with the manufacturer early in the process to take advantage of product and service innovations, and allow them to help reduce project costs at the tender stage. The sector cannot survive on lower prices for long. Now more than ever, we need to embrace the innovation that is out there, designing smarter without increasing business risk. A closer partnership between manufacturers and envelope contractors will provide the win-win situation for a more prosperous year for all.

Since the launch of our i-Van training initiative in September 2008, our demonstrations at customer premises have gone from strength to strength. The mobile service provides a truly hands-on industry training session all across the UK, from the Highlands of Scotland to the City of London.

On our most recent tour we visited Ireland and teamed up with Tech Fasteners to introduce ourselves and the i-Van service to roofing contractors in the local area. We visited a number of companies across two weeks and got a very positive response. All who attended were really impressed with the new generation SX range of fasteners and said how beneficial it was to be able to see a digital read out of a pull-out test comparison.

We often find that contractors have preconceived ideas about products and services, especially if they are new or unknown to them. But I can safely say that the i-Van team are able to abolish these by providing free and essential, interactive tutorials and demonstrations, so when we leave at the end of the training, the customer is much more aware of the vastly improved fastener performance particularly when used against lower quality products. For example our new pod cast shows the huge difference in drilling times that can be achieved with the new generation SX14 for hot rolled applications - over 3 times faster than competitor products.

The seminars last approximately one hour and introduce contractors to the latest stainless steel fastener innovations. We demonstrate how to optimise the full structural performance of the new SFS intec fasteners which enable value engineering options to be taken, removing the cost out of the whole construction. A short presentation on the new changes to Part L of the Building Regulations is also included, highlighting what we can expect in the future.

The i-Van touring service is valuable and beneficial for contractors and can easily be fitted into a working day. For more information or to book a visit from the i-Van team, please contact your local SFS intec representative.

•    Paul Priestly, South West and Wales, email: prpa@sfsintec.biz
•    Stewart Morgan, North East, email; most@sfsintec.biz
•    Craig Winstanley, North West, email; wcra@sfsintec.biz
•    Mick Steeples, Midlands and South East, email; smic@sfsintec.biz
•    Dave Osborne, Scotland, email; osda@sfsintec.biz

I wanted to address a reoccurring theme which has been raised in many of the conversations I have had with contractors and customers over the past 12 months and which is a ‘hot topic’ for the industry as a whole -  meeting airtightness requirements and concerns over the impending changes to Part L.

As we all know, airtightness is an increasingly critical factor for any build programme, however many of the reasons for non compliance with the design needs are overlooked until it’s too late. Many of you will have already seen presentations on insulation thickness not being the sole answer to energy efficiency, so I won’t touch on that now.

Instead I will focus on some new solutions which are coming to the market which concentrate on another problem for contractors, speed of fix. We have been working on a new stainless steel fastener range which will revolutionise envelope construction and, I am pleased to say, it is now available in the UK.

Everyone in the building trade knows just how critical onsite time is, so we have ensured that we have incorporated this into our designs. The new self drilling SX fasteners feature a hardened drill point and recessed washer which enable faster installation and also improve structural performance.

Don’t just take my word for it. To guarantee the quality and improved performance, we hosted some trials to test how quickly the new fasteners could be installed. Our results showed that you can drill up to 3 times quicker than all other generic imported stainless screws. Our on-site demonstrations prove fixers can save hours of installation time on a job, which would be a massive benefit to any project, whilst still fixing perfectly every time.

And we didn’t stop there. The range also features a step change thread design with a unique asymmetric ‘sharks-tooth’ profile within the screw thread of the fastener. This gives rapid thread engagement in the sub structure material, providing improved pull-out resistance and greater structural performance.

The drill point is another strong feature - we have made the fastener from hardened carbon steel with a longer pilot point, making it very different from imported general construction fasteners. And whereas many traditional fasteners fail due to premature thread stripping, the advanced SX fastener overcomes this issue.

And reverting back to our opening remarks on airtightness, the SX has a genuine EPDM washer with a new recess design in the fastener head. This helps to prevent washer inversion through overdriving, and EPDM ensures better airtightness compliance over the fastener design life.

At some point many contractors and installers will have had to use multiple fastener stocks but the new SX range, which has three fastener types, reduces the need for this as the individual SX application types each have a broader installation range.

There is a lot more to tell you about the range, but why not see for yourself by watching our online podcast. Better yet, give one of the team a call and we would be happy to talk you through the benefits for your project and give you a demonstration with our I-van at your offices.

NEW ROOF FIRMLY FASTENED ON £22 MILLION
GLOUCESTERSHIRE HOSPITAL

Posted by Martyn Holloway, Product Manager for SFS intec.
25th June 2010

We have completed our first project using the new ISO-TAK® TIA fastening system at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s £22 million Women’s Centre

Our new thermal break, self-adjusting fastener system was specified by roofing contractors Single Ply Services Ltd to secure the 2,000 m2 flat roof on the hospital.

The roof area consisted of a concrete deck followed by a 1 in 60 tapered insulation scheme, above which was installed a mechanically fastened single ply membrane.

During the construction, I visited the hospital on many occasions to chat with Single Ply Service’s on-site team. Their reaction was very positive, and it was great to see how our tools and fasteners do their job to help contractors. The team were impressed with SFS intec’s ZAK drill extensions and ZVK-STOP drill bits because it meant that drilling could be undertaken standing up and without having to measure the depth required. What's more it also cored out the insulation making insertion of the fastener sleeves almost effortless!!

Using the ISO-TAK® TIA system, fewer fastener combinations were required due to the self adjusting capability of the product. The same fastener and sleeve combination can be used for changes of insulation

thickness of up to 100mm. This certainly made order procurement and site management much easier and helped to significantly reduce the installation time at the Gloucestershire project.

The team were certainly surprised by how few drill bits were used - half the number that would conventionally be required in fact. This unexpected cost saving is not really surprising considering the reduced drilling required with TIA. Working at a reduced depth also meant that the drill bits stayed well clear of the reinforcement bars, thereby extending the life of the drill bits further.

In true British style the team from Single Ply Service’s had to battle with mixed weather conditions during construction, including both rain and frost. In addition, the exposed site, demanded high design load requirements from the fixing system. It was great to see how using the ISO-TAK® TIA fastening system, the installers were able to mechanically fix into the concrete deck, even when temperatures were below 5°C.

See how simple and quick the installation of the tapered flat roof, including Sika Trocal membrane, was by watching our new video.

If you would like more information on the ISO-TAK® TIA system please contact me on: 07785 577197 or email: holm@sfsintec.biz

- ENDS -

Chris Duffy, Specification Manager for SFS intec, provides an update on SFS intec’s new CPD seminar.

“As we all brace ourselves for the next changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which will take effect next next year, we have been busy preparing a new seminar to soothe the transition. 

With RIBA accreditation, this new CPD seminar on Airtightness and Thermal Efficiency provides advice for architects and specifiers when designing building envelopes to meet the more stringent airtightness and energy efficiency requirements demanded by the new legislation.

Air leakage and ingress through the building envelope is recognised as a principle area of heat and energy loss. Airtightness will be a key factor in meeting the proposed 25% reduction in CO² levels suggested in the 2010 revision of Part L2 Building Regulations and specifiers have made it clear to us that they are eager to understand simple best practice.

The 1 hour seminar covers:
- The main points of energy loss with examples and case studies
- How this can be overcome in several different design details
- The major changes in the new Part L Regulations
- The future for energy efficient and air tight envelope design 
- How control of airtightness through design and specification of purpose  designed fasteners and sealants is the most effective method to meet the 2010 efficiency requirements

The Specification team has already been touring the country with the seminar and enjoyed 150 bookings in the first six months!
 
If you have any specific questions regarding the changes to Building Regulations or fasteners for roofing and cladding, please give the technical team a call on 0113 2085 500.

To find out where the seminar’s are taking place in your area, contact Claire Pearson on 0113 2085 500.

We went on our annual SFS intec sales conference last week and in true British summer spirit the SFS intec team hit the sunny Cornish Coast, with our tents and raincoats in tow.

Every year we all do something as a team that is challenging and rewarding, and this year was no exception. We were to hit the open sea in kayaks.

Let me set the scene… 

We were all lined up on the beach in this tiny cove at St Quin, prepared in our wet suits and helmets - all awaiting the important announcement - who would be teamed up with whom!  I knew who I wanted to be with, so I aimed straight in Martyn Holloway, our Business Development Manager’s, direction because I knew he wouldn't want to be with someone who would 'rock the boat'.

As it happens I've been kayaking before and so I reassured him that he'd be safe with me in his boat.  There's a very good reason for this, Martyn can't swim and he hasn't been in a small boat before and so was very nervous.  He had told me earlier that his teenage daughter had been kayaking and so was determined that he wouldn't bottle it!  “Never!” I said - would that happen.  I knew what it meant to Martyn to go home and tell his daughter what a great time he had and how he overcame his nerves and rose to the challenge, especially when you're nearly 50 and others who were up for it were a lot older!

I have to say Martyn certainly conquered his fears, we were the last team to come in and we even followed the tutors out to the headland on some quite choppy water - heaven knows what we'd have done if we'd gone over - even I was a little spooked!  But we kept our heads and came in thoroughly whacked but so exhilarated.  The first thing Martyn said when we landed was "Can't wait to ring her when we get back."

Well done Mart, I was so proud of you…and you kept me dry when everyone else got a good dunking! 

Connie

I wonder why lobbying groups and national newspapers continue to talk about air traffic’s contribution to carbon emissions when buildings contribute over 40% of total emissions! The construction industry continues to remain low on the radar despite the prominent role it clearly plays.

Carbon tax and CO₂ reduction were top talking points in this year’s Budget and I think we all acknowledge this will have a significant impact on the future of the building industry. But there is little recognition or appreciation of the role the sector can play in reducing total emissions.

Under the Climate Change Act, the Government has set limits on carbon emissions for the next 40 years, aiming to reduce emissions by 80% (compared to 1990) by 2050. A series of five-year targets are being imposed, and the UK is reportedly on target to meet the first 22% reduction by 2012.

As one of the biggest consumers of global energy, buildings as a whole are now being targeted. Research by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has revealed that the world’s houses and office buildings consume 40% of global energy and emit the same proportion of gases. (At this point I switch the television and printer off at the plug).

Of course, all of us involved in the roofing and cladding industry may feel we have been there before. But are you aware of the series of changes to the Building Regulations Part L (in Scotland Technical Standards Part J) that are being stacked up to achieve this, with the aim of 34% reduction by 2020?

It is anticipated that by April next year the first steps will be introduced, followed by more in 2013, which is why we need to take actions now to be ready for new changes in the future.

The industry is faced with the scenario that excessive energy consumption (including CO₂ emissions) is going to be hammered by both legislative and economic pressures. As energy and CO₂ footprints become a general business issue - perhaps even taxed - building occupiers and building owners will be demanding proof of long term efficiency.

One of the main contributors to carbon emissions is air leakage from the interfaces and lap joints within many types of roofing and cladding materials, which significantly reduces the thermal efficiency of a building. At SFS intec, we have been working hard to provide the industry with warranted butyl sealants that are designed to perform to the rigorous standards demanded by the Building Regulations, with a 25 year warranty providing sustainable performance.

Similarly, in response to innovation in the building envelope, we have developed a range of bespoke austenitic stainless steel fasteners for each specific application, including composite panel, built up roofing, aluminium standing seam, single ply, and rainscreen and façades. Examples of these can be found on the products pages of this site.

As we fight to rise out of recession and strive to make measureable cost-efficiencies when it comes to commercial and other non-residential properties, it is clear that improving our installation practices and using warranted materials are central to the future of construction.

Last September we vowed to bring essential free training to specifiers, designers, estimators and contractors across the UK with SFS intec’s mobile i-Van service. Since then we have visited over 50 locations, from Scotland to the South West and central London, bringing essential building regulation advice and hands-on product training to the industry.

Geared out with the latest product solutions and high tech equipment, we bring the training to you to ensure installers and estimators are up-to-date on fixing techniques without losing time on site and potential earnings.

In just two hours we can introduce the latest fastener innovations and identify the long-term, air-tight solutions available through SFS intec fasteners and ancillary products.

Keeping up with the latest changes in Building Regulations can be difficult, which is why our short presentation summary is so useful. We also prepare contractors for new changes about to come in to ensure your builds are air tight. New energy performance requirements, which were introduced in Part L, mean that all new buildings need an Energy Performance Certificate. The airtight security that SFS intec’s fasteners provide guarantee that contractors can limit their liabilities in the future.

The i-Van gives contractors valuable practical experience and can be easily fitted into the working day. Our visits have been so successful that many customers have requested re-visits to bring the training to the wider team.

This week the i-Van will be visiting the North East so look out for us on the road.

If you would like more information or a visit from the i-Van please contact your local SFS intec representative.

• Paul Priestly, South West, email: prpa@sfsintec.biz
• Paul Roberts, South East, email: rpau@sfsintec.biz
• Stewart Morgan, North East, email: most@sfsintec.biz
• Craig Winstanley, North West, email: wcra@sfsintec.biz
• Mick Steeples, Midlands, email: smic@sfsintec.biz
• Dave Osborne, Scotland, email: osda@sfsintec.biz