LRWA and SPRA Join Forces to Tackle Flat Roofing Issues

THE LIQUID ROOFING AND Waterproofing Association (LRWA) and the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) have hosted an industry workshop alongside The British Board of Agrément (BBA) to offer support to the flat roofing industry as it works through a complex period of change.

Following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, organisations across the roofing industry are faced with major changes in Building Regulations and the need for verified product testing.

The event, the first of its kind, was attended by more than 60 people from manufacturing companies and contractor firms, with the LRWA and SPRA working together to support and guide the flat roofing industry.

Guide to new regulations

Issues that are already having the biggest impact on construction were discussed, including the ban on combustible materials, which gave attendees the opportunity to look into the Building Regulations in ‘Approved Document B – Fire Safety’ in more detail.

The workshop also provided an overview of ‘BS 8759: Guide to the design of balconies and terraces’, which is currently out for public consultation, and discussed other areas that need clarification for the flat roofing industry.

Additionally, the event helped to develop closer working relationships with certification bodies, like the BBA.

Newly appointed CEO of the BBA, Hardy Giesler, said, “For me, an important question we needed to discuss at the workshop was, ‘how do we work together to lead change in construction?’.

“Working with trade associations such as LRWA and SPRA is certainly an important aspect of engaging with our clients and markets.

“This is why events like these are crucial for the survival of our industry and it was encouraging to see so many people talking through current issues, networking and sharing problems which we aimed to find answers for.”

From left: Dr Ronan Brunton SPRA, Hardy Giesler BBA, Sarah Spink LRWA

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, said, “On behalf of both the LRWA and SPRA, I’d like to thank everyone who came along to this workshop.

“It was an absolutely fantastic event and a great example of how associations should be working together – especially as we’re trying to navigate a number of huge changes in our industry.

“The ban on combustible materials is a particularly important topic, and one which has caused confusion within our sector already.

“In a post-Grenfell era, product certification will only become more important, so it is at times like these we need to work together and tackle issues head-on.

“The workshop was a great success and we look forward to working in partnership with other key bodies more closely in the future.”