The Twelve Months of Roof-mas

Roofing Today looks back at 2018’s most read roofing news in 2018.

With Christmas just around the corner and 2019 fast approaching, ranked from number 12 to the most read story in the number 1 spot, the rundown is based on page views from our readers.

12. Hero Roofing Contractors Rescue Family from Cowboy Builder Nightmare

In at number 12 is the hero roofing contractor who saved a family from their nightmare after cowboy builders left them without doors, windows or heating. BPL Roofing came to the rescue, repairing the roof for free.

11. Wales National Roofing Training Group Going from Strength to Strength

At number 11 is the Wales National Training Group. Published in January, the story focused on the group’s award-winning trainer, Andy Rowlands, and the courses it offers to aspiring roofers at its Training Hub in Caerphilly.

10. Roofing Materials Cartel Probe Still Continues a Year On

10. An update into a suspected UK roofing materials cartel by the Competition and Markets Authority takes the tenth spot. The watchdog announced that it would continue its investigation into UK roofing in August, attracting the attention of our readers!

9. Fake CSCS Card Gang Jailed

In at no. 9 is a construction related story, about a gang who conspired to manufacture and supply fake Constructions Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

8. Court Case Highlights Spec Change Dangers

No. 8 In August, a Northern Irish high court case highlighted challenges that can be faced when a specification is changed. The story included invaluable advice from BBA Deputy CEO Brian Moore.

7. Irish Waterproofing Specialists Continue Expansion with Partnership

In seventh place, Moy Materials Ltd announced its partnership with world-renowned PVC manufacturers, Protan in April. The announcement took the industry by storm and enabled both companies to develop customer bases and focus on delivering high value waterproofing projects across Europe to new and existing clients.

6. Roofing Specialist Makes Dakea Ultima its First Choice

Dakea is in at number 6, with its high-quality installations on a number of residential refurbishment properties. North East based roofing company, Roof Trust, opted for the Dakea Ultima roof windows for three separate refurbishment installs in the Newcastle area.

5. Government Decision Leaves Roofers Hot and Bothered

“Five gold rings...” – Number 5 – Following the summer heatwave this year, the government rejected recommendations that a maximum working temperature should be introduced for workers, disappointing many roofers who endured taxing working conditions over weeks of searing heat.

4. Roof Truss Manufacturer Fined after Worker Crush Injury Breaks 14 Ribs

In fourth place is one of our many health and safety stories covered this year. Bartram Timber was fined £82,000 back in July, following a worker suffering multiple fractures after a fork lift truck reversed into a stack of roof trusses which fell onto him. The employee was left with several fractures to his knee cap and 14 ribs.

3. Imerys Roof Tiles Changes Its Name to Edilians

At number 3 is Imerys Toiture, which in October announced that it had changed its name to Edilians. The company said it chose the name because it combines edification (or improvement) with alliance representing its collaboration with roofing contractors.

2. CUPA Group Acquires 100% of Burton Roofing Merchants 

At number 2 is news that the CUPA Group acquired the remaining share capital in Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd this summer. The natural slate manufacturer now owns 100% of the popular roofing Merchants.

1. New Dry Fix Standard BS 8612 Launched

In the top spot was the Dry Fix Standard for UK roofing launch at the end of January 2018. The story was the most read on the Roofing Today website this year, with roofers gaining insight into Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Slating and Tiling minimum performance requirements.