Russell Roof Tiles is calling for closer collaboration between merchants and manufacturers.
In the construction sector today, there is a growing maze of complexities, making it a challenging place – with stricter regulations, continued demand, and tighter schedules, all combining to create the perfect storm.
The Grenfell Tower fire had a profound impact on the sector, resulting in heightened scrutiny of building regulations and increased concerns over materials. This disaster spurred a major regulatory overhaul, leading to stricter safety standards and greater accountability, particularly in specification.
Grenfell triggered the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the Building Safety Act, to oversee construction practices. This has resulted in higher costs and added complexities despite a welcome prioritisation of safety.
New regulations introduced duty holders for compliance, emphasising the importance of an integrated approach. Deviating from specified components may lead to unnecessary complexity in investigation, warranty, and liability.
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, for example, duty holders, such as the principle contractors, have new responsibilities. Pre-Construction Information (PCI) requires digital record-keeping for traceability, which is simpler to deliver from a single roofing components supplier.
It is essential therefore to ensure suppliers adhere to all current legislation, such as the 2022 Construction Products Regulation, which also covers compliance and testing, and work closely with manufacturers who are investing in this.
Deviating from specified components for example can lead to unnecessary complexities and “duty holders” are urged to ensure competence, knowledge, and skills.
In a sector facing increasing legislation, it is vital that merchants and those specifying roofing solutions partner with manufacturers who are aware of the latest standards, expectations and compliance.
Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, commented: “Against a backdrop of tighter legislation specifiers must work even closer with manufacturers to consider both effectiveness, cost, and safety.
“There is a delicate balance between perceived initial cost savings and future liability. As well as the risk of a greater cost where substitutions don't carry the same warranties or even invalidate guarantees offered by the original manufacturer.
“Given the current challenging climate, we recognise the growing trend of exploring alternative products, whether driven by availability or cost. But it is important to emphasise the importance of aligning proposed changes with the high standards inherent in a manufacturers’ original specifications for a roofing system.
“Manufacturers invest in rigorous standards to deliver quality and reliability. However, it is imperative to view the full roofing system holistically, to ensure optimum performance and longevity.
“It is essential that the manufacturer’s specification is followed and detailed in accordance with advice provided in the fixing specification and instruction. Having guarantees of this kind in place, the contractor knows the manufacturer is committed to providing a high-quality product.
“Using untested non-specified accessories may lead to compatibility issues, potentially impacting the performance and appearance of the entire roofing system. By collaborating closely with the manufacturer, which provides guarantees, merchants can ensure a reliable roofing solution while preserving long-term functionality and meeting future requirements.”
