We work on a number of initiatives to improve the performance of roofing and cladding.

Examining the process of the introduction of new roofing systems.
The perfect roofing system for the Twenty First Century has still to be invented. Developing and introducing new products is an expensive procedure spread over a period of years without guarantees of a financial return. Identifying appropriate forms of testing and assessing long-term performance in advance is a challenge that has not changed in recent years. Lessons can be learnt from other countries to minimise the risks. We support a new CIB/RILEM task group that has been established to address these issues and to prepare a protocol for developing and introducing new roofing products.

Developing the concept of 'Sustainable Roofing'.
The CIB / RILEM International Joint Committee on Roofing Materials and Systems has undertaken a five year review that has identified a set of 21 points of good practice, or 'tenets of sustainable roofing'. The Final Report was published in early 2002 and is available at www.cibworld.nl/pages/begin/Pub271.html.

Developing a 'First Estimate Method' for calculating wind pressures on roofs.
The final version incorporating the latest BS6399 Part2 amendments, has been presented to the sponsoring organisations, the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Copies of the Method are available to members of the sponsoring organisations on request.

Roofing Cladding and Insulation Technical Notes
Each month we write a technical note published in the UK specialist journal. These concise notes review latest Standards and Regulations, and offer constructive feedback from our investigations and studies.
Themes have included: 'Part L of the Building Regulations', 'Climate Change and Roofing'. A full listing is given in our Publications.