Taking the Lead in Traditional Metal Roof Training

The latest development in metal roof training may come as a surprise to some, but it is perhaps one of the more logical progressions in an industry that is trying to persuade contractors that training is the way forward.

When the Lead Sheet Association built its own training centre in East Peckham, an area of Kent more synonymous with hop fields, it was unlikely they were considering its use beyond the traditional lead roofing sector.

However at a time when the FTMRC were looking for a new training facility after the arrangement with the Building Crafts College came to an end, a trial course at East Peckham delivered by VM Zinc in November was quickly followed by a second course in December.

Although the theory introduction to the course needs no special facility, the relatively simple conversion of some of the existing lead roof models to accept zinc details enabled the trainees to move on from theory to tackle realistic practical weathering features.

 

VM Zinc, having provided the trainers, materials, tools and equipment for the course, were delighted with both the facilities provided and the response from the trainees, which was unilaterally that they wanted the courses to go on longer.

Such has been the success of the initial courses, VM Zinc have committed to providing a series of courses which will cover basic and intermediate level training bi-monthly from January to November 2010. There will also be CPD certified one day events for architects, surveyors and specifiers to provide a theory / design insight for zinc specification, as well as hands-on workshop opportunities.

Given the success of the zinc training, the FTMRC have encouraged other manufacturers to consider using the LSA facilities and now copper courses have also been organised for September and October 2010, delivered through Associate members KME and Luvata, as the next stage in this development.

Training Centre Manager Nigel Johnston was delighted at the success of the zinc courses.

“Even at a time when the construction industry is under so much pressure, it is vital that contractors continue to train their workforce and we are delighted that the facility at East Peckham is now being looked at by other trades in metal roofing through the FTMRC.”

“It does also provide the opportunity for contractors to have an insight into another skill base potential and we have already had zinc contractors expressing an interest in lead courses and vice versa.”

Further details on available training courses for contractors and CPD certified awareness courses for architects and surveyors are available from the FTMRC

Do you want cheap or do you want value for your money?

If you use a contractor because you like their price, then you get what you pay for and quite frankly deserve exactly what you get.

A lead roof properly fitted performs for more than 100 years, but if you think getting one that lasts for five years is good value because it was done on the cheap, then there is nothing much we can say to you.

If a contractor gives you a price for your lead, copper, aluminium, zinc or steel installation that is so much cheaper than other quotes, it seems just too good to be true – THEN IT PROBABLY IS!!!

(What corners have been cut to win the job? What “unforeseen extras” will be loaded on after the contract is awarded to make the job pay?)

In simple terms USE A SPECIALIST – they know what they’re talking about.

Members of the Lead Contractors Association and Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors are not allowed to cut corners. Their work is vetted on site by experts and full technical reports submitted and held on file. If faults or incorrect practices are identified they must be immediately corrected or their membership is forfeit.

Do experts check your installers work? For free???

Using a current member of the LCA or FTMRC means long term peace of mind for the architect and client as it takes full advantage of the knowledge and experience provided by specialists, who know how to install metal to perform at its very best.

Contractors in each organisation have the full support of ALL the manufacturers of the respective roofing metals, who know their product is in safe hands in delivering the very best long term performance results.

To contact your nearest leadwork specialist contact the Lead Contractors Association (01342 31788) or go to www.lca.gb.com

To contact your nearest specialist in other traditional roofing metals contact the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (01342 301627) or go to www.ftmrc.co.uk