10 Dec 2024

NFRC and Roof Tile Association collaborate on definitive guide for roof tiling specifications

The roofing industry is set to benefit from an essential new resource with the publication of The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling on 19 December.

This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date and authoritative reference on roof tiling, catering to apprentices, experienced roofers, and specifiers alike. 

A collaboration between the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Roof Tile Association (RTA), the book is designed to support learning at every stage, from diplomas and apprenticeships to advanced certifications and on-the-job challenges. It combines decades of expertise from over 15 industry professionals, making it an invaluable tool for both practical and theoretical applications. 

A Guide for Every Level 

“This guide bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application,” said Ben Rowlands, NFRC’s Technical Manager for Slating and Tiling. “It’s designed as a step-by-step guide covering the fundamentals of tiling but also dives into detailed areas to benefit more experienced roofers and specifiers.” 

Whether you’re starting your journey in roofing or refining advanced techniques, the guide offers: 

  • Up-to-Date Best Practices: Aligned with British and European Standards to meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks. 

  • Illustrated Learning: Clear diagrams and explainers simplify complex concepts for easy understanding. 

  • Specialist Techniques: Detailed guidance on advanced topics, including heritage roofing and sustainable designs. 

  • Real-World Applications: Practical insights into health and safety, material handling, and modern construction challenges. 

A Resource for Education and Specification 

Tutors and training centres have already shown enthusiasm for the guide, with plans to incorporate it into classrooms across the UK. “It’s a fantastic resource that we expect to become a mainstay in roofing education,” added Rowlands. Beyond education, the guide addresses the needs of specifiers, ensuring they have reliable and detailed material specifications and workmanship requirements for constructing tiled pitched roofs. 

“The aim of the book is to improve the industry’s knowledge and understanding of roof tiling by bringing everything together in an up-to-date format,” Rowlands explained. 

A Collaborative Effort 

The guide is the result of a longstanding partnership between the NFRC and RTA. This collaboration brought together manufacturing and contracting expertise to produce a definitive resource for the roofing sector. 

NFRC is the UK’s largest and most influential roofing trade association, promoting quality contractors and products while keeping its members at the forefront of roofing developments. The RTA centrally represents the interests of clay and concrete roof-tile manufacturers, ensuring alignment with industry standards. 

Launch Event 

To mark its publication, a book launch will be held at the NFRC’s head offices in London on January 14. The event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the guide’s release and reflect on its significance for the roofing education and specification sectors. 

Paperback, hardback, and digital editions of The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling can be pre-ordered from Routledge here. For interviews, review copies, or event enquiries, contact [email protected]

Skilled craftsmanship is the cornerstone of successful roofing, and with this guide, the NFRC and RTA aim to ensure that both budding and experienced professionals have the knowledge and tools they need to excel.