RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us Bain & Irvine retains NFRC Craft Roofer status https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/bain-irvine-retains-nfrc-craft-roofer-status bain-irvine-retains-nfrc-craft-roofer-status Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 PDT

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Upholding this recognition reinforces heritage roofing excellence in Scotland. 

Historic buildings require specialist knowledge, traditional craftsmanship and a deep respect for the materials and methods that have protected them for generations. Bain & Irvine Ltd. recently renewed its place on the National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register, remaining one of only three roofing businesses in Scotland to hold this approval. The recognition highlights the company’s continued commitment to high standards in heritage roofing. 

What NFRC Craft Roofer status means 

Managed by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register was created to help protect the U.K.’s historic built environment. Many of the nation’s older buildings, including churches, civic buildings, farmhouses, listed homes and structures in conservation areas, need specialist care when repairs or restoration are carried out. Standard roofing methods are not always appropriate, particularly when original materials and traditional detailing must be preserved.  

The register identifies contractors who can demonstrate the right mix of: 

  • Proven technical ability 
  • Experience with heritage roofing systems 
  • Knowledge of traditional materials 
  • Successful onsite assessments 
  • Ongoing commitment to workmanship standards 

A longstanding reputation in Scottish roofing 

According to Bain & Irvine, the renewed designation officially recognises its abilities in traditional slating, leadwork and lime pointing. These disciplines are essential when working on pre-1919 properties and other heritage structures, where sympathetic repair methods are critical to preserving the building’s character and long-term performance. 

The recognition also reflects the company’s longstanding place within the Scottish roofing industry. Established in 1946, the business is celebrating 80 years of trading and has built a reputation around slate roofing, stonework and specialist restoration. It has also earned wider industry recognition, including multiple Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year awards. 

Why accreditation matters for contractors 

Heritage accreditations such as this demonstrate the growing value of specialist expertise. Older housing stock remains a major part of the U.K. built environment, and demand continues for companies who can confidently deliver: 

  • Conservation-led roof repairs 
  • Traditional slate renewals 
  • Lead detailing and weathering work 
  • Lime mortar pointing and masonry integration 
  • Sensitive upgrades to ageing roof systems 

As the industry balances innovation with preservation, technical compliance, heritage understanding and skilled workmanship will remain in strong demand. Bain & Irvine’s latest achievement is a reminder that some of roofing’s most valuable skills are also its oldest. 

]]> From family-firm to global leadership https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/from-family-firm-to-global-leadership from-family-firm-to-global-leadership Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 PST

By Emma Peterson. 

Tracking the career of fifth-generation roofer and industry leader Graeme Millar.  

Roofing has been in Graeme Millar’s ancestry for as long as anyone can remember. It goes back to a man named William John Miller, who started a family firm in 1868. That man was Graeme’s great, great grandfather and the firm is now known today as Bain & Irvine Ltd. To learn more about Graeme’s familial ties to the industry and his personal experiences, we interviewed him.  

He opened the conversation by telling us a bit more about his personal history in roofing, sharing, “I first became involved in the roofing industry 46 years ago. I followed my father’s footsteps. He in turn was following my grandfather, great grandfather and great, great grandfather’s footsteps.”  

Eventually, that path then took Graeme to the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). He shared, “My involvement with [IFD] started in 1999 when my company joined into the U.K. IFD branch. Soon I found myself working the committee for the Scottish region (where Graeme’s business is located) and then I became a board member.” As a board member, Graeme served on five separate technical commissions – metal roofing, pitched roofing, flat roofing, facades and the health/safety/wellbeing board. 

By the time 2019 came around, he was a clear choice for the organization’s presidency position. As then outgoing IFD president Walter Bisig put it, “Graeme is the right person to step into my shoes. He inherits an internal IFD structure that is ready to grow the organization. With his charm and vision, he is the right person to take the IFD forward.” 

As president, Graeme faced a variety of unique challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. But he and the rest of the IFD team rose to meet these challenges, and he was able to pass the presidency torch on to Dirk Bollwerk in 2024. When asked to about his thoughts on his work with IFD, Graeme shared:  

IFD is really about bringing people together. You can see that emphasis on networking and community in our yearly assembly, and in our World Championships of the Young Roofer, which bring lads and lasses learning the trade together, building camaraderie, skills and friendships that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

Listen to our full interview with Graeme to hear more about his insights and experiences.

]]> The Durable Slate Company expands into the UK Market with acquisition of Bain & Irvine, a premier Scottish roofing company https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-durable-slate-company-expands-into-the-uk-market-with-acquisition-of-bain-irvine-a-premier-scottish-roofing-company the-durable-slate-company-expands-into-the-uk-market-with-acquisition-of-bain-irvine-a-premier-scottish-roofing-company Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:00 PST

This acquisition of Bain & Irvine aligns two historic roofing companies that share a commitment to excellence and the preservation of architectural heritage.

The Durable Slate Company, a U.S.-based leader in historic roofing and restoration, together with its sister company, The Durable Restoration Company, is excited to announce its expansion into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Bain & Irvine, a distinguished 5th-generation Scottish roofing company. Bain & Irvine is one of only three Scottish companies who are on the Heritage Register working throughout the UK on specific Heritage projects (pre-1919 properties), a testament to its exceptional standards in preserving historic structures.

Founded in the United States, The Durable Slate Company is renowned for its specialization in slate, tile and copper roofing, as well as its unparalleled skill in the conservation of historic structures. With projects spanning from significant American landmarks to private estates, the company has gained an international reputation for its exceptional attention to detail and dedication to quality. Its sister company, The Durable Restoration Company, complements this mission, offering specialized services in masonry, carpentry and structural restoration, all aimed at preserving and revitalizing historic buildings. Together, these companies represent a unified approach to conservation, bringing expertise and passion to each project they undertake.

This acquisition of Bain & Irvine aligns two historic roofing companies that share a commitment to excellence and the preservation of architectural heritage. Established by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, Bain & Irvine has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s roofing industry, known for exceptional skill and quality across generations. Under the leadership of Graeme Millar, who took over as managing director in 1987, Bain & Irvine has grown into one of Scotland’s most trusted roofing firms, earning awards from the NFRC and consistently setting the bar for excellence.

“We are honored to join forces with Bain & Irvine, a company that embodies our own values of craftsmanship, heritage and integrity,” said John Chan, owner of The Durable Slate Company. “This acquisition is not merely an expansion of our services; it is a bridge connecting two cultures deeply invested in the art and science of slate roofing and historic preservation. We look forward to upholding Bain & Irvine’s reputation in Scotland while sharing our expertise and passion for preservation.”

Graeme Millar, who has dedicated over 37 years to leading Bain & Irvine and is widely respected for his industry leadership, added, “Joining with The Durable Group offers a unique opportunity to secure Bain & Irvine’s future while preserving the values and standards that have defined us for nearly 80 years. It was paramount that Bain & Irvine be passed to a steward that understands and respects our heritage, and with The Durable Slate Company, I am confident in the legacy we leave behind.”

The acquisition signifies not only a new chapter for both companies but also a shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and engaging the next generation in skilled trades. Both Bain & Irvine and The Durable Slate Company recognize the need to adapt to climate change, promote workforce development and create a resilient industry that attracts young talent.

As The Durable Group embarks on this exciting journey into the UK market, clients and partners in both the U.S. and the U.K. can look forward to innovative collaborations and the continuation of the highest standards in roofing preservation and structural restoration.

For more information about The Durable Slate Company, The Durable Restoration Company and the acquisition of Bain & Irvine, please visit www.durableslate.com and www.durablerestoration.com.

For more informatino about Bain & Irvine, visit www.bainandirvine.co.uk.

About The Durable Slate Company

The Durable Slate Company is a recognized leader in historic roofing and restoration, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving historic structures. Founded with a commitment to quality, the company serves clients across the United States and now the United Kingdom, offering a range of preservation services designed to extend the life and beauty of historical roofs and buildings.

About The Durable Restoration Company

The Durable Restoration Company, sister company to The Durable Slate Company, specializes in historic masonry, woodwork and structural restoration. Focused on preserving architectural heritage through high-quality, meticulous craftsmanship, The Durable Restoration Company partners with clients across a range of historic sites to revitalize and protect significant buildings for future generations.

About Bain & Irvine

Bain & Irvine has been a trusted name in Scottish roofing for 5 generations, with a heritage deeply rooted in craftsmanship and tradition. One of only three Scottish companies who are on the Heritage Register working throughout the UK on specific Heritage projects (pre-1919) properties, Bain & Irvine has earned numerous awards and continues to set the standard in heritage roofing across Scotland. Bain & Irvine’s expertise in slate and tiled roofing has made it a cornerstone of architectural preservation in Edinburgh and beyond.

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