By The Coffee Shops™. 

The partnership between The Coffee Shops and the IFD creates space for global education, events and collaboration. 

Earlier this year, RoofersCoffeeShop® was proud to announce a partnership with the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). IFD serves as a unifying organization for the global roofing industry, bringing together national associations, manufacturers and service providers to address shared challenges and advance best practices. Its members include organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 

Now, months since that announcement, the partnership remains strong and focused on fostering collaboration, education and innovation for roofing professionals around the world. This partnership has created a stronger connection between the North American roofing market and the international roofing community that has led to increased opportunities and resources for the industry on a whole.  

As part of the partnership agreement, RoofersCoffeeShop has been reporting on IFD initiatives and will have boots on the ground at global events like the Connection Forum in October 2026 in Vienna, Austria, and the Young Roofers WORLD Competition in October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. In fact, for that Connection Forum, the Coffee Shops crew will not only be live streaming interviews and content, but they will also be presenting on industry trends, digital marketing and the growing importance of global connectivity within roofing. 

Gary Howes, one of IFD’s board members, put it best when he reflected on the partnership, sharing, “Partnering with RoofersCoffeeShop [was] an exciting step forward for IFD as we work to expand our global reach and impact... Together we are creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.” 

By Emma Peterson. 

Gary Walpole discusses advocacy, legislation and the roofing industry. 

Roofing associations like National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) are critical to the success in advocating for the industry.  To learn more about how these associations unify the industry into one collective voice, we sat down with Gary Walpole of NFRC for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Gary has been a part of NFRC for a decade now and is currently their technical safety, health and environment officer. When we asked him how NFRC acts as an advocate for the roofing trade, he described the association’s strength as “bridging the gap between policy and practice.”  

What does that mean? Gary explained:  

If you think about health and safety regulations, legislation always gets updated. A great example is the Safety at Work Act, which came in in 1974 and has since become an overarching act with other legislation included in it. And every time that act changed, it was something Parliament wrote and approved. What NFRC does is make sure that the reality of how a change will impact contractors stays in the approval conversation.  

How exactly is NFRC’s team able to do this? Their officers, like Gary, have backgrounds in the field. For example, Gary has been in the industry as a tradesperson since he left school, with a specialisation in flat roofing. His colleague Bob Richardson, NFRC’s head of technical and training, comes from a sheathing and cladding background. By combining their backgrounds in the trade with their current jobs as advocates and researchers, NFRC’s team can make sure that legislators making changes in Parliament hear and truly understand how what they’re doing impacts contractors everywhere.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of the interview to learn more about how NFRC bridges the gap between policy and practice. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Scottish roofing contractor Bain & Irvine celebrates a milestone that reflects generations of dedication to preserving historic structures. 

In the article "Bain & Irvine Marks 80 Years in Scotland’s Heritage Roofing Sector," Bain & Irvine reflects on eight decades of craftsmanship, growth and preservation of some of Scotland’s most significant historic buildings. Founded in 1946 by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, the company has evolved from a small local roofing contractor into one of Scotland’s most respected specialists in heritage roofing and restoration. 

Established in the years following World War II, Bain & Irvine built its reputation on delivering high-quality roofing services while preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage. Over the decades, the company has contributed to the restoration of notable landmarks including Fettes College and Donaldson’s School, earning industry recognition and multiple National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) awards along the way. 

The article traces several key milestones in the company's history, including the acquisition of Bain & Irvine by fourth-generation slater Andrew Millar in 1974. Under his leadership, the company modernized while maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Another pivotal moment came in 1987 when Graeme Millar joined the business and helped expand operations significantly, growing the workforce and strengthening the company's presence throughout the United Kingdom. 

Graeme Millar’s involvement in industry organizations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Institute of Roofing, further elevated Bain & Irvine’s profile. His leadership eventually extended to the international stage, serving as president of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade from 2019 to 2024. 

The article also highlights the company's most recent chapter. In 2024, Jamie Anderson and Brian McIntyre joined Bain & Irvine following the merger of their company, Newtown Roofing & Building, with the historic contractor. Their leadership, combined with Bain & Irvine’s acquisition by The Durable Slate Company, positions the organization for continued growth while preserving its long-standing values. 

Reflecting on the milestone, company leaders emphasized that while tools, technology and business structures may change, the principles of quality workmanship, employee care and customer service remain central to Bain & Irvine’s success. 

Read the full article to learn more about Bain & Irvine’s 80-year journey and its ongoing commitment to preserving Scotland’s roofing heritage.

The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026.

The NFRC Roofing Awards are a standout name in the roofing industry, with annual events held in Scotland and London each year, and whilst the Scottish awards are dedicated solely to roofing work in Scotland, some contractors have celebrated victory at both awards, and in quick succession.

All winners of the Scottish Roofing Awards, typically held in October, automatically qualify for entry to the national U.K. Roofing Awards, which take place the following Spring. The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026, with many more being recognised in the national final over the years.

“We have an incredible response to the Scottish Roofing Awards every year but knowing that our Members’ projects then go on to be victorious on a greater scale at national level is really something special, and a very big incentive to put your entry forward for the Scottish Awards.” says Scott Miller, chairman of NFRC Scotland.

Back-to-back winners:

• Marley Contract Services with their project, Social Housing, North Ayrshire (Solar, 2024-2025)
• Aim Developments Ltd with their project, Robin House (Single Ply, 2025-2026)
• Premier Specialist Roofing Contractors Ltd with their project, Kings Theatre (Leadwork, 2025-2026)

“The event has grown year on year, and we now welcome entries to all major roofing disciplines of any size and budget. If you’ve not considered entering already, I strongly encourage you to do so. You could be claiming victory for Scotland at the next U.K. Roofing Awards, and wouldn’t that be something!” continued Scott.

“Making an entry for an award alone gives a chance for a contractor to pause and look back at a project. It allows recognition for the skills, craftsmanship and teamwork within their organisation to make a job excellent. For those who make it through to be a finalist or go on to win, it’s a great industry accolade to pin to your company."

Entries for the Scottish Roofing Awards are now open until 31 July 2026.

The ceremony takes place on 30 October at Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.

Members can submit their project using this link: https://bit.ly/SCOTRA26

About NFRC

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s largest trade association for the roofing and cladding industry, with over 1,350 Members, representing the entire roofing supply chain from contractors to merchants to manufacturers.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Traditional slate craftsmanship and master leadwork are preserving one of Britain's most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 

For most visitors to London, Admiralty Arch is recognized as the grand ceremonial gateway linking Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. For more than a century, the landmark has stood at the heart of royal processions, historic celebrations and national events.  

Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was completed in 1912 and designed by renowned architect Sir Aston Webb. After serving as a government building for decades, the Grade I-listed structure is being transformed into a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel while preserving a defining part of London's skyline. 

During this transformation, the restoration team has worked carefully to honor the building's architectural heritage while adapting it for a new generation of guests. And while much of the public attention has focused on the luxury hotel and residences taking shape behind the landmark façade, we wanted to take some time to learn about one of the project’s most remarkable elements: The restoration happening on the roof. 

During a special visit arranged by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) member EWN Lead Work Specialists, who is helping lead the project, industry leaders from the National Slate Association (NSA), the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America (SRCA) and RoofersCoffeeShop® received an exclusive look at the conservation work taking place high above one of London's most recognizable landmarks. The roof is rarely accessible to the public, making the opportunity especially significant for roofing professionals passionate about preservation and craftsmanship. 

What makes the roofing restoration particularly impressive is the commitment to traditional methods and materials. According to project information shared during the roof tour, the restoration includes the installation of Westmorland green slate using a historic diminishing-course pattern. This traditional approach places larger slates at the lower sections of the roof and progressively smaller slates toward the ridge, reflecting techniques used on many of Britain's most significant heritage structures. 

The slate installation is only one part of the story. The project also involves extensive leadwork restoration across numerous architectural features, including dormers, bays, cornices and complex roof details. Thousands of individually crafted lead components are being fabricated and installed to replicate historic profiles while providing long-term weather protection. Also of note is the extensive low-slope roofing using modified bitumen granule felts. The result is a roof system that maintains the building’s original appearance while serving modern performance expectations. 

Helping lead that effort is EWN Lead Work Specialists Ltd., a company that has built its reputation on heritage leadwork and conservation projects. Founded by Elliot Newman in 2008, the company specializes exclusively in leadwork and has contributed to some of the United Kingdom's most important historic structures, including the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Somerset House and Lincoln's Inn. That level of expertise makes EWN a natural fit for a landmark as significant as Admiralty Arch. 

The project serves as a powerful reminder that roofing is often one of the most critical aspects of historic preservation. While visitors admire stonework, sculptures and grand interiors, the roof is what ultimately protects those investments. In this case, the roof will also be used for rooftop activities, creating new spaces for hotel guests. Preserving a building of this scale requires professionals who understand not only modern roofing performance but also centuries-old installation techniques and conservation principles. The tradespeople working on Admiralty Arch are carrying forward skills that have been passed down through generations. 

The restoration also highlights the growing importance of adaptive reuse projects around the world. Rather than allowing historic structures to deteriorate or lose their identity, owners and developers are investing in restorations that preserve architectural heritage while creating economically viable futures. At Admiralty Arch, that vision includes transforming a former government building into a world-class hospitality destination while retaining the character that has made it a London icon for more than 100 years. 

When guests begin arriving at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, many will be captivated by its history, luxury accommodation and unrivaled location across from Buckingham Palace. Few will realize the extraordinary level of roofing craftsmanship protecting the structure from above. Yet for roofing professionals, that work may be the most inspiring aspect of the entire transformation. 

The restoration of Admiralty Arch demonstrates what is possible when heritage preservation, skilled craftsmanship and modern construction expertise come together. Through traditional slate roofing, master-level leadwork, flat roofing expertise and a deep respect for history, roofing professionals are helping ensure that one of Britain’s most cherished landmarks remains a symbol of excellence for generations to come. 

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at how NFRC is driving higher standards across the industry through a variety of campaigns and partnerships.  

With a legacy that dates back to 1892 and a membership that includes over 1,500 roofing companies, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is one of the largest roofing trade associations in the U.K., and they do not take the importance of their influence lightly. NFRC is dedicated to raising standards and professionalising their members as to better the broader roofing sector. They do this in many ways, including running internal education campaigns and partnering with other organisations to support their initiatives.  

NFRC campaigns 

• Safe2Torch: Across the U.K., 50% of flat roofs are installed with gas torches. And unfortunately, with the use of gas torches comes risks and safety concerns. Launched in July of 2017, this campaign aims to “significantly reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches, either to dry out roofs or when used to install torch-on membranes.” 
• Cut the Dust: Cutting roof tiles releases a dust called respirable crystalline silica (RCS) that has been linked to serious medical conditions like lung cancer, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This campaign aims to raise awareness of this issue and to champion solutions such as water suppression, RPE and other respiratory safety practices.  
• Blue Roofs Guidance: NFRC has released a technical guide with the goal of helping specifiers, designers and installers build effective Blue Roofs (roofs that offer elevated control of rain fall during heavy storm events). Not only does this type of design help protect the roof itself, but it also relieves stress on sewer waterways and keeps river ecosystems cleaner.  
• Don't Fall for Fragile: This is the NFRC’s newest campaign and it aims to raise awareness of fragile roof risks. In general, the roofing industry has made leaps and bounds in preventing falls from heights. The next step is to reduce the number of fragile roof injuries by identifying issues early, planning work accordingly and avoiding unsafe shortcuts.  

Collaborations with other organisations 

• Bat Awareness for the Roofing Industry: This partnership between NFRC and Bat Conservation Trust focuses on improving awareness and understanding of bat protection in the built environment. Through the program, roofing professionals are offered practical guidance for working in areas where bats or bat roosts may be present and education related to the importance of balancing essential roofing work with biodiversity considerations.  
• Breathe Freely: This campaign is led by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and aims to reduce occupationally caused lung disease in the U.K. NFRC has partnered with them in this campaign as it directly impacts their members, “In 2015, approximately 3,500 [construction workers] died from cancer caused by past exposures to asbestos, 500 more from silica dust and 5,500 were diagnosed with occupational cancer.” 
• Building People: This organisation, which is endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, helps connect employers with “the UK’s most diverse built environment talent pipeline.” Not only does this make it easier for jobseekers to start building careers, but it also helps widen talent pools and develop a more diverse workforce.  
• Driving for Better Business: For this campaign, NFRC is partnering with National Highways and their Driving for Better Business (DfBB) programme to connect professionals with resources to help them reduce “work-related road risk, control the associated costs, and improve compliance with current legislation and guidance.” 
• Mates In Mind: This campaign, established by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG), focuses on giving workers in the U.K. with mental support. This is a crucial issue, as research suggests that 350,000 people in construction are suffering from depression, anxiety or stress at any one time. NFRC is not only backing this campaign, but they are also a member of the HCLG and actively helping HCLG work towards their goal of eradicating ill health and disease caused by worksite exposure. 
• No Time to Lose: IOSH, the chartered body for health and safety professionals, runs this campaign to raise awareness and support change in relation to carcinogenic exposure. NFRC has pledged their support and are actively working to help their members and others in the roofing sector raise awareness and take action.  

Learn more about NFRC and the ways they support and uplift the roofing trade through campaigns.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Scottish roofing contractor is celebrating eight decades in business and National Federation of Roofing Contractors Craft Roofer status. 

Bain & Irvine is celebrating 80 years in business with a renewed focus on the heritage craftsmanship that has shaped the company since 1946. Founded after World War II by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, the company began as a small roofing operation built around dependable service and high-quality historic roofing work across Scotland. Eight decades later, five generations of roofers have contributed to that legacy, helping preserve historic architecture across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond. 

This milestone comes as the company also retained its status on the National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register through the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 

Bain and Irvine said the recognition reflects a responsibility it takes seriously. The company is one of only three roofing businesses in Scotland to currently hold this specific approval, continuing a legacy that has included work on regional landmarks such as Fettes College and Donaldson’s School, as well as several NFRC Awards. 

The company has also entered a new phase of growth. Under the guidance of Jamie Anderson, Bain & Irvine recently expanded by merging with the team at Newtown Roofing, a move the company said connects its historic roots with a modern approach to customer care and project management. 

That growth has been paired with an international partnership designed to strengthen long-term heritage support for clients. As Bain & Irvine looks ahead, the company says its foundation remains rooted in traditional Scottish craftsmanship while its future includes broader resources, improved project management and a growing team. As Jamie said, “The tools and the times might change, but the core of the job is the same as it was in 1946 — honest, hard work, looking after the team and delivering quality that stands the test of time.” 

Learn more about Bain and Irvine’s 80-year legacy and heritage roofing work!

By Emma Peterson. 

How NFRC is raising awareness of long-term, less visible safety risks in roofing. 

Over the years, our understanding of safety practices in the roofing trade has grown exponentially. There was a time not too long ago where something as simple as earplugs on a jobsite were much less commonly used. What changed? Our understanding that not all danger is visible. To learn more about handling safety issues when the threat is not visible, we sat down with Gary Walpole from National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

In the industry, the easy to address safety risks are the ones that are immediate and visible. Think slipping and twisting your ankle because you don’t have the correct type of boots on. But the harder to spot issues are the ones that are invisible, or don’t become visible until years down the road. Gary explained:  

We’re good at recognizing causation damage – you did xyz wrong and now you’re hurt. But there are things like silica dust exposure that have a much longer timeline. And so, it feels less serious; people don’t respect the risk as much and then suddenly our aging workforce has lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory issues. 

Working to raise awareness and respect for these less visible safety risks is something that NFRC is very passionate about. In fact, going back to Gary’s example of silica dust, NFRC has a campaign called Cut the Dust that is entirely focused on helping roofing professionals mitigate this issue. In this campaign, they not only highlight the health risks that come with inhaling silica dust (which is often produced on jobsites when cutting concrete roof tiles), but also ways to mitigate the risks. These strategies include:  

• Design for the fewest cuts needed 
• Have a dedicated cutting area 
• Vacuum up the dust rather than sweeping 
• Use water suppression to keep dust down 
• Require proper PPE (personal protective equipment)  

All of these strategies require dedication from leaders on jobsites and within their companies. Gary explained, “If the operatives see the leadership within the company don't care then obviously that breeds a poor culture. And mitigating widespread safety issues like this is all about cultural change.” 

If you are interested in being a part of the change, NFRC provides a variety of resources, like posters, toolbox talks and more that can help you take responsibility and make change on your jobsite.  

Want to learn more about safety in the roofing sector? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about NFRC’s newest safety campaign – Don't Fall for Fragile.  

From heavy lifting requirements and potentially dangerous machinery to working at heights, there’s a lot of safety risks that come with working in the roofing trade. At the same time, we’ve made a lot of progress when it comes to making the industry safer. For example, in the last decade we have seen real progress in preventing life-threatening falls.  

But there’s still a lot of work to do – which is why National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) continues to champion different safety causes through their campaigns. Most recently, they put out a campaign called Don’t Fall for Fragile, which focuses on raising awareness about the danger of fragile roofs and sharing resources for rooftop safety protocols. 

Fragile roofs might look solid but are actually unable to support the weight of roofers or the impact of debris. Some fragile roofs are obvious; you can see the damage to the roof’s integrity and know to avoid it. But others are more subtle and can fail without warning. Things to look for when trying to identify a fragile roof include:  

• Rooflights, domes and skylights 
• Fibre cement sheets 
• Corroded or damaged metal sheets 
• Liner panels and internal gutters 
• Woodwool slabs and older roof decks 
• Coated, overlaid or weathered roof surfaces 
• Hidden weak areas beneath coverings or repairs 

If you identify a fragile roof, or even the risk of one, it is important to plan properly and stop any unsafe shortcuts before someone gets hurt, or worse. This is the core of NFRC’s Don’t Fall for Fragile campaign: “Don’t step through. Step back and plan.” Because taking that step back to plan rather than letting people walk on roofs without knowing if they will be supported is key to keeping our crews and peers safe.  

Want to help the campaign? Take the Don’t Fall for Fragile pledge!  By taking the pledge, organisations and individuals commit to assuming that any suspect roof area is fragile unless confirmed otherwise, ensuring that no work takes place on or near fragile roofs without proper planning, and prioritising collective protection measures such as safe working platforms, edge protection, coverings and guardrails wherever possible.  

They also commit to treating all rooflights as fragile unless they are protected or proven otherwise, only using suitably designed, correctly anchored, properly adjusted and supervised fall protection equipment where required, and making sure everyone understands the risks associated with fragile roofs and feels confident to challenge unsafe shortcuts. 

Learn more or take the pledge today!

NFRC's latest State of the Roofing Industry Report reveals declining workloads, subdued recruitment and falling confidence. 

National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) today published its latest 2026 State of the Roofing Industry Report, revealing a significant deterioration in business confidence across the U.K. roofing sector over the winter months. Economic headwinds driven by overseas conflict, wet weather disruption and broader market uncertainty have weighed heavily on activity. 

Confidence and workload fall sharply 

Only 29% of roofing contractors reported an increase in workload over the winter months, down from 37% in autumn 2025 and 48% in Q4 2024, a 20-percentage point fall year-on-year. New enquiries also declined, with just 26% of contractors reporting growth, compared to 34% in the previous quarter. 

The picture remains cautious looking ahead. Only 28% of roofing contractors expect their workload to increase over the next 12 months, a significant drop from 40% in Autumn 2025. Public sector contractors are particularly pessimistic. 

Political uncertainty has also risen and was identified as the second most reported challenge amongst NFRC Member businesses at 54%. This will only have increased since the survey was completed earlier this year, and it remains to be seen what a change in leadership will mean for the built environment. 

Impact of conflict 

While the recent peace deal has brought some relief, the roofing sector continues to feel the economic consequences of the conflict. Respondents reported that fuel surcharges and materials price volatility persisted throughout the survey period, with one contractor noting that suppliers were increasing surcharges "virtually on a weekly basis."

The International Monetary Fund revised its U.K. growth forecast down to 0.8% for 2026, and Barbour ABI revised their residential sector forecast to -4% for the year. 

Disruption to energy markets is expected to continue throughout 2026 and rising inflation and regulatory pressures will continue to affect construction schemes for the foreseeable future.  

NFRC CEO James Talman said:

"While the full implications of the conflict remain unclear, businesses are struggling and growth projections for construction are being revised down in line with the wider U.K. economy." 

NFRC policy and external affairs manager Gray Gibson added:

 "The peace deal is welcome but it has not alleviated any pressure for businesses at the delivery end of the supply chain. Materials prices remain elevated, margins are being squeezed and confidence is fragile.” 

How roofing contractors find their workers 

The Winter report for the first time explores the recruitment channels NFRC members use to bring workers into the industry. The findings reveal a sector that continues to rely heavily on informal networks rather than formal recruitment infrastructure. 

For experienced and skilled workers, word of mouth and recommendations from existing employees were the most commonly cited methods. The same was true for new entrants to the industry, where informal channels again dominated. While these approaches reflect the close-knit nature of the trade, they also point to a structural challenge: if businesses are not reaching beyond their existing networks, the pool of potential recruits remains narrow. Worth noting also is that NFRC Members generally represent the larger end of the roofing and cladding industry. For smaller businesses, these results are likely even more pronounced.  

NFRC response 

NFRC is supporting members through the current period of uncertainty with guidance on managing inflation, reviewing contract terms and engaging with suppliers. NFRC is also representing the challenges facing specialist contractors in national supply chain forums and continues to campaign for government action on construction demand, skills investment and supply chain fairness.