By Jesse Sanchez. 

SOPREMA UK supported a complex blue roof installation at 2 Freer Gait through technical guidance, site inspections and installer training. 

A collaborative approach to waterproofing helped keep work at 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh, on schedule while addressing complex detailing, weather constraints and demanding aesthetic requirements. SOPREMA UK was engaged to provide the waterproofing system for the new-build commercial development, which includes blue roof systems across two central courtyards and multiple low-level balconies. Approximately 2,000 square meters were covered using a cold, inverted roof configuration over a concrete deck. 

The scope called for more than supplying materials. From the initial survey through final inspection, SOPREMA worked closely with main contractor Telamon Facades to help the project team respond to changing site conditions and maintain installation quality. Technical Sales Manager Mike Higginbotham and site inspector Robert Day conducted regular site inspections, providing technical input and opportunities for on-site training as work progressed. 

That coordination became especially important as crews encountered complex junctions and structural penetrations, adverse weather that affected scheduling and high aesthetic expectations at visible balcony interfaces. Ongoing communication gave the teams opportunities to adjust sequencing and address challenges as they emerged, helping work continue without losing sight of the finished appearance or installation standard. 

The integrated bituminous waterproofing system combined SOPREMA primers, membranes and detailing products to support the cold, inverted roof configuration. DUOFLEX Hot Melt Single-Pour formed part of the system alongside ELASTOCOL 500 and SOPRADERE primers, while ELASTOPHENE 180-25, SOPRALENE FLAM 180TF and SOPRALENE FLAM 250AF provided the membrane components. ALSAN Quadro liquid waterproofing, DRAINI BTM rainwater outlets and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) edge trims completed the installation. 

According to SOPREMA, the capsheet achieved a consistently high standard across the completed areas. The blue roof design also enables controlled rainwater attenuation and supports water quality by filtering runoff and encouraging sedimentation. 

Training became another lasting outcome of the collaboration. All operatives involved in the installation received on-site instruction and were later confirmed as Approved Installers, extending the project’s accomplishments beyond the completed roof itself. The work was ultimately finished on time and on budget, reflecting the value of sustained technical support, communication and teamwork throughout the installation. 

Learn more about SOPREMA UK’s roofing solutions and technical support for waterproofing projects!

Industry voting opens 19 March and closes at 6 p.m. Sunday 19 April.

Now in its 20th year, the UK Roofing Awards continues to attract talented contractors from across the country to put forward their project in the hopes of being crowned winner. 

The UK Roofing Awards will be taking place on Friday 8 May 2026 at the Intercontinental London — The O2. Tables for the event are available to book now. 

The Industry Choice Award, sponsored by Radmat Building Products, will allow the industry to have its say on its favourite project. Voting opens 19 March. 

The finalists are as follows: 

Bituminous hot applied liquid waterproofing — sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• One Leadenhall – Lindner Prater Ltd 
• 1 Southwark Bridge – Hambro Roofing Ltd 
• 19-35 Baker Street – Lindner Prater Ltd 
• Olympia Centra l –Noble House Services (UK) Ltd, working with Radmat Building Products Ltd 

Cold applied liquid waterproofing - sponsored by Unilin Insulation UK Ltd 

• The Library, Murray Edwards College – Millane Contract Services Ltd, working with WestWood Liquid Technologies Ltd 
• Jersey Opera House – Rateavon (Jersey) Ltd, working with Triflex (UK) Ltd 
• Christ’s College, Cambridge – Emperor Roofing Ltd, working with Sika Ltd 
• 25 Moorgate – Essential Building Services Ltd, working with Proteus Waterproofing Ltd 

Fully supported metal – sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• Oxford Brookes University – Roles Broderick Roofing Ltd 
• Rockmount – Install Zinc Ltd 
• 65 Davies Street – Richardson Projects 
• Lollipoppet Castle – Matt Timby Ltd 

Green roofing — sponsored by Bauder Ltd 

• Chester Zoo – Safeseal Roofing Ltd 
• Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF) – Haran Roofing Ltd 
• Kellstone – JPT Roofing Ltd, working with Soprema UK 
• Rushers Ghyll – Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd 

Heritage roofing — sponsored by Glidevale Protect 

• Auchendennan House – DM Roofing & Roughcasting Ltd 
• All Saints C of E Church – Richard Soan Roofing Services 
• Hoole Community Centre – Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd 
• Staick House – Rowlands Roofing 

Leadwork – sponsored by Calder Industrial Materials Ltd 

• Kings Theatre – Premier Specialist Roofing Contractors Ltd 
• Warwick House – EWN Leadwork Specialists Ltd 
• Woronzow Road – Fraden Contracts Ltd 
• Country Manor – Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd 

Mastic asphalt — Sponsored by Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) 

• Herstmonceux Castle – Sussex Asphalte Ltd 
• 2 Willow Road – Bespoke Asphalt Ltd 
• Southampton Art Gallery – Abbey Asphalt Roofing Ltd 
• Carrickfergus Castle – John Fetherston Asphalt Roofing Ltd, working with IKO PLC 

Multi-discipline project over £500K – sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• Spindles Shopping Centre – Longworth Facades 
• Chesterfield & Derby Hospitals – MAC Roofing & Contracting Ltd 
• University of Derby Business School – Advanced Roofing Ltd 
• Rivenhall IWMF – MAC Roofing & Contracting Ltd 

Project under £25K – sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• The Highcross Bell Tower – Prestige Metal Roofing Ltd 
• Ferry Footbridge Control Tower – Richard Soan Roofing Services 
• Wickham Manor outhouse – Karl Terry Roofing Contractors Ltd 
• Ellesmere College Turret – Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd 

Rainscreen façades – sponsored by Kingspan Ltd 

• LHR21 – Kovara Projects Ltd 
• Countess of Chester Hospital – Longworth Facades 
• The Marcus Hotel – Thornton Roofing (Ireland) Ltd 
• Warwick Hospital – Marksman Roofing & Cladding Ltd 

Reinforced bitumen membranes — sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• Cambridge South Station – Hambro Roofing Ltd 
• Milton Keynes Library – Ashe Roofing Ltd 
• Carlsberg Britvic Brewery – Cambridge Flat Roofing Company Ltd, working with Garland UK 
• Smurfit Westrock – LRL Roofing Solutions 

Roof slating — sponsored by CUPA PIZARRAS S.A. 

• King George V Pavilion – The Evana Group Ltd 
• Walworth Town Hall – Richardson Projects 
• Bristol Central Library – Ashcroft Services Ltd 
• Little Eversden, Cambridgeshire – Roof Brothers Ltd, working with CUPA PIZARRAS S.A. 

Roof tiling – sponsored by Marley Ltd 

• Tamella – SDS Roofing Services Ltd 
• Baslow Road – Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd, working with Keymer Tiles Ltd 
• 1-3 Orme Court – Richardson Projects 
• New Road Court Apartments – M. Camilleri & Sons Roofing Ltd 

Sheeting and cladding – sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd 

• Belfast Harbour Film Studios – Thornton Roofing (Ireland) Ltd 
• Etex – Massey Cladding Solutions Ltd 
• Booker Barnsley – Blade Roofing Ltd 
• Belfast Grand Central Station – Thornton Roofing (Ireland) Ltd 

Single ply – sponsored by Recticel Insulation UK Ltd 

• Nant Caerau Primary School – J Randall Roofing Contractors Ltd 
• Robin House – Aim Developments Ltd, working Sika Ltd 
• Seabrook Orchards – NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd, working with ICB (Waterproofing) Ltd 
• Premier Inn, Margate – Invictus Roofing Ltd 

Solar – sponsored by SIG Roofing  

• Jigsaw Homes, Chorley – DLP Services (Northern) Ltd, working with wienerberger UK  
• St Nicholas Leisure Centre – Stace Roofing Ltd 
• Twigs – Roofing Matters Group Ltd 
• Yeoman Park School – Advanced Roofing Ltd 

James Talman, NFRC CEO said: “I am delighted to see so many ambitious and talented contractors from across the UK entering these awards. 

“Yet another record-breaking year for entries demonstrates the desire for being recognised by the UK Roofing Awards, a testament to how significant the event is for our sector. 

“Wishing all entrants the very best of luck. I look forward to celebrating with you in May.”  

On top of the winners of each category and the Industry Choice Award being crowned, one winning project will also gain the ultimate accolade of ‘Project of the Year.’  

The Individual Health and Safety Award and Young Roofer of the Year will be announced on the day. 

Industry Voting opens 19 March. To vote for your favourite project as winner of the Industry Choice Award, visit the dedicated awards portal. Voting closes 6 p.m. Sunday 19 April.