NI To Top Roofing World

Northern Ireland will be on 'top of the world' this November when it plays hosts to the 58th Congress of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD).

The prestigious international event is running from 17th - 19th November at the Kings Hall, Belfast and has been organised by the UK's National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).

One of the key attractions is the 23rd World Championship for Young Roofers with competitors from another 12 countries taking part, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Poland and Russia.

The event is particularly important for one young NI Roofer, Martyn McAllister, (pictured) who will be competing in the World Championships as part of the UK team.

A total of 23 two-man teams from 12 countries will compete for the distinguished title of World Champion in three different roofing disciplines, pitched, waterproofing and metal.

The teams will also compete for the prestigious President's prize, which is a voluntary task comprised of the three disciplines.

To succeed in both competitions they will be required to demonstrate their expertise and skills in pitched roofing, metal roofing and waterproofing.

Amongst the materials they will be using are natural slate, concrete tiles, handmade clay tiles, bitumen and single ply, metal, lightweight steel metal panels and waterproofing techniques including up stands, internal and external corners, gutters and pipe penetrations.

Already, local craftsmanship has also played a vital role with many of the roofing rigs being constructed by trainees at the local South West Regional College and the NFRC Training Centre, Crumlin.

Meanwhile, over the three days, leading roofing industry specialists from around the world will also feature the very latest roofing materials and products, including an exciting exhibition of four 'Roofs of the Future'.

Speakers at the Congress will bring a wide range of international experience and knowledge, embracing the new codes and standards, materials, techniques and ideas on sustainability that are all playing a major role at the leading edge of today's roofing industry.

During the competition the NFRC will host their annual Associates Day when leading manufacturers and suppliers of roofing materials will attend for a one-day conference. The Institute of Roofing will also hold its first ever Board of Governors meeting to coincide with the event at the Kings Hall.

Current IFD President, past NFRC President and Northern Ireland roofing contractor, Gordon Penrose, commented: "It is a great honour for the UK and the NFRC in particular to host this major international event.

"The NFRC believes strongly in supporting young roofers to strive for the highest standards in both national and international events.

"The competition will be a major craftsmanship attraction and I would encourage anyone who can, to join us at this free event in the heart of Belfast.

"It is also pleasing that a young roofer from Northern Ireland has achieved such a standard of craftsmanship to represent the UK at such a distinguished competition, it highlights that Northern Ireland is capable of competing on an International platform," he said.

(BMcC/GK)