Demand for Rhepanol hots up


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Product Focus Spring 2004

Demand for Rhepanol hots up - Tony Bryan

Managing director of single ply membrane manufacturer FDT.

It is just over two years since SIG Roofing Supplies Group embarked on its unique partnership with Europe's single ply roofing market leader, FDT, to sell its premier product, Rhepanol fk.

Supplied only to FDT-trained and approved contractors through 40SIG Roofing Supplies Group branches nationwide, Rhepanol - renowned for its impeccable track record and versatility - was perfect for this "new" approach.

Industry response bears this out. Rhepanol sales have doubled in two years while the 'Rhepanol Approved' contractor base has gone from a handful to 200 plus and FDT has trained more than 400 operatives - including many DLOs.

In fact, the scheme proved so popular that FDT has had to introduce a training waiting list at its Leicestershire base. The forces behind this surge in demand reflect a number of fundamental changes in the industry, from the skills shortage to the astounding growth of luxury residential developments.

Not long ago, function always outranked form in the roofing industry. But the 21st century has seen a revolution in design with architects more than willing to seize the flexibility offered by technologies such as single ply roofing.

At the same time, the health and safety risks associated with "hot works" - have led to a crippling rise in insurance premiums.

And products such as Rhepanol, which requires no hot works - not even hot air - offer a quality alternative across new build and refurbishment alike.

That has to be good news for contractors realising the potential in burgeoning project areas such as schools, local authority work, commercial projects and ambitious inner city regeneration projects.

Single ply roofing can provide a quicker, safer and cleaner solution, with the versatility of an over-roofing solution where the basic integrity of the roofing structure is sound.

FDT and SIG are both committed to strengthening this partnership and doing all we can to drive standards forward. Membrane manufacturers have never had a more daunting responsibility. We might simply be selling a square metre of membrane but one small leak to one small lap above a luxury penthouse could result in disaster. This is why the "trained and approved" ethic will always be paramount to the membrane producer.

We want to see more research and development and a more structured, co-operative approach by systems manufacturers so that membrane, insulation and associated manufacturers can provide a coordinated solution to potentially catastrophic problems such as humidity and ingress.

For more information about about FDT and its products please tick the relevant box on the reader response card or contact your local branch.