New Trade Association Regulates Leak Detection Services
A roof leak detection and prevention service
The roofing industry has recently seen rapid growth in the number of businesses now offering roof leak detection and prevention services.
This specialist service, however, has also sparked a number of copycat businesses which are trying to cash-in on the new trend.
According to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), an increasing number of consumers are being fed a “one test fits all” policy which is resulting in meaningless certificates being written and presented which undermines the entire purpose of testing.
In response, the Waterproof Integrity Test Association (WITA), has been formed to bring credibility to the industry and protect consumers, with emphasis on the on-site certification of waterproofing systems.
The organisation, which was set up by LR Services, RAM Consultancy and Thornton Consulting, aims is to set standards by which test methods can be monitored and controlled.
Concern has been growing at the emergence of imitation businesses which have the potential to place individual roofing and waterproof contractors at risk and paint the entire industry in an unfavourable light.
As a result, all WITA members will have to meet strict criteria including proof of experience and training of individual test personnel.
WITA believe it is vital to the sustained growth and reputation of this specialist sector that customers can feel confident they are dealing with professional companies, which possess the necessary background knowledge to ensure that site-specific test procedures are both correctly specified and executed.
WITA has agreed with NFRC that it will provide a range of administration services for the new organisation.
The NFRC is the UK’s largest roofing trade association representing over 60% of the roofing industry by value.
The organisation aims to protect consumers by ensuring its members offer high standards of workmanship and good business practice through a strict code and vetting procedure including on-site inspections and adhering to the Government-endorsed TrustMark standards.
It also offers a comprehensive program of training services, technical advice and represents members in the wider construction industry as well as the Government.
