By Emma Peterson.

Discover how LRWA’s Charity Team Challenge grew from a pandemic-era event into a powerful campaign that brings hundreds of professionals together for a good cause.

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the “authoritative voice for liquid roofing and waterproofing in the UK.”

Founded in 1979, the association brings together manufacturers, contractors, installers, service providers and technical professionals to support the liquid-applied roofing and waterproofing trades. What does this support look like?

LRWA not only provides training and technical resources to improve the competence and quality of the industry, but they also bring the sector together for community support initiatives. One such initiative is their Charity Team Challenge. To learn more about this give-back initiative, we hosted Sarah Spink, CEO of LRWA, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.

The Charity Team Challenge was developed in 2020. LRWA was looking for an event they could host even with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the challenge's creation. In the Charity Team Challenge, industry professionals are challenged to gather a team of ten. Then, over the course of a three-week period, that team aims to log as many kilometres as they can by running, walking, swimming or cycling to win points. And the entire event fundraises for LandAid, a charity working to end youth homelessness.

That first year, there were six teams of ten that participated. Sarah recalled, “It was free to enter and we were kind of guessing, we didn’t know if it would work.” But the event struck a chord with the industry. Sarah explained, “Our industry gets really competitive and this created a friendly competition for a good cause...We’ve had so many people really strategising about this, for example, we had one competitor go to the Alps, get on a bike, do the descent of the Alps and in just over 30 minutes they smashed everybody else's distance because it was so steep.”

Now, six years later, the most recent Charity Team Challenge saw over 200+ participants. Sarah shared, “It’s amazing to go from six teams to 21. And with that growth, we’ve been able to expand our charitable efforts, we’ve raised over 50,000 pounds for LandAid!” Looking back at the way this event has grown, Sarah feels immense pride for her team and LRWA’s members, “Every year I look at Chris Bain, our social media manager who helped come up with this idea and I tell him how proud I am that we put the time into creating this. Because a lot of time and effort has been put into keeping the momentum of this event and it’s had such an incredible impact.” She continued, “And I also feel immense pride in LRWA’s membership, they get so into it and it shows what an amazing industry this is. We’ve only been able to keep doing this because they get involved year after year.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about LRWA’s annual Charity Team Challenge!

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has announced Unilin as the headline sponsor for the LRWA Awards 2027, taking place on Wednesday 17 March 2027 at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

Unilin Insulation is the first associate member of the Association to take on the headline sponsorship. The LRWA’s associate members manufacture the ancillary components that form part of a liquid roofing system, such as thermal and acoustic insulation, vapour control layers, decking and drainage.

Part of the wider Unilin Group, Unilin Insulation has been manufacturing PIR and Phenolic insulation for the UK construction industry for 40 years. Its flat roofing range includes insulation boards, a thermal ply board and tapered roof insulation systems for warm roof build-ups, including those waterproofed with liquid-applied membranes.

The 2027 event marks ten years since the LRWA Awards were launched in 2017. Having sold out on each of the last six occasions, the awards attracted more than 430 guests from across the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector in 2026, including contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. Next year’s ceremony also falls on St Patrick’s Day.

Explaining the reasons behind the sponsorship, Leighton Davies, UK sales and marketing director at Unilin Insulation, said: “The LRWA provides valuable technical support through industry guidance, best practice standards and expert knowledge, helping Unilin ensure our products are correctly specified and compatible with liquid waterproofing systems. Their technical expertise and industry collaboration allow Unilin to stay informed of regulatory developments, address technical challenges and promote high-quality solutions. “The LRWA Awards are always a significant date in the diary and it’s an absolute privilege to be Headline Sponsor for 2027.”

The LRWA Awards recognise the quality, professionalism and workmanship of those working with liquid-applied membranes. Project entries are reviewed anonymously by an independent judging panel and assessed against detailed criteria.

Awards will be presented in five project categories: Sustainability Project of the Year, Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year Under 1,000m² and Liquid Roofing Project of the Year Over 1,000m². Individual awards for Trainer of the Year and Student of the Year will also be presented on the day.

Nominations for Trainer of the Year close on Friday 30 October 2026. Entries for all the project categories close on Friday 27 November 2026.

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Unilin Insulation as our headline sponsor for 2027. As the first associate member to take on this role, Unilin Insulation reflects the important part that insulation and other ancillary components play in the performance of a liquid roofing system and the value of manufacturers from across the roof build-up working with the Association. “Next year marks ten years since the first LRWA Awards, and we are planning an event that does justice to that milestone. With the awards selling out on each of the last six occasions, I would encourage anyone who wishes to attend to book their tickets early, and members to submit their entries before the deadlines.”

The LRWA Awards 2027 is an event for LRWA members and their guests, and tickets are now on sale. Details of award entries and sponsorship packages are available at https://www.lrwa.org.uk/lrwameetings/lrwa-awards/.

About the LRWA

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the leading trade Association for the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry in the UK. The Association promotes best practice, technical excellence and professional standards across the sector. The LRWA brings together manufacturers, contractors, installers, service providers and industry stakeholders to support competence, compliance and confidence.

By Alex Tolle. 

The revised code provides practical guidance on the design, installation and verification of hot melt waterproofing systems. 

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has published Version 2.2 of its Hot Melt Code of Practice, dated August 2026. Updated to reflect BS 6229:2025, the code offers roofing contractors, manufacturers and specifiers a current reference for hot melt waterproofing across flat roofs, podiums, terraces, balconies and walkways.  

The guidance covers system selection, specification, design, installation and maintenance. It places particular emphasis on creating the correct falls during the design and construction stages. Inadequate falls can allow standing water to form, adding structural loads that the roof may not have been designed to accommodate and accelerating material deterioration.  

The revised code also provides updated guidance on zero falls and absolute zero falls, as well as applications involving inverted warm roofs and blue roofs. These updates can support roofing professionals when pricing work, briefing site teams or responding to client queries.  

Substrate preparation receives significant attention. The code addresses concrete curing times, peel bond testing procedures and the treatment of curing compounds that may be compatible or incompatible with hot melt waterproofing systems. It also confirms electronic integrity testing (EIT) as the recognised method for verifying waterproofing integrity on site, replacing traditional flood testing. 

“This update ensures the LRWA Hot Melt Code of Practice reflects the requirements of BS 6229:2025 and continues to give the industry a definitive, authoritative reference for Hot Melt waterproofing systems,” said Mike Bradbury, LRWA technical guidance manager. “Falls and drainage remain critical to the long-term performance of a roof, and this edition reinforces that guidance throughout.”  

Developed by the LRWA Technical Advisory Group with input from manufacturer, contractor and specifier members, the complete code is available to download free of charge. 

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) held its third Dragon Boat Regatta on Wednesday 16 September, with teams from across the sector once again taking to the water at the Cotswold Water Park for a day of hard paddling, good humour and friendly rivalry.

Nine teams took part this year, each with a crew of ten paddlers and a drummer competing head-to-head in 30ft dragon boats. After retaining the title in 2025, the Proteus Spartans’ winning run came to an end this year, with Most Likely Great (MLG UK Ltd) claiming top spot on the podium.

Congratulations to our medal winners, who were:

• Gold: Most Likely Great (MLG UK Ltd)
• Silver: Proteus Spartans (Proteus Waterproofing Ltd)
• Bronze: Emperor Scorpions (Emperor Roofing Ltd)

A special mention also goes to GRO, GRO, GRO Your Boat (Green Roof Organisation), who took home the prize for Best Dressed Team and to Mapei Mighty Paddlers (Mapei UK Ltd), who finished last on the water and picked up the Regatta’s traditional novelty prize, a rubber duck each.

Rob Whitton, director of Emperor Roofing Ltd and LRWA board director, gave the welcome address on behalf of the association. He reminded the teams that the day was “about more than just trying to beat Proteus” and was really “about teamwork, community spirit, having a laugh and celebrating the friendships and connections that bring our industry together.” With it having “been a particularly tough year” for parts of the sector, he added: “Whether times are good or difficult, having our sector come together like this is what makes us stronger.”

The LRWA Dragon Boat Regatta returned in 2025 after a six-year absence from the LRWA calendar, and this year’s turnout and energy on the water show just how much the event means to the sector.

Thank you to all the members companies who took time out of their busy schedules to take part and support the day.

About the LRWA

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the leading trade Association for the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry in the UK. The Association promotes best practice, technical excellence and professional standards across the sector. The LRWA brings together manufacturers, contractors, installers, service providers and industry stakeholders to support competence, compliance and confidence.

By Emma Peterson. 

LRWA’s Charity Team Challenge encourages professionals to stay active and build team spirit while raising funds to help end youth homelessness. 

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth chatted with Sarah Spink, CEO of the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), about the 2026 Charity Team Challenge. This challenge brings the waterproofing and roofing communities together in support of the LandAid charity.  

Sarah kicked off the podcast by sharing some background on the event, explaining,“At LRWA, we feel a certain responsibility to give back and do good. The logic is, if we've got a body of people who are within a sector, why not come together, even though we're all competitors, and raise money for charity for good causes.” 

The Charity Team Challenge specifically began in 2020. Sarah recalled, “We started the Charity Team Challenge in 2020, and it was kind of borne out of the fact that we were having to cancel a lot of our other charity events, like the annual Dragon Boat Regatta. Our team wanted to find something that people can participate in all over – and that’s where the Team Challenge came from.” 

Through the Team Challenge, LRWA challenges roofers and waterproofers to gather a team of ten. Then, during a three-week period, that team clocks as many kilometers as they can by running, walking, swimming or cycling to win points. Throughout the course of the three-week period, LRWA hosts additional challenges to get more points. These range from posting about their participation on LinkedIn to raising more money for charity! 

The goal was to create a challenge that met people where they were. As Sarah put it, “The theory was that anybody can do this; anybody can take part. It's more about doing something meaningful together as a group and getting that team spirit going than being the most athletic.” 

At the end of the challenge, LRWA sends out gold, silver and bronze medals to the highest scoring teams, and all the money raised is sent to the event’s charity partner – LandAid. Sarah shared a bit about this charity, “LandAid is focused on ending youth homelessness. And it’s a really great partnership for our members; we’re the ones building structures and homes and roofs – and this organisation is working to make sure that young ones have access to those structures and spaces.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about LRWA and their charitable work. 

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has published version 2.2 of its Hot Melt Code of Practice, effective from 14 August 2026. The updated Code of Practice reflects the recently published BS 6229:2025 and is available free of charge to specifiers, contractors, clients, suppliers and other interested parties.

To support best practice in flat roofing, the LRWA has updated its Hot Melt Code of Practice to reflect the latest requirements of BS 6229:2025. Developed with technical experts from the UK’s Hot Melt waterproofing industry, the Code provides comprehensive guidance for specifiers and contractors on the selection, design, specification, installation and maintenance of hot-applied polymer-modified bitumen waterproofing systems.

Hot Melt systems have an established track record of more than 40 years in the UK market. They are recognised for their exceptional waterproofing performance, robustness, long-term durability and suitability for a wide range of roof constructions, from zero falls and inverted warm roofs through to biodiverse and blue roof systems.

The Code covers definitions and terminology, design and installation considerations, health and safety provision, substrate suitability and preparation, structural concrete decks and finishes, application methods, quality control on site, maintenance and training. This edition supersedes version 2.1, published April 2025. The updated Code of Practice places particular emphasis on achieving correct falls at deck level, since standing water resulting from inadequate falls or drainage can impose additional structural loads, accelerate material deterioration and reduce thermal performance.

Mike Bradbury, LRWA technical guidance manager, said: “This update ensures the LRWA Hot Melt Code of Practice reflects the requirements of BS 6229:2025 and continues to give the industry a definitive, authoritative reference for Hot Melt waterproofing systems. Falls and drainage remain critical to the long-term performance of a roof, and this edition reinforces that guidance throughout.”

The LRWA Hot Melt Code of Practice is intended for continued reference throughout a project, including at the planning stage, when addressing issues identified on-site and when confirming compliance with recognised best practice. It does not replace manufacturer-specific technical literature or LRWA training and qualifications. It should be read alongside companion documents including the LRWA Car Park Code of Practice and the LRWA Design Guide for Specifiers.

The updated LRWA Hot Melt Code of Practice is available to download here: https://www.lrwa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LRWA-Hot-Melt-Code-of-Practice-V-2.2-August-2026.pdf

About the LRWA

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the leading trade Association for the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry in the UK. The Association promotes best practice, technical excellence and professional standards across the sector. The LRWA brings together manufacturers, contractors, installers, service providers and industry stakeholders to support competence, compliance and confidence.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Chris Bott’s appointment as chair brings fresh contractor insight to the association’s ongoing work around training, quality installation and collaboration across the liquid roofing and waterproofing supply chain. 

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed Chris Bott, director of Everlast Group, as chair of the association, marking a new chapter in leadership for the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Chris was appointed following the association’s Annual General Meeting on June 3, 2026. With more than 25 years of construction industry experience, he brings a contractor perspective to a role that has historically been held by leaders from the manufacturing sector. His appointment reflects the growing contribution of contractor members within LRWA and the association’s commitment to representing the full supply chain. 

Chris shared, “For years, this position has been held by leaders from the manufacturing sector – the people who create the chemistry, technology and products our industry depends on. I am honoured to take on the role and bring a contractor’s perspective to the position.” 

His priorities will include strengthening engagement across the association, supporting professional development and promoting best practice throughout the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Chris also plans to champion the role of accredited contractors in delivering high-quality installations as regulatory requirements and expectations around quality assurance continue to increase. 

“The performance of any system depends on both the quality of the product and the expertise of the installer. I want to strengthen the partnership between manufacturers and contractors, ensuring that technical knowledge, training and quality installation remain at the heart of everything we do,” Chris said. He continued, “By working together, we can continue to raise standards across the industry and reinforce the value that LRWA membership brings to clients, specifiers and building owners.” 

Sarah Spink, CEO of LRWA, called the appointment a significant moment for the association, noting Chris’ contracting expertise and commitment to raising industry standards. The association’s strengthened leadership team also includes Richard Aldred of Sika Ltd. as vice chair, maintaining manufacturing representation at the highest level. 

Chris succeeds Gary Hemmings, managing director of WestWood Liquid Technologies Ltd., who will remain on the LRWA board to provide continuity and support. 

Learn more about the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association, its leadership, membership and work to raise standards across the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector!

The LRWA is the authoritative voice for liquid applied roofing and waterproofing in the UK, supporting a professional community built on competence, compliance and confidence. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) into their community. 

UK construction has changed over the years. For example, the Building Safety Act has redefined accountability across the industry, and for those working with liquid applied membranes and waterproofing systems, the challenge is keeping pace with change, understanding what is required, and being equipped to deliver it in practice. LRWA exists to make that achievable. 

An industry-led, professional association founded in 1979, LRWA represents manufacturers, contractors, installers, distributors and industry professionals across a specialist discipline. Relaunched in its current form in 2010, the association's core purpose has remained constant: To act as the collective voice of the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector, promoting standards, sharing knowledge and driving best practice. Today, that purpose is guided by three principles: Competence, compliance and confidence. 

Technical leadership  

At the heart of LRWA's work is a commitment to developing and maintaining technically robust guidance. The association actively monitors changes in legislation, British Standards and building regulations. Those insights are assessed by LRWA's Technical Committee and specialist Working Groups, drawing on expertise from across the membership, and translated into practical guidance that gives designers, contractors and manufacturers clear, current and reliable direction. LRWA also sits on key standards committees and responds to consultations, ensuring the sector's voice is heard wherever standards, policy and regulation are shaped.  

Training and qualifications  

LRWA delivers the only UK training programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification across all major liquid applied roofing and waterproofing technologies. The Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP), the sector equivalent of an apprenticeship, takes trainees through structured classroom and practical learning followed by on-site assessment. On successful completion, candidates achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Liquid Applied Roofing and qualify for a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. For eligible CITB levy payers, the programme is fully funded.  

Experienced installers can pursue a qualification through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route, part funded for eligible CITB levy payers. An online training academy complements both routes with flexible, accessible courses for professionals across the supply chain at every stage of their career. 

Membership that means something  

LRWA membership is a benchmark, built on independently verified standards that give specifiers, building owners and clients genuine assurance of quality and competence. For contractors and installers, membership signals a commitment to recognised standards and robust technical guidance. For manufacturers, it requires independently verified product performance, audited quality management systems and documented quality assurance procedures. For distributors and associates, it reflects active participation in raising standards across the supply chain.  

Community, events and charity  

LRWA is more than an association. Through the LRWA Awards, industry events, knowledge-sharing forums and charitable initiatives, it brings the sector together and supports meaningful causes. Its members are helping to upskill the next generation, open doors for people from all backgrounds, support the sector's journey to net zero and give back to causes that matter. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA)!  

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed Chris Bott, director of Everlast Group, as chair of the association following its Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2026.

A long-standing advocate for quality, training and professional standards, Chris brings more than 25 years of construction industry experience to the role. His appointment reflects the growing contribution of contractor members within the LRWA and reinforces the association's commitment to representing the entire liquid roofing and waterproofing supply chain.

Commenting on his appointment, Chris Bott said:

"For years, this position has been held by leaders from our manufacturing sector — the people who create the chemistry, technology and products our industry depends on. I am honoured to take on the role and bring a contractor's perspective to the chair.

"The performance of any system depends on both the quality of the product and the expertise of the installer. As chair, I want to strengthen the partnership between manufacturers and contractors, ensuring that technical knowledge, training and quality installation remain at the heart of everything we do.

"By working together, we can continue to raise standards across the industry and reinforce the value that LRWA membership brings to clients, specifiers and building owners."

During his term as chair, Chris will focus on strengthening engagement across the association, supporting professional development and promoting best practice throughout the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. He will also champion the role of accredited contractors in delivering high-quality installations at a time when regulatory requirements and expectations around quality assurance continue to increase.”

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, welcomed the appointment, saying:

"Chris's election as Chair is a proud and significant moment for the LRWA. He brings not only contracting expertise but a genuine passion for raising standards throughout the industry.

“His appointment reflects the breadth of our membership and our commitment to supporting every part of the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. We look forward to working with Chris to strengthen collaboration across the industry and deliver even greater value to our members.”

The appointment forms part of a strengthened leadership team for the association. Richard Aldred of Sika Ltd has been appointed vice chair, ensuring continued representation of the manufacturing sector at the highest level of the organisation.

Chris succeeds Gary Hemmings, managing director of WestWood Liquid Technologies Ltd, who steps down after leading the association through a period of significant growth and development. Gary will remain on the LRWA Board, providing continuity and support as the association moves forward.

About the LRWA

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the leading trade association for the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry in the UK. The association promotes best practice, technical excellence and professional standards across the sector, bringing together manufacturers, contractors and industry stakeholders to support quality, competence and innovation.