The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026.

The NFRC Roofing Awards are a standout name in the roofing industry, with annual events held in Scotland and London each year, and whilst the Scottish awards are dedicated solely to roofing work in Scotland, some contractors have celebrated victory at both awards, and in quick succession.

All winners of the Scottish Roofing Awards, typically held in October, automatically qualify for entry to the national U.K. Roofing Awards, which take place the following Spring. The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026, with many more being recognised in the national final over the years.

“We have an incredible response to the Scottish Roofing Awards every year but knowing that our Members’ projects then go on to be victorious on a greater scale at national level is really something special, and a very big incentive to put your entry forward for the Scottish Awards.” says Scott Miller, chairman of NFRC Scotland.

Back-to-back winners:

• Marley Contract Services with their project, Social Housing, North Ayrshire (Solar, 2024-2025)
• Aim Developments Ltd with their project, Robin House (Single Ply, 2025-2026)
• Premier Specialist Roofing Contractors Ltd with their project, Kings Theatre (Leadwork, 2025-2026)

“The event has grown year on year, and we now welcome entries to all major roofing disciplines of any size and budget. If you’ve not considered entering already, I strongly encourage you to do so. You could be claiming victory for Scotland at the next U.K. Roofing Awards, and wouldn’t that be something!” continued Scott.

“Making an entry for an award alone gives a chance for a contractor to pause and look back at a project. It allows recognition for the skills, craftsmanship and teamwork within their organisation to make a job excellent. For those who make it through to be a finalist or go on to win, it’s a great industry accolade to pin to your company."

Entries for the Scottish Roofing Awards are now open until 31 July 2026.

The ceremony takes place on 30 October at Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.

Members can submit their project using this link: https://bit.ly/SCOTRA26

About NFRC

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s largest trade association for the roofing and cladding industry, with over 1,350 Members, representing the entire roofing supply chain from contractors to merchants to manufacturers.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Traditional slate craftsmanship and master leadwork are preserving one of Britain's most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 

For most visitors to London, Admiralty Arch is recognized as the grand ceremonial gateway linking Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. For more than a century, the landmark has stood at the heart of royal processions, historic celebrations and national events.  

Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was completed in 1912 and designed by renowned architect Sir Aston Webb. After serving as a government building for decades, the Grade I-listed structure is being transformed into a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel while preserving a defining part of London's skyline. 

During this transformation, the restoration team has worked carefully to honor the building's architectural heritage while adapting it for a new generation of guests. And while much of the public attention has focused on the luxury hotel and residences taking shape behind the landmark façade, we wanted to take some time to learn about one of the project’s most remarkable elements: The restoration happening on the roof. 

During a special visit arranged by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) member EWN Lead Work Specialists, who is helping lead the project, industry leaders from the National Slate Association (NSA), the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America (SRCA) and RoofersCoffeeShop® received an exclusive look at the conservation work taking place high above one of London's most recognizable landmarks. The roof is rarely accessible to the public, making the opportunity especially significant for roofing professionals passionate about preservation and craftsmanship. 

What makes the roofing restoration particularly impressive is the commitment to traditional methods and materials. According to project information shared during the roof tour, the restoration includes the installation of Westmorland green slate using a historic diminishing-course pattern. This traditional approach places larger slates at the lower sections of the roof and progressively smaller slates toward the ridge, reflecting techniques used on many of Britain's most significant heritage structures. 

The slate installation is only one part of the story. The project also involves extensive leadwork restoration across numerous architectural features, including dormers, bays, cornices and complex roof details. Thousands of individually crafted lead components are being fabricated and installed to replicate historic profiles while providing long-term weather protection. Also of note is the extensive low-slope roofing using modified bitumen granule felts. The result is a roof system that maintains the building’s original appearance while serving modern performance expectations. 

Helping lead that effort is EWN Lead Work Specialists Ltd., a company that has built its reputation on heritage leadwork and conservation projects. Founded by Elliot Newman in 2008, the company specializes exclusively in leadwork and has contributed to some of the United Kingdom's most important historic structures, including the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Somerset House and Lincoln's Inn. That level of expertise makes EWN a natural fit for a landmark as significant as Admiralty Arch. 

The project serves as a powerful reminder that roofing is often one of the most critical aspects of historic preservation. While visitors admire stonework, sculptures and grand interiors, the roof is what ultimately protects those investments. In this case, the roof will also be used for rooftop activities, creating new spaces for hotel guests. Preserving a building of this scale requires professionals who understand not only modern roofing performance but also centuries-old installation techniques and conservation principles. The tradespeople working on Admiralty Arch are carrying forward skills that have been passed down through generations. 

The restoration also highlights the growing importance of adaptive reuse projects around the world. Rather than allowing historic structures to deteriorate or lose their identity, owners and developers are investing in restorations that preserve architectural heritage while creating economically viable futures. At Admiralty Arch, that vision includes transforming a former government building into a world-class hospitality destination while retaining the character that has made it a London icon for more than 100 years. 

When guests begin arriving at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, many will be captivated by its history, luxury accommodation and unrivaled location across from Buckingham Palace. Few will realize the extraordinary level of roofing craftsmanship protecting the structure from above. Yet for roofing professionals, that work may be the most inspiring aspect of the entire transformation. 

The restoration of Admiralty Arch demonstrates what is possible when heritage preservation, skilled craftsmanship and modern construction expertise come together. Through traditional slate roofing, master-level leadwork, flat roofing expertise and a deep respect for history, roofing professionals are helping ensure that one of Britain’s most cherished landmarks remains a symbol of excellence for generations to come. 

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at how NFRC is driving higher standards across the industry through a variety of campaigns and partnerships.  

With a legacy that dates back to 1892 and a membership that includes over 1,500 roofing companies, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is one of the largest roofing trade associations in the U.K., and they do not take the importance of their influence lightly. NFRC is dedicated to raising standards and professionalising their members as to better the broader roofing sector. They do this in many ways, including running internal education campaigns and partnering with other organisations to support their initiatives.  

NFRC campaigns 

• Safe2Torch: Across the U.K., 50% of flat roofs are installed with gas torches. And unfortunately, with the use of gas torches comes risks and safety concerns. Launched in July of 2017, this campaign aims to “significantly reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches, either to dry out roofs or when used to install torch-on membranes.” 
• Cut the Dust: Cutting roof tiles releases a dust called respirable crystalline silica (RCS) that has been linked to serious medical conditions like lung cancer, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This campaign aims to raise awareness of this issue and to champion solutions such as water suppression, RPE and other respiratory safety practices.  
• Blue Roofs Guidance: NFRC has released a technical guide with the goal of helping specifiers, designers and installers build effective Blue Roofs (roofs that offer elevated control of rain fall during heavy storm events). Not only does this type of design help protect the roof itself, but it also relieves stress on sewer waterways and keeps river ecosystems cleaner.  
• Don't Fall for Fragile: This is the NFRC’s newest campaign and it aims to raise awareness of fragile roof risks. In general, the roofing industry has made leaps and bounds in preventing falls from heights. The next step is to reduce the number of fragile roof injuries by identifying issues early, planning work accordingly and avoiding unsafe shortcuts.  

Collaborations with other organisations 

• Bat Awareness for the Roofing Industry: This partnership between NFRC and Bat Conservation Trust focuses on improving awareness and understanding of bat protection in the built environment. Through the program, roofing professionals are offered practical guidance for working in areas where bats or bat roosts may be present and education related to the importance of balancing essential roofing work with biodiversity considerations.  
• Breathe Freely: This campaign is led by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and aims to reduce occupationally caused lung disease in the U.K. NFRC has partnered with them in this campaign as it directly impacts their members, “In 2015, approximately 3,500 [construction workers] died from cancer caused by past exposures to asbestos, 500 more from silica dust and 5,500 were diagnosed with occupational cancer.” 
• Building People: This organisation, which is endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, helps connect employers with “the UK’s most diverse built environment talent pipeline.” Not only does this make it easier for jobseekers to start building careers, but it also helps widen talent pools and develop a more diverse workforce.  
• Driving for Better Business: For this campaign, NFRC is partnering with National Highways and their Driving for Better Business (DfBB) programme to connect professionals with resources to help them reduce “work-related road risk, control the associated costs, and improve compliance with current legislation and guidance.” 
• Mates In Mind: This campaign, established by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG), focuses on giving workers in the U.K. with mental support. This is a crucial issue, as research suggests that 350,000 people in construction are suffering from depression, anxiety or stress at any one time. NFRC is not only backing this campaign, but they are also a member of the HCLG and actively helping HCLG work towards their goal of eradicating ill health and disease caused by worksite exposure. 
• No Time to Lose: IOSH, the chartered body for health and safety professionals, runs this campaign to raise awareness and support change in relation to carcinogenic exposure. NFRC has pledged their support and are actively working to help their members and others in the roofing sector raise awareness and take action.  

Learn more about NFRC and the ways they support and uplift the roofing trade through campaigns.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Scottish roofing contractor is celebrating eight decades in business and National Federation of Roofing Contractors Craft Roofer status. 

Bain & Irvine is celebrating 80 years in business with a renewed focus on the heritage craftsmanship that has shaped the company since 1946. Founded after World War II by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, the company began as a small roofing operation built around dependable service and high-quality historic roofing work across Scotland. Eight decades later, five generations of roofers have contributed to that legacy, helping preserve historic architecture across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond. 

This milestone comes as the company also retained its status on the National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register through the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 

Bain and Irvine said the recognition reflects a responsibility it takes seriously. The company is one of only three roofing businesses in Scotland to currently hold this specific approval, continuing a legacy that has included work on regional landmarks such as Fettes College and Donaldson’s School, as well as several NFRC Awards. 

The company has also entered a new phase of growth. Under the guidance of Jamie Anderson, Bain & Irvine recently expanded by merging with the team at Newtown Roofing, a move the company said connects its historic roots with a modern approach to customer care and project management. 

That growth has been paired with an international partnership designed to strengthen long-term heritage support for clients. As Bain & Irvine looks ahead, the company says its foundation remains rooted in traditional Scottish craftsmanship while its future includes broader resources, improved project management and a growing team. As Jamie said, “The tools and the times might change, but the core of the job is the same as it was in 1946 — honest, hard work, looking after the team and delivering quality that stands the test of time.” 

Learn more about Bain and Irvine’s 80-year legacy and heritage roofing work!

By Emma Peterson. 

How NFRC is raising awareness of long-term, less visible safety risks in roofing. 

Over the years, our understanding of safety practices in the roofing trade has grown exponentially. There was a time not too long ago where something as simple as earplugs on a jobsite were much less commonly used. What changed? Our understanding that not all danger is visible. To learn more about handling safety issues when the threat is not visible, we sat down with Gary Walpole from National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

In the industry, the easy to address safety risks are the ones that are immediate and visible. Think slipping and twisting your ankle because you don’t have the correct type of boots on. But the harder to spot issues are the ones that are invisible, or don’t become visible until years down the road. Gary explained:  

We’re good at recognizing causation damage – you did xyz wrong and now you’re hurt. But there are things like silica dust exposure that have a much longer timeline. And so, it feels less serious; people don’t respect the risk as much and then suddenly our aging workforce has lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory issues. 

Working to raise awareness and respect for these less visible safety risks is something that NFRC is very passionate about. In fact, going back to Gary’s example of silica dust, NFRC has a campaign called Cut the Dust that is entirely focused on helping roofing professionals mitigate this issue. In this campaign, they not only highlight the health risks that come with inhaling silica dust (which is often produced on jobsites when cutting concrete roof tiles), but also ways to mitigate the risks. These strategies include:  

• Design for the fewest cuts needed 
• Have a dedicated cutting area 
• Vacuum up the dust rather than sweeping 
• Use water suppression to keep dust down 
• Require proper PPE (personal protective equipment)  

All of these strategies require dedication from leaders on jobsites and within their companies. Gary explained, “If the operatives see the leadership within the company don't care then obviously that breeds a poor culture. And mitigating widespread safety issues like this is all about cultural change.” 

If you are interested in being a part of the change, NFRC provides a variety of resources, like posters, toolbox talks and more that can help you take responsibility and make change on your jobsite.  

Want to learn more about safety in the roofing sector? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about NFRC’s newest safety campaign – Don't Fall for Fragile.  

From heavy lifting requirements and potentially dangerous machinery to working at heights, there’s a lot of safety risks that come with working in the roofing trade. At the same time, we’ve made a lot of progress when it comes to making the industry safer. For example, in the last decade we have seen real progress in preventing life-threatening falls.  

But there’s still a lot of work to do – which is why National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) continues to champion different safety causes through their campaigns. Most recently, they put out a campaign called Don’t Fall for Fragile, which focuses on raising awareness about the danger of fragile roofs and sharing resources for rooftop safety protocols. 

Fragile roofs might look solid but are actually unable to support the weight of roofers or the impact of debris. Some fragile roofs are obvious; you can see the damage to the roof’s integrity and know to avoid it. But others are more subtle and can fail without warning. Things to look for when trying to identify a fragile roof include:  

• Rooflights, domes and skylights 
• Fibre cement sheets 
• Corroded or damaged metal sheets 
• Liner panels and internal gutters 
• Woodwool slabs and older roof decks 
• Coated, overlaid or weathered roof surfaces 
• Hidden weak areas beneath coverings or repairs 

If you identify a fragile roof, or even the risk of one, it is important to plan properly and stop any unsafe shortcuts before someone gets hurt, or worse. This is the core of NFRC’s Don’t Fall for Fragile campaign: “Don’t step through. Step back and plan.” Because taking that step back to plan rather than letting people walk on roofs without knowing if they will be supported is key to keeping our crews and peers safe.  

Want to help the campaign? Take the Don’t Fall for Fragile pledge!  By taking the pledge, organisations and individuals commit to assuming that any suspect roof area is fragile unless confirmed otherwise, ensuring that no work takes place on or near fragile roofs without proper planning, and prioritising collective protection measures such as safe working platforms, edge protection, coverings and guardrails wherever possible.  

They also commit to treating all rooflights as fragile unless they are protected or proven otherwise, only using suitably designed, correctly anchored, properly adjusted and supervised fall protection equipment where required, and making sure everyone understands the risks associated with fragile roofs and feels confident to challenge unsafe shortcuts. 

Learn more or take the pledge today!

NFRC's latest State of the Roofing Industry Report reveals declining workloads, subdued recruitment and falling confidence. 

National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) today published its latest 2026 State of the Roofing Industry Report, revealing a significant deterioration in business confidence across the U.K. roofing sector over the winter months. Economic headwinds driven by overseas conflict, wet weather disruption and broader market uncertainty have weighed heavily on activity. 

Confidence and workload fall sharply 

Only 29% of roofing contractors reported an increase in workload over the winter months, down from 37% in autumn 2025 and 48% in Q4 2024, a 20-percentage point fall year-on-year. New enquiries also declined, with just 26% of contractors reporting growth, compared to 34% in the previous quarter. 

The picture remains cautious looking ahead. Only 28% of roofing contractors expect their workload to increase over the next 12 months, a significant drop from 40% in Autumn 2025. Public sector contractors are particularly pessimistic. 

Political uncertainty has also risen and was identified as the second most reported challenge amongst NFRC Member businesses at 54%. This will only have increased since the survey was completed earlier this year, and it remains to be seen what a change in leadership will mean for the built environment. 

Impact of conflict 

While the recent peace deal has brought some relief, the roofing sector continues to feel the economic consequences of the conflict. Respondents reported that fuel surcharges and materials price volatility persisted throughout the survey period, with one contractor noting that suppliers were increasing surcharges "virtually on a weekly basis."

The International Monetary Fund revised its U.K. growth forecast down to 0.8% for 2026, and Barbour ABI revised their residential sector forecast to -4% for the year. 

Disruption to energy markets is expected to continue throughout 2026 and rising inflation and regulatory pressures will continue to affect construction schemes for the foreseeable future.  

NFRC CEO James Talman said:

"While the full implications of the conflict remain unclear, businesses are struggling and growth projections for construction are being revised down in line with the wider U.K. economy." 

NFRC policy and external affairs manager Gray Gibson added:

 "The peace deal is welcome but it has not alleviated any pressure for businesses at the delivery end of the supply chain. Materials prices remain elevated, margins are being squeezed and confidence is fragile.” 

How roofing contractors find their workers 

The Winter report for the first time explores the recruitment channels NFRC members use to bring workers into the industry. The findings reveal a sector that continues to rely heavily on informal networks rather than formal recruitment infrastructure. 

For experienced and skilled workers, word of mouth and recommendations from existing employees were the most commonly cited methods. The same was true for new entrants to the industry, where informal channels again dominated. While these approaches reflect the close-knit nature of the trade, they also point to a structural challenge: if businesses are not reaching beyond their existing networks, the pool of potential recruits remains narrow. Worth noting also is that NFRC Members generally represent the larger end of the roofing and cladding industry. For smaller businesses, these results are likely even more pronounced.  

NFRC response 

NFRC is supporting members through the current period of uncertainty with guidance on managing inflation, reviewing contract terms and engaging with suppliers. NFRC is also representing the challenges facing specialist contractors in national supply chain forums and continues to campaign for government action on construction demand, skills investment and supply chain fairness. 

By Gray Gibson, National Federation of Roofing Contractors. 

Over the last year, Scottish schools have rolled out National 5 roofing courses to great success. 

In 2025, five schools across Scotland began offering students the opportunity to enroll in a term of roofing education. In that term, students received a hands-on introduction to roofing that builds on almost a decade of construction Skills Demonstrations. This effort was spearheaded by the City of Edinburgh Council with key support from industry partners such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Historic Environment Scotland.  

The results have already been positive! The Scottish Parliament has complemented this effort through motion (S6M-16759), which commended the “creation of new construction pathways that help young people make informed career choices.” Keep reading to hear more about the early success of this roll out.  

The details 

The courses focused on delivering real-world skills by having students use purpose-built roofing rigs to learn the core elements of roof slating, tool handling and material knowledge. Their progress was documented digitally rather than with traditional exams.  

Lewis Miller, company director at Compass Roofing Ltd, handled tutoring for the courses, with four half day sessions and one full day session a week across the following schools: 

• Portobello High (Edinburgh)  
• Castlebrae High (Edinburgh)  
• Wester Hailles High (Edinburgh) full day  
• Stirling High (Stirling)  
• Balfron High School (Glasgow) 

And though these courses were primarily focused on slating, other disciplines are also being explored with demonstrations from Permavent and Edinburgh Leadcraft Ltd.  Looking back at the experience, Lewis shared some thoughts, “I hope the course will open a door to students who wish to pursue a career in roofing, or in any trade that will help close the skills gap in the industry." 

Early results 

Though the program only ran in five schools, more schools showed keen interest at the program’s success, which Scott Miller, managing director of Compass Roofing Ltd and NFRC Scotland Chair and NFRC Board member described:  

We’ve seen students go from trying out a demonstration to joining local firms full-time. That direct transition into apprenticeships shows the real power of hands-on learning. It’s especially appealing to students who aren’t as engaged in traditional academic subjects. They can see a clear path to employment. It’s practical, confidence-building and might lead straight into an apprenticeship. 

Through this establishment of clear routes into the construction sector, the pilot addresses a pressing need for skilled workers while offering students genuine career opportunities.  

Original article and photo source: NFRC

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) has officially announced the winner of the Great British Slate Off 2026 following a round of public voting.

Josh Williams, 1st Choice Roofing, won the public vote with his stunning decorative fox slate.

The competition, held in collaboration with SIG Roofing, took place at InstallerSHOW from 23-25 June and attracted huge interest from the public, exhibitors and other trades as crowds gathered to watch and admire the craftmanship. 

Josh was joined by fellow finalists Adam Humphries from AL King Roofing and Jacob Blight, from Signature Roofing SW, having had their skills recognised by judges, Matt Timby and Andy Rowlands, who invited them to compete in the national final.

NFRC contacted Josh to share the good news. He said, 

“It’s been a fantastic competition with some incredible talented slaters. I’m honoured to have won the public vote. 

“Thank you to NFRC, SIG Roofing, and InstallerSHOW for the opportunity, and a huge thank to everyone who supported and voted for my fox, it means a lot.”

Over 400 people cast their vote between 29 June to 2 July, showing incredible support for the finalists.

Speaking about the event and result, judge Andy Rowlands said, “It’s really encouraging to see people get behind and support roofing talent, and the engagement across the past week has been incredible with people commenting on social media and celebrating the projects.”

Matt Timby, who joined Andy on the judging panel, added “Roofing doesn’t always get a reputation as a cool or exciting trade, but what we’ve proved with Great British Slate Off is there is so much more to it than people think. When we’re trying to encourage young people into the industry, these events stand out and show the level of skills you can achieve in your career. Adam, Josh and Jacob all delivered excellent projects and should be proud.”

NFRC encourages anyone who’d like to participate in future Great British Slate Off events to register their interest.

By Megan Ellsworth.  

Discovering the legacy and longevity of slate roofing in the U.K. 

There are some trips that leave you inspired both professionally and personally, and my recent journey to the United Kingdom with the National Slate Association (NSA) and Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) was exactly that. From walking the streets of London to standing deep inside a historic slate quarry in England’s Lake District, the experience gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship, history and community behind slate roofing. 

The trip centered around attending the NFRC Awards, hosted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. The awards ceremony brought together some of the most talented roofing professionals in the United Kingdom and showcased the incredible work being done across the industry. It was inspiring to see how much pride contractors take in preserving traditional roofing methods while still embracing innovation and modern building practices. A main highlight for me during the awards was seeing the green roofing finalists. I look forward to that trend becoming more prevalent in the states because it is such a beautiful roofing system. The winner of that award was SAFESEAL Roofing LTD for their work on the Chester Zoo, check it out here! 

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was having the opportunity to connect with roofing professionals through RoofersCoffeeShop.uk. Throughout the week, I met contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders who were incredibly welcoming and passionate about their work. Even though roofing practices can differ between the United States and the U.K., the sense of community felt very familiar. Conversations about craftsmanship, workforce development, industry challenges and pride in quality work transcended borders. 

Beyond the networking and events, one of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting the Burlington Stone quarry, owned by the Holker Group. Seeing where slate roofing materials originate completely changed my perspective on slate as a roofing product. Standing inside the quarry and watching the process firsthand was incredible. We were able to see how slate is mined, split and prepared for roofing tiles using techniques that combine generations of tradition with modern precision. I even got to split some slate roofing pieces myself!  

The scale of the operation was impressive, but what stood out most was the respect everyone had for the material itself. Slate roofing is not just another roofing system; it is craftsmanship rooted in geology, history and longevity. Learning about the durability and natural beauty of slate directly from the people who extract and produce it made me appreciate why slate roofs can last well over a century when installed properly.  

The quarry! 

This is inside their plant, cutting the slate into smaller pieces to start creating building materials from it.  

We loved seeing this on the plant floor, safety always comes first! 

Our favorite part was seeing how the roof tiles are made!  

John Chan from Durable Slate Company holding a 200-year-old slate roofing tile! 

The coolest part of the entire trip was realizing just how much history is literally sitting above your head everywhere you go in the U.K. As we toured places like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, I could not stop staring at the roofs. So many of the slate roofs we saw were well over 100 years old, and some even older than that, which honestly blew my mind. We had the honor of touring Haulker Hill House, which has been in the Cavendish family for generations; we all enjoyed marveling at the ornate slate roof and lead and copper finishes.  

Slate roofs are everywhere! This was in Cumbria, England near the Burlington Quarry.  

Coming from the roofing industry, you hear people talk about slate longevity all the time, but seeing these massive historic buildings still protected by beautiful slate systems after centuries of harsh rain and weather made it feel real in a completely different way. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into slate roofing and why it has remained such an important part of architecture throughout the U.K. and Europe for generations. Everywhere we went, from London to Scotland, the roofs themselves felt like part of the storytelling, and I found myself constantly looking up. 

What I walked away with most from this trip was gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn, to represent the roofing community internationally and to build relationships with people who care deeply about the industry. The roofing world may seem large, but experiences like this make it feel surprisingly connected. 

This U.K. trip reinforced something I already believed: roofing is more than construction. It is storytelling, craftsmanship, preservation and community all rolled into one. I am incredibly thankful to the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, the team at RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and everyone we met along the way for making this experience unforgettable.