New roofing group set to raise standards in Ireland
27th March 2017
Timber roof and floor experts and suppliers in Ireland have come together to form a new group within the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA).
The new TRA Ireland group has seven members already from the Republic and Northern Ireland, including Armstrong Timber Engineering, ATS Trusses Ltd, Cork Roof Truss Company, Harmony Timber Solutions Ltd, Magtruss and Quinn Building Supplies.
The group is now liaising closely with HomeBond, the leading provider of structural defect cover for new homes in the Republic of Ireland, to ensure guidance on metal web joists and trussed rafters is updated in its House Building Manual, often referred to as the Blue Book.
The TRA Ireland group aims to become the leading authority on timber trussed rafters and metal web joists for the relevant authorities such as HomeBond, the National Standard Authority of Ireland and Building Control Northern Ireland.
Alan Armstrong, the newly elected chair of the TRA Ireland group and founding director of Armstrong Timber Engineering based in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, said:
“The creation of this group provides fabricators and suppliers with a much more structured and proactive way to address market issues in the country.
“Our primary aim is to raise standards. So for example, updating the Blue Book is extremely important to ensure the best quality new home building in Ireland, and to interpret the new technical knowledge that has been developed in the UK for the Irish market.
“We do have differences in the way we build here – there are different roof styles and spans, and attic trusses are extremely popular here as moving home is so expensive so developers build new homes which allow for easier expansion into the loft space later on. These issues demand careful detailing and quality manufacturing.
“The TRA provides the Irish roofing industry with a wealth of technical and educational support, and will help us grow the market for quality assured products and professional services to housebuilders and the wider construction industry.”
The TRA Ireland group will soon be served by a new website carrying specific news, projects and technical guidance for the Irish market.
The TRA represents over 65% of the trussed rafter and metal web joist industry in the UK and Ireland. Members include the principal manufacturers of trussed rafters, metal web joists, suppliers and professionals involved in roof and floor design and construction.
