SA Roofing September 2018 // Issue 104 | Page 32

REGULARS: PERSONALITY PROFILE informal sector unfortunately is not, which poses a great challenge to the industry. The consumer is far too often hard done by in this sector, mostly by unregulated manufacturers and building contractors. It is increasingly important to grow the membership of the ITC-SA to cultivate a larger and better regulated industry of professional members, which will ultimately benefit everyone, especially the consumer, in the engineered timber structure value chain. Q What are the current gaps in the sector? We have learnt that there is a need for skills training and development in the field. Furthermore, there is a great need for more roofing inspectors in the industry as well as the education of architects and engineers in this specialised field, which is dynamically addressed via workshops throughout the country. In addition, several workshops with the aim to ensure compliance through the value chain have been delivered to the financial institutions, public works, universities, local authorities and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). It is important that all industry role players collectively take responsibility and ensure compliance of the minimum standards in the built environment to ensure consumer protection. Q How is the ITC-SA addressing industry hurdles? We have developed an online training course for building contractors, individuals new to the sector and roofing professionals, which can be studied and completed in their own time. We developed this online training for busy inspectors and erectors and distance learning programmes for timber roof truss designers. We are in the process of launching a timber frame manual to ensure compliance to SANS 10082 and timber decking. ITC-SA regional representatives in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have more recently been appointed and come with vast experience in the industry and roots in the NHBRC. Q Past and future reflections? My entrance into the industry was a simple matter of employment, but soon I realised how much I enjoyed working with people in the industry and nurturing my passion for serving the consumer and our membership in the light of challenges facing the industry. I enjoy what I do, which is to interact on various levels in the sector, out in the field as well as in the boardroom. It brings me a great deal of satisfaction to know that our professional membership produces a quality product that ensures public safety and value for money. I also enjoy working with a great team that share the same passion for the industry. I would like to expand the ITC-SA’s professional membership to ensure full-scale regulation of the timber construction industry and for the ITC-SA to receive recognition by statutory organisations. IsoLam Ceiling Panels Isolite produces IsoLam Ceiling Panels comprising of 15 density, fire retardant EPS to which a layer of 125 micron, fire retardant PVC foil is laminated at a high temperature, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing product that has excellent thermal properties. IsoLam is classified as a class B/B2/H&V. IsoLam insulating panels are ideal for insulating roofs, ceilings and walls whilst providing a permanent maintenance free internal surface. Product Range: Two different moulding patterns are available with standard colours being Stucco and Marble. IsoLam panels are available in thicknesses from 40mm to 120mm. Standard lengths are 600, 1200, 2400, 3600 and 4800mm with the standard width of 1200mm