BELFAST PLAYS HOST TO MAJOR WORLDWIDE ROOFING CONGRESS AND SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIP IN NOVEMBER 2010

Leading roofing industry specialists from around the world will meet in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the important 58th Congress of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) from 16 – 20 November 2010. It is being hosted in the UK by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Taking place alongside the Congress will be the 23rd World Championship for Young Roofers. This is a unique competition focussing on the skills and training of young roofers and their expertise in working with the spectrum of traditional and new roofing materials and techniques.

IFD is the world‟s most highly regarded organisation representing the roofing trade. Speakers at the Congress will bring a wide range of international experience and knowledge to the delegates, embracing the new codes and standards, materials, techniques and ideas on sustainability that are all playing a major role at the leading edge of today‟s roofing industry.

To be held in the King‟s Hall, Belfast, the Congress and World Championship will also feature an exhibition of some of the very latest roofing materials and products available to the roofing industry, including four „Roofs of the Future‟ displays. Current IFD President and Northern Ireland roofing contractor, Gordon Penrose, says: “It is a great honour for the UK and the NFRC in particular to host this major international event. The NFRC believes strongly in supporting young roofers to strive for the highest standards in both national and international events. The competition will be a major craftsmanship attraction and I would encourage anyone who can, to join us at this free event in the heart of Belfast.”

There will be 23 teams of two trainee roofers competing in the World Championships for Young Roofers, who will demonstrate their expertise and skills in pitched roofing, metal roofing and waterproofing. Amongst the materials they will be using are natural slate and concrete tiles, lightweight steel metal panels and waterproofing techniques including upstands, internal and external corners, gutters and pipe penetrations. The competitions are sponsored by leading manufacturers and suppliers to the roofing industry.