New MAC Director Appointment
The Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) Board has announced the appointment of Bryn Apperley, who will succeed Malcolm Grinstead as MAC Director from 1st August 2025.
Bryn brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked in the mastic asphalt sector since 1984. He formerly worked at IKO’s Grangemill site as Production Manager, with responsibility for managing the manufacturing team.
Outside of work, Bryn is a passionate supporter of Matlock Town FC, and he was previously Chairman of the football club.
Malcolm Grinstead will officially retire on 31st October 2025, marking the conclusion of an impressive 55-year career in the mastic asphalt industry. Malcolm’s tenure was recently recognised during the MAC Awards and Luncheon 2025 in London, where he was honoured for his service and contribution to the sector.
Roofing Industry Publishes Position Paper on RC62 Fire Safety Guidance
The Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC), in collaboration with key industry partners, has jointly published a position paper addressing the application of the RC62 guidance on fire safety in rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.
The document was authored by Bauder Head of Sustainability, Tom Raftery, on behalf of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the Bitumen Flat Roofing Association (BFRA), the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), MAC, Solar Energy UK, and the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA).
The position paper sets out the roofing industry’s considered response to RC62, advocating for a more nuanced and risk-based interpretation, particularly in relation to flat roofing systems. It calls for design decisions to be grounded in whole-system performance and real-world test data, rather than rigid material classifications.
The publication follows extensive engagement with the RISCAuthority, which has now agreed to revise the RC62 guidance. A formal consultation on the updated version is currently open, although the revised guidance is not expected to be published for some time.
Investing in our Architectural Heritage
A Highly Commended project at the recent Mastic Asphalt Council Awards and Luncheon 2025 was Bargate in Southampton completed by MAC member James Roofing. This impressive project was Highly Commended in the Heritage Project of the Year category.
The Bargate is a Grade I listed medieval gatehouse in the city centre of Southampton. Constructed in Norman times around 1180 from stone and flint as part of the Southampton town walls, it is the main gateway to the city. The iconic gatehouse is an enduring symbol of the city’s rich history and architectural legacy.
Work was undertaken on the roof of the Bargate as part of Phase 2 of the Heritage Assets Repairs Programme (HARP). The programme was initiated by Southampton City Council to restore more than 50 historic sites across the city, including roof renovation work on the Bargate.
The project entailed removing the existing asphalt, which was laid in 1973. This was upgraded with an IKO Permaphalt mastic asphalt system to the same detailing required for English Heritage, but with improved performance of the new Permaphalt system. With exceptionally long-lasting durability, it forms a seamless, joint-free membrane which is fully bonded to the substrate, eliminating the risk of water penetration during its long lifespan.
As the structure is protected by English Heritage, James Roofing had to adhere to strict guidelines to preserve the original building. When the existing asphalt was removed, it was crucial that no damage was caused to the structure. James Roofing liaised closely with the Principal Contractor and the Southampton Heritage Department to ensure the works were carried out to the original detailing.
The roof renovation proved highly successful and a total of 200m2 of mastic asphalt was applied to the Bargate roof.
This article featured within the September / October 2025 edition of Roofing Today magazine – click here to view the article.