The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association represents the fastest growing sector of the construction industry. Suitable for new-build and refurbishment projects, liquid membranes have delivered proven performance in the UK since the 1970’s with literally millions of square metres laid.
Our aim is to raise awareness of both the technical and financial benefits of specifying liquid applied waterproofing systems and provide independent advice for specifiers.
Many of the UK and Europe’s leading manufacturers of liquid applied membranes are members of the association, along with their approved contractors and suppliers.
This diverse member mix means the LRWA can act as a collective voice for the industry, providing guidance on industry standards and best practice.
The comprehensive range of products and services available means our members can provide solutions throughout a project, whether it’s the roof, balcony, basement, walkway or car park.
To ensure specifiers get the very best solutions and expert installation we recommend using LRWA member companies. These are businesses that are devoted to best industry practice and aim to supply and install their systems to a client’s complete satisfaction.
All our manufacturer members have to meet stringent quality criteria before membership with the LRWA can be approved. This includes:
- Having their own quality systems that meet ISO 9001 standards
- Providing trained technical staff to give support in the office and out on site
- Achieving independent product accreditations such as BBA and ETA certificates
- Developing their own approved contractor schemes and providing full training for these contractors
- Supplying systems with a minimum 10 year guarantee
One of our biggest achievements has been the development of apprenticeship and up-skilling programmes for contractors, which helps to keep installation quality high and supports the young installers of tomorrow.
As part of this we have established the LRWA Liquid Applied Membrane Training Centre, in conjunction with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Construction Library; created online training modules in liquid waterproofing in conjunction with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and Construction Library; and provided a RIBA approved online CPD to educate specifiers.
We provide technical guidance for specifiers through Guidance Notes and the LRWA Code of Practice, and our members work together to ensure liquids are represented within industry standards such as the BREEAM Green Guide to Specification.
Through partnerships with other roofing trade associations, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Institute of Roofing, the LRWA is working hard to move the flat roofing industry forwards and ensure quality products with quality installations.
The achievement of vocational qualifications in Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing is supported by this organisation
Our People
Sarah SpinkLRWA CEO, MIoR – Sarah has worked in the Liquid Roofing Industry since 2006 and joined the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association in 2009.
Chris BussensLRWA Training Coordinator – Chris has been working in the roofing and cladding industry for over 40 years.
Mike Bradbury Vice Chair of the Technical Committee – Liquid Product Manager at Bauder, Mike ’s experience in flat roofing and liquids spans more than 15 years. He has previously worked in a variety of technical roles at Sika Liquid Plastics, Centaur Technologies and Icopal.
Mark FlelloLRWA Director and Vice Chairman – Mark is a co-owner of Dove Technology Ltd. Dove manufacture a range of adhesives specifically designed for the flat roofing industry and are associate members of the LRWA. 
David RobertsLRWA Director – After graduating in Mechanical Engineering Science, David spent a number of years working in the pharmaceutical industry initially in the UK and later in the USA.
Cliff WestonLRWA Director & Chair of the Car Park Committee – Cliff has been working in the construction industry for 30 years.
Ian BirchLRWA Director – Over 30 years experience working in technical, production, marketing and sales roles in the construction products industry with companies such as Rocol and Akzo Nobel, focussing mainly on the specialist coatings sector.
Gary Hemmings LRWA Director – Working in roofing since 1996. In 2003 Gary moved into manufacturing, working for a some of the largest and most respected names within the flat roofing industry. He is currently managing director of Westwood Liquid Technologies Ltd.
Gary Baines Chair of the Technical Committee – Gary has worked at Sika Liquid Plastics Ltd since 1980. During this time he has worked in various departmental roles within Technical and Sales, in the UK and at international level – serving as the Corporate Product Engineer.
Andrea CarbinLRWA Administrative Secretary – Andrea has worked in the liquid roofing industry since 1990, and currently works as a senior PA within Liquid Plastics Limited.
Our History
The LRWA was originally formed as the BRCMA (Bituminous Roof Coating Manufacturers Association), in the 1970’s in order to promote good practice in the industry.
In the early 90’s it became apparent that growth in non-bituminous products was active and the association reinvented itself as ELRA (European Liquid Roofing Association) incorporating all liquid roofing systems.
Additionally the organisation was being recognised as an industry voice and thus became involved with the drafting of European standards.
In 2005 a second reinvention recognising the wider markets that the liquid waterproofing was being used in, resulted in the formation of ELWA (European Liquid Waterproofing Assocation)
In 2010 the association recognised the need for an industry voice for the fastest growing sector of the roofing market in the UK and refocused once again to include Roofing. The association re-launched to become the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association.