There’s something genuinely exciting happening in the roofing trade right now. Apprentices from across the UK are competing in SkillBuild 2026, the country’s largest multi-trade competition, showing off their skills in roof slating and tiling at regional heats that have been running since March. The national final takes place in November at the Stadium MK in Milton Keynes — and the standard, from what we’re hearing, is seriously impressive.
One of the key contributors to the competition has been SR Timber, who donated over 1,400 metres of their SRT GOLD® graded roofing batten for the heats. It’s a detail that matters more than it might seem: using correctly graded, compliant batten isn’t just about passing a competition — it’s what separates a roof that lasts 50 years from one that causes problems in 10. The SRT GOLD® batten used in SkillBuild meets BS 5534 standards, the British standard that governs how roofs are fixed, and it’s WPA approved for preservation too.
For anyone getting roofing work done — or for roofers wanting to make sure they’re using the right materials — understanding what goes into a quality roof really is worthwhile. The batten, the tiles, the fixings, the felt — every component has a role. Using substandard materials might save a few pounds upfront, but it can lead to leaks, movement, and costly repairs down the line. The best tradespeople know this, which is why they’re particular about where they source their supplies.
At RTB Roofing Supplies in Rainham, you’ll find a full range of roofing materials, timber and building products for all types of roofs — stocked and ready for trade and public customers alike. Whether you’re a professional roofer or tackling a project yourself, getting the right materials from the right supplier makes the job easier and the end result better.
Visit RTB Roofing Supplies at https://rtbrs.co.uk/ to see their full range, or pop in to their Rainham Road depot for expert advice on the right products for your project.