A partnership built on trust, expertise, and best-in-class service.
We are delighted to back with another edition of Contractor Focus, this time shining the light on RM Polymers, an independent roofing business who are a valued member of the Polyroof approved contractor network. As a highly valued member of our installer network, RM Polymers works closely with Polyroof on many liquid flat roofing projects, all of varying sizes, complexities, and requirements. In October 2024, the Polyroof Marketing Team caught up with Colin Richards, founder of RM Polymers, to find out more about their journey to becoming liquid roofing installation experts.
RM Polymers pride themselves on serving the roofing needs of the entire length and breadth of the United Kingdom, covering a broad range of expertise including flat roofs, warm roofs, copper and lead roof alternatives, as well as balconies and roof gardens. Working across both the commercial and residential sectors, RM Polymers provides roofing solutions for both new build and refurbishment applications, having built upon their rich, 20-year history in the liquid flat roofing industry through many decades of professional experience and knowledge of wider roofing works, materials, and techniques.
From leaky pipes to leaky roofs
From their early days in the plumbing and heating trade, Colin and the business later diversified into the roofing arena, initially specialising in traditional leadwork methods. As technology across the roofing landscape evolved, however, RM Polymers looked towards more innovative approaches to their projects, later becoming experts in the installation of reinforced liquid-applied waterproofing membranes.
Recognising the advanced capabilities of liquid roofing systems, Colin and his team were eager to explore the benefits of using such technology, soon realising its ability to create a seamless finish across the entire roof area, removing areas of weakness associated with laps and joints of traditional membrane systems. Speaking of RM Polymer’s move towards liquid roofing solutions, Colin stated: “We realised that liquid applied systems could be formed in a similar way to lead roofs, which we already had many years of experience with. However, the true beauty of liquid-applied roofing is that you have much more versatility, which has benefitted us significantly, enabling us to expand our operations, completing projects more quickly and on a much larger scale.”
Partnering with the leading liquid flat roofing manufacturer
Today, RM Polymers cater to a broad range of liquid roofing applications, having worked in partnership with Polyroof for the last three years. Colin had previously worked with Polyroof’s Regional Technical Sales Manager, Craig Smith, for a number of years with another manufacturer and we were thrilled to welcome Colin and the RM Polymers team onboard into our network of independent approved contractors.
Discussing the benefits of using Polyroof’s range of cold liquid-applied membranes, Colin said: “Polyroof’s waterproofing systems encompass RapidCure technology, which greatly reduces their overall installation time, with cure times as low as 30 minutes. The superior versatility offered by the polyester resin formulation enables us to easily focus our attention on the tricky detailing that is found in most flat roof structures.
The speed of application offered by Polyroof’s range of liquid waterproofing membranes was significantly beneficial on a recent collaboration with RM Polymers, who utilised Polyroof’s flagship Protec Evolve System to overlay the failed asphalt roofing system at Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth. Sustained water ingress had led to the temporary closure of the hospital’s Meurig Ward, which provides vital cancer treatment for patients, meaning RM Polymers had to act quickly and efficiently to repair the leaking roof to avoid further operational disruption. Another reason the system was specified by Colin and his team for the project, was due to its low odour nature and thus its suitability for installation within sensitive environments, such as healthcare and emergency service facilities.
Reflecting upon the urgency of rectifying the leakage issues at Bronglais Hospital, Colin stated: “It was imperative that we repaired the failed asphalt roofing system to enable the Meurig Ward to resume its treatment schedule in a timely fashion. This was made possible through our vast experience in liquid roofing refurbishment projects and the advanced capabilities of Polyroof’s product technology. Liquid-applied membranes are ideal for overlaying existing roof build ups and the installation of Protec Evolve has ensured lasting protection for the hospital roof, as well as contributing to a functional environment that is conducive to patient care.”
Here at Polyroof, we strive to support each and every one of our approved contractors with their flat roofing projects, and RM Polymers are no exception to this. We provide a full suite of support services, including specification writing assistance, calculations, surveys, and more. Our service levels help us to forge solid relationships with our approved contractor base and this does not go unappreciated. Colin remarked: “One of the many reasons we favour working with Polyroof is the full system solution that you offer. The technical support we receive from your team is second to none and we can rest assured you are always on hand at each stage of the project lifecycle to assist as and when is required.”
Reputations are worth their weight in gold
For RM Polymers, word of mouth remains paramount when it comes to building lasting relationships in the roofing industry. They continuously endeavour to provide the utmost level of service and quality of installation across their projects, with Colin adding: “We are regularly recommended by people we have worked with in the past, which is testament to our solid reputation, as our clients know that they will receive a high quality service from us. At RM Polymers, we strongly value our relationships and pride ourselves in cultivating lasting partnerships with both customers and manufacturers.”
RM Polymers is a firm believer in remaining ahead of the curve as liquid flat roofing technology continues to evolve: “Looking towards the future, I want to ensure the next generation of roofing installers at RM Polymers are equipped with the necessary skills to carry on delivering the service we’ve become renowned for. I am eager to continue focusing our attention on working with manufacturers to refine installation techniques for reinforced liquid roofing technology, strengthening our reputation across all sectors nationwide.”
