The A. Proctor Group has been at the forefront of pitched roof membrane technology for more than a quarter of a century. Drawing on those years of experience, plus feedback from designers, specifiers and installers alike, 2024 saw us introduce a brand-new underlay product: Proctor Air®.
The product was subsequently awarded a BBA certificate in May 2024. A year on from that milestone, we look at how Proctor Air is shaping best practice in the UK pitched roofing sector.
How Proctor Air delivers pitched roof performance
As an air permeable, low resistance (APLR) pitched roof underlay, Proctor Air simplifies pitched roof constructions.
Its vapour permeability allows moisture vapour to escape the roof space, reducing condensation risk. Proctor Air has an Sd value of 0.015m and a vapour resistance of 0.075 MNs/g, making it one of the highest performing vapour permeable membranes on the market.
At the same time, its air permeability means no ventilation measures are required in warm, cold or room in the roof constructions as it provides a more uniform flow of air in the roof space than normal vents. Proctor Air also requires no vapour control layer in the ceiling.
Alongside air and vapour permeability, Proctor Air offers water holdout performance and wind uplift resistance that ensures it can cope with more frequent extreme weather driven by climate change. Pitched roof underlays provide secondary weather protection (the roof covering is always the primary protection), so they are water resistant – not waterproof.
Even so, Proctor Air offers a W1 resistance to water penetration classification, when tested to EN 1928:2000. A hydrophobic additive in all three of its layers helps it to achieve a minimum of 1m hydrostatic head – a level of water resistance that meets the guidance of NFRC’s Technical Bulletin 6.
When Proctor Air is used on a roof featuring in-line solar PV panels surrounded by non-airtight tiles, the roof covering can continue to be treated as air permeable. There is no requirement for ventilation in the loft space below the underlay, or in the batten cavity above the underlay.
Proctor Air case studies
In its first year, Proctor Air has been widely adopted by the UK pitched roof sector. Notable projects include Hatchmeadow apartments in Northumberland, where it featured in a 2500m2 replacement roofing system. Proctor Air helped to protect residents during the work, as the building remained occupied throughout. The completed system stopped leaks that had previously affected some of the apartments.
It has also been used on the prestigious £325m renovation of Manchester Town Hall, which is one of the biggest heritage projects in the UK. The historic roof features many intricate details with limited opportunities to provide modern roof ventilation. Installing Proctor Air meant separate roof ventilation was not required, and there will be no ‘dead zones’ of restricted air movement in the complex roof.
Verifying Proctor Air’s performance with BBA certification
Achieving BBA certification for Proctor Air one year ago provided specifiers and installers with independent third-party verification that our performance claims are genuine and accurate.
Because an Agrément certificate assesses a construction product’s fitness for purpose, obtaining a BBA certificate for Proctor Air showed it had been tested and assessed in relation to its intended use.
Organisations like the A. Proctor Group, who have a history of technical innovation, rely on working with certification bodies like the British Board of Agrément to bring new ideas to the market. And during the process of Proctor Air’s certification, we enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the BBA.
Monthly meetings with our BBA project manager ensured we could keep each other updated on progress, and maintain ongoing dialogue about testing schedules and product sample needs.
Construction Marketing Awards success
An eye-catching advertising campaign throughout 2024 positioned Proctor Air as “the air to the throne.” Our hard work culminated in a triumphant night at December’s Construction Marketing Awards (CMAs).
During a gala dinner and ceremony, judges named the A. Proctor Group as winner in both the Best Product Launch category and the Best Advertising Campaign category.
Best Product Launch was awarded for the Proctor Air campaign. Recognising the challenges of introducing a new product into a very competitive marketplace, the judges noted how the “attention-grabbing, innovative campaign” communicated Proctor Air’s benefits, built momentum, and exceeded expectations in terms of return on investment.
In winning Best Advertising Campaign, we were praised for its “really eye catching and different approach.” The unique digital art resonated with audiences and “was sure to grab attention,” while positioning the company as a trusted and expert partner.
What made the two wins particularly special was that we produced everything in-house. Our campaigns truly represented us as an organisation – credible, innovative and professional, while still bringing personality into our marketing. The success was made possible by the hard work, passion and innovative ideas of the A. Proctor Group team.
Capable of being specified on all roof types – including those without low- and high-level ventilation, or without a vapour control layer – and accompanied by a 15-year warranty, Proctor Air is delivering peace of mind for new-build and retrofit projects, today and in the future. Find out more: https://proctorgroup.com/products/proctor-air
