Roofing

Regeneration
Industrial Roofing - Bringing Buildings
Back to Life
By Janine Brady, Marketing Manager at SIG Roofing
Enquiry 1
Above: A failing slate roof at Waterton Engineering, Chadderton, Manchester and (right) the roof is restored by over-roofing with 0.7mm thick box profiled sheet and GRP roof lights.
Whether you are a large industrial roof and wall cladding specialist, or a
small domestic contractor supplying and installing roofing components
for one-off projects - industrial refurbishment offers multiple opportunities
to expand your business and help develop under-utilised and outdated
industrial and commercial properties.
As towns and cities develop, old building stock naturally faces
competition from newer buildings that are often more centrally located
and meet all the latest building regulations. Take warehouses for
instance: whilst many lie derelict, others remain empty or under-utilised
as landlords fail to secure rentals due to the buildings’ appearance and
overall amenities.
Energy costs alone can prove challenging. By failing to achieve the
minimum mandatory thermal performance level of 0,45Wm 2 K, a
substantial fiscal energy wastage tax is levied. Equally, many outdated
buildings are of single skin construction which can cause interstitial
condensation. Not only is this unsatisfactory, it can present dangerous
working conditions.
By introducing roofing and wall cladding refurbishment solutions,
commercial and industrial property owners can not only bring older
buildings back to life, they can considerably extend their rental appeal
Page 10 Roofing Today
and their lifespan. In doing so, opportunities to re-market the buildings as
alternative spaces emerge. Such solutions are often less costly than the
demolition or redevelopment of the original structure, and they can
significantly increase rental values and reduce future maintenance costs.
Over-cladding and over-roofing are fast becoming popular refurbishment
strategies to help overhaul existing industrial and commercial properties
and can be conducted without much structural intervention to the building.
Whilst they offer significant benefits over re-cladding and re-roofing, there
are instances when the latter become essential. So, let’s take a closer look
at the various options.
Over-cladding or over-roofing: installing a new cladding system over the
existing wall system of a building helps create a new façade bringing a
new look to the building. Over-cladding the existing roof can take the form
of erecting a new roof system over an existing empty space, such as an
atrium, or on top of the existing roof. It could also mean introducing a longspan
sky roof or glazing, or even a vertical extension of the building. As a
result, demolition or disposal of the existing roof system is avoided. Not
only do both techniques improve the external appearance of the building,
they help reduce thermal heat losses and meet Part L2 Building
Regulations. They can also prevent future deterioration and maintenance,
as well as improve internal noise levels.
Re-cladding or re-roofing: re-cladding the façade of a building usually involves replacing the
existing wall system; this becomes preferable when the cost of over-cladding is exorbitantly
high or is not feasible. Meanwhile, re-roofing usually refers to the stripping and laying of a new
flat roof, or the re-tiling of a pitched roof, when the existing roof has failed. In the case of older
buildings where asbestos may be present, re-cladding and/or re-roofing are the only options. In
these instances, the building is deemed fragile and unsafe, and presents possible health and
safety hazards. Combined with poor thermal properties and high air leakage, these structures
command high insurance costs and are an unattractive rental proposition.
By re-cladding or re-roofing with composite wall and
roof panels, or site-assembled roof and walling,
buildings can be completely transformed to provide
an improved working environment. They offer longterm
durability and improved lighting, together with
reduced operating costs and enhanced rental appeal.
Also, as well as complying with government
legislation, a brand new roof also brings peace of
mind with a guarantee of 25 years or more.
Minefield
Whether it’s over-cladding walls and roofs, or recladding,
or re-roofing, choosing the right product or
approach can be a minefield. Therefore, it pays to
consult with an industrial roofing specialist who can
offer advice on best practice and products/solutions;
from roofing and sheeting, to insulation and roof
lights, and fixings and fasteners. A one-stop expert
will hold your hand every step of the way by
providing a cohesive supply chain, and even arrange
for training, if required.
For those who are new to industrial refurbishment,
every building is not necessarily a major project.
Simply changing the roof lights can considerably
increase light into the building and reduce energy
costs.
Equally, introducing gutter liners will help keep the
building watertight without changing the entire
gutter system. Whether new or experienced, the
restoration of industrial and commercial properties
can offer you multiple opportunities to expand your
business. At the same time, it helps breathe new life
back into outdated and under-utilised
buildings.
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