BUILDING SYSTEMS STEEL ROOFING
The basics of steel roofing in warehouses To Build is pleased to feature the advice of steel roofing roll-former, Clotal Steel in an article about using steel roofing material optimally. BDW Sheeting
M
odern designs and technologically advanced roofing options has precipitated an increased shift towards metal roofing. The material has gained popularity amongst architects, developers and homeowners, bearing in mind its successful application in overseas markets, including Australia and South East Asia. Metal roofing is seen by designers as economic, durable and enhancing the aesthetics of a project.
Typical scenario
An architect has just finished designing a client’s dream project with an aesthetically beautiful metal roof in mind. The client brief for the roof design was simple- a flexible roof design with natural curves. The designer’s initial thought is a metal roof. As steel is readily formable, steel roofing offers the designer a variety of pre-painted colours and material finishes which include gloss, matt and textured options. It also offers freedom of design and creativity, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of roof design features. However, architects and designers need to be aware of the tips and tricks associated with metal roofs, which are key in executing a project with success.
Important considerations
• Soft roof vs hard roof A metal roof is considered a soft roof. Because of the strength of a metal roof, people walking on the roof is no problem. However, this is often abused during construction and maintenance by HVAC and solar heater installers and wet work trades. It is recommended
72
that a site programme as well as roof design places HVAC and other services such as photovoltaic panels near designated walkways are installed in high traffic maintenance areas. This will improve the quality of the roof and its performance over time. • Site conditions Deliver and install roof sheets to the roof in a manner that will not scratch or dent then and cause aesthetic or mechanical damage. • Construction programme Allowing individuals to use a steel roof as a platform to work from will cause significant damage to the roof and problems for the professional team and clients. A programme that allows for the completion of all wet works around and above the roof will mitigate this risk so that metal roof sheeting can be installed in an environment that will lead to a quality finished product. • Location of services Placing services in areas with dedicated access that don’t require people to move about on the steel roof is ideal. If this isn’t possible, the installation of walkways is highly recommended to protect the integrity of the roof over time. • Create a specification for the roof - and police it A specification for a metal roof is the secret to the success of the project. The profile type, material thickness, coating types, yield strengths and paint finishes can often be a confusing combination to get right when it comes to specifying the type of roof to be used on a project. It is critical to specify each aspect correctly. Ambiguity in specification leads to either honest mistakes, or to
volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za
TB29_Building Systems.indd 72
2020/02/24 12:15 PM
