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When it comes to fabrication, the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t apply to every project. Bespoke fabrication is becoming increasingly popular as the machinery and equipment used are more advanced allowing unique products to be created just as easily as off-the-peg designs.

Drawing on over 45 years of manufacturing experience, Roofclad expanded its services in 2020 to include metal-fabricated products to the general public. This allowed us to create bespoke products designed and manufactured to fit our client’s specific requirements.

There are many bespoke steel fabrication benefits such as customisation and flexibility. This post looks at bespoke fabrication in more detail and the many benefits it offers to clients.

 

bespoke metal fabrication

 

What Is Meant By Bespoke Fabrications?

Bespoke fabrication is the process of manufacturing a product that meets the exact dimensions and specifications of an individual design as opposed to a mass-produced product with standard sizing and shape.
This type of steel fabrication enables us to create long-lasting solutions that will benefit your business for many years to come with a customised roof that will keep your building protected.
The use of sheet metal is common in the roofing industry in both residential and commercial settings due to its durability and ease of installation. From single-skin gutters to rainwater downpipes, our expert teams can fabricate and manufacture bespoke roofing products that meet the specifications of your building.

The Key Features Of Bespoke Fabrications

FeatureDescription
Customisation and Exact PrecisionBespoke metal fabrications are designed and crafted to meet the specific requirements of a business and allow for precise tailoring to fit unique dimensions, functionalities, and aesthetic preferences. Customisation extends beyond dimensions and includes material selection, finishing options, and intricate design elements to create a truly unique solution.
Enhanced Quality and DurabilityUsing high-quality materials, optimal manufacturing techniques, and ensuring stringent quality control measures creates a product with superior strength, resilience, and longevity contributing to overall cost savings in the long run. This creates a high-quality product that will last.
Tailored Functionality and EfficiencyBespoke metal fabrications are designed to enhance functionality and efficiency. They can incorporate features that optimise processes, improve workflow, or address unique challenges whilst creating specialised components for machinery or designing structural solutions for a particular environment. This creates a product that is designed specifically for a particular application ensuring it does exactly what it needs to without the need for any modifications.

The Main Benefits Of Bespoke Metal Fabrications

There are several benefits to using bespoke fabrication that is tailored to exact specifications which include:

  • customisation and flexibility
  • high-quality steel
  • Quick & instant communications
  • Manufactured to your needs
  • Cost-Effectiveness In The Long Run

Read on to find out more about these benefits.

Customisation And Flexibility

A bespoke fabrication process provides you with the exact structural steelwork or metal part that you require for your project. There’s no need to make modifications to the part of your application because it has been made to your specific requirements.

The fabrication experts will create components that are unique and meet the highest standards. The best material is used such as one with a protective zinc coating or one that is corrosion resistant to create the shapes and sizes required to create a durable and quality part.

High-Quality Steel

One of the main reasons why steel fabrication is a popular way to create parts and components is because of the metal’s longevity and strength. Stainless steel can be shaped and moulded to whatever form is required, and because it is lighter and stronger than other materials and metals, less is needed making it more cost-effective.

Another key benefit of using steel fabrication is that it is 100% recyclable, and uses relatively little energy to produce it, making it both environmentally and economically sustainable. Using only the exact amount of material required helps to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste.

Unlike other forms of metal such as iron, steel is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion enabling the creation of products that will last for many years to come. At Roofclad we only use the highest quality materials including:

  • 0.7mm plastisol-coated steel
  • 0.7mm bright white liner.
  • 1.2-2mm galvanised steel.
  • 1-3mm aluminium

Quick & Instant Communications

Bespoke metal fabrication makes it possible to get the job done quicker and more efficiently. Instead of long waits and unreliable deadlines, you’ll be working closely with a team that uses their expertise to ensure the fabrication is fit for purpose.

As well as the convenience of the product itself, you’ll also have a far more convenient service. Custom metal sheet fabrication is time efficient, using technologies like computer-aided design and plasma systems to easily customise steel structures and make them into high-quality parts.

The team of experts at Roofclad work in collaboration with you to create a final piece that meets your exact specifications. Communication is key to this which creates a combined experience and enables everyone to have an input to ensure any changes are made in a timely way, rather than once the final product is created.

We pride ourselves in creating an inclusive working environment that gives our customers a high level of satisfaction and confidence in our teams in producing fabrications that deliver exactly what they need.

Manufactured To Your Needs

Not all off-the-shelf parts will fit all job requirements, meaning that sometimes you end up settling for the closest match. This can have an impact on how well your product performs.

However, the versatility and customisable nature of steel fabrication, whatever the size or shape of your design, means you can be confident that the result will be a part that meets your needs exactly. There’s no need to settle for second best.

Bespoke fabrications enable an awkwardly shaped roof to function as effectively as possible as it can be created exactly to the shape required.

Offering greater control and efficiency, steel fabrication is extremely popular with the roofing industry. Fabricated products have more flexibility in terms of style, and by being manufactured to your exact specifications, when it’s installed, there shouldn’t be a need for adjustments helping to eliminate delays.

Cost-Effectiveness In The Long Run

By creating exactly the right product for your requirements the first time, there’s no need for modifications once it is fitted. This creates cost-effective building materials and products that are ideal for commercial buildings as maintenance costs not just for the roof, but the building it protects.

Roofclad can help with all your roofing needs, whether that is with one of our standard products or a bespoke solution. All our components are quality-checked before being packaged and delivered to ensure they arrive in prime condition. A just-in-time delivery process, guided by our site managers means reduced on-site storage is required helping us to provide cost-effective services.

Bespoke Metal Fabrication With Roofclad Systems

Bespoke fabrication requires expertise. Roofclad has been leading the way in structural steel fabrication with our highly skilled workforce who understand the importance of providing quality products, on time and to your exact requirements so that the performance of your project isn’t compromised.

We can manufacture a wide range of bespoke roofing fabrications including:

  • Rainwater downpipes.
  • Flashings.
  • Weatherfast composite gutters.
  • Single skin gutters.
  • Weatherfast gutter lining systems.
  • Column casing.
  • Soakers.
  • Press brake sheets.
  • Powder polyester coated products.
  • Welded units.

To find out how we can help you create a bespoke roofing solution, get in touch with our fabrication team to discuss your project and find out how we can help.

The roof of your building is the protective layer that keeps your building and business warm and dry. Its job is to keep the rain, snow and wind out and the heat in. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how well we look after the roof that protects our buildings.

A well-maintained roof is likely to have a long life expectancy and will be able to withstand even the most severe weather conditions like strong blustery winds, heavy rain and thick snow. Looking after your roof during the winter months is particularly important in certain areas of the UK where brutal weather conditions are becoming more and more common.

However, at some point, you will have to consider roof repair or replacement to ensure that your business premises are safe and secure for everyone who works in it. This blog post provides advice about how to spot weaknesses in your roof so that you can keep on top of maintenance, when repairing it is appropriate and when it needs to be replaced.

How To Identify When Your Commercial Roof Needs Repairing

Keeping your existing roof well-maintained is vital if you want it to last. Leaving minor roof repairs until they become major, increases roof repair costs and ultimately may result in it needing to be replaced.

Get to know your commercial roof and how it works. If you’ve had it replaced, talk to the roofing contractors about the best way to maintain it and prepare a schedule of work that keeps you on top of roof repairs. If the existing roof was fitted by the previous owners of the building, see if you can find out who fitted it and ask for their advice about effective maintenance.

Some of the things you need to keep an eye out for include:

  • Wind drafts
  • Leaks
  • Interior water stains
  • Mould and strong odours
  • Damaged guttering system
  • Flashing damage

Wind Drafts 

If you can feel a draft coming from your roof, it needs to be investigated. It doesn’t matter whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof, it shouldn’t be letting in a draft. If your roof is letting in the cold, it will also be letting out up to 25% of heat which will have an impact on its energy efficiency rating and your fuel bills.

Wind drafts are a common issue and the problem may be that the fixings have failed and laps have become susceptible to wind uplift. If that’s the case, tackling the problem quickly and addressing the issue will help to keep your roof repair costs to a minimum.

Leaks

Another red flag that alerts you to the fact that your roof isn’t working as well as it should is water ingress. Whether you’ve got a couple of drops during heavy rain, or a constant stream, a leaking roof needs to be addressed quickly to find out where the roof has failed. Water will often find the lowest point to drip which may be quite a way from the cause of the leak. Causes of water ingress could be due to one of many factors including, but not limited to, the following: cut edge corrosion, failed fixings, rooflight damage, cracked/punctured membrane.

Regular maintenance checks by a professional roofer will help you identify the issue quickly and get the damaged roof repaired or replaced so that it doesn’t cause any further damage.

Interior Water Stains

Water will find its way through your roof if there are even the smallest of openings. These types of leaks may not be apparent until you see water stains appearing on the ceiling. Tackling the cause of the stain quickly will minimise the amount of internal damage and reduce the roof repair cost.

Mould / Strong Odours

If you spot mould on the walls or ceiling, or a strong odour, the chances are the problem may be coming from your roof. A small leak that goes unnoticed for a long period of time creates dampness in the ceiling materials which is the perfect place for mould to grow.

Damaged membrane or damaged sheets may be the cause, so getting your roof checked over if mould appears on your ceiling is a good place to start when you are trying to identify the source of the dampness.

Damaged Gutter System

The purpose of guttering is to protect your home from water damage caused by rain and snow. Without an adequate guttering system, rainwater collects on your roof and will ultimately cause damage such as rotting wood and mould which in turn can damage other areas of your roof. As we experience more common and substantial downpours, it is becoming more and more evident that many guttering systems on roofs are not designed to cope with the volume of rain. 

Blocked or damaged guttering can lead to a build-up of rain or snow that will eventually find its way into the building causing damage. This occurs in a flat or pitched roof, regardless of the type of roofing material used. If gutters are blocked this can cause a backfilling effect, directing water back into the building.

When To Consider Roof Replacement

However well your maintenance programme is, there will come a point when you have to consider if it’s worth continuing to carry out roof repairs or if it’s going to be more cost-effective in the long run to replace all, or part of your existing roof.

If there is a recurring problem with your roof, or a strong storm causes unavoidable damage, roof replacement may be the best option. Once you’ve reached that point, it’s best to get the work done as soon as possible. Leaving it for a period of time is likely to increase roof replacement costs as further damage could be caused the longer it is left untreated.

Unless you are a roofer, this is something that you won’t be able to carry out yourself. There are many benefits to hiring professional roofers, not least because it’s the safest way to replace your roof. A roofing contractor will also be able to advise you about adding different elements to your roof such as rooflights and other features, that will not only provide you with a first-class new roof, but will add value to your property and save you money in energy costs.

 

AdvantagesDisadvantages
A new roof will increase the value of your business premises particularly if your existing one is badly fitted or in a bad state of repair.A large outlay in terms of cost.
A roof replacement will reduce the need for internal repairs caused by a leaking or damaged roof.Depending on the size of your premises, replacing the roof can take several weeks.
A sound roof protects your workers from some of the issues associated with damage such as leaks, cold and draughts, and problems caused by mould.A full roof replacement is likely to cause some disruption to the running of your business.

 

When To Consider Roof Repair

If you have an effective maintenance programme, your roof will be able to withstand severe weather conditions and last for many years. Regularly removing rubbish and debris from the guttering, inspecting water outlets, replacing leaf guards and damaged flashings and carrying out repairs as soon as they are needed will help to increase the life of your roof.

Seek advice from a professional roofer who will advise you about roof repair costs and whether they are a cost-effective way of dealing with issues.

 

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Regularly carrying out roof repairs is cheaper than a full replacement.Repairs may be less cost-effective if they do not solve a recurring problem.
Roof repairs can increase the lifespan of your roof.They may not address other issues such as dampness and mould caused by recurring leaks.
Repairs can rectify faulty work or replace incorrect materials without the need for a full roof replacement.May not solve the issue properly.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Roof?

Roof repair costs will vary depending on the size of the area that needs to be worked on, the type of materials used and the extent of the damage, as well as the health and safety precautions that are required to carry out the works in a safe manner.

Get in touch with roofing contractors such as Roofclad Systems who will be able to give you a free and comprehensive quotation for the cost of the necessary repairs.

 

How Roofclad Systems Can Help Minimise Commercial Roofing Costs

Here at Roofclad Systems, we focus on delivering the best service for our clients by using quality materials and skilled labour. Our hard work doesn’t stop at the fitting. We offer a range of maintenance checks and refurbishment plans so that you can be sure your roof is being well looked after. Our hard work doesn’t stop at the fitting.

Our Maintenance Checks and Refurbishment Plan includes: 

  • Quarterly / Bi-Annual / Annual site visits.
  • Removal of all rubbish, debris and leaves from roof areas and gutters.
  • Inspect all rainwater outlets, and replace leaf guards.
  • Keep water free flowing. In light of climate change, it is more important than ever to ensure all gutters and rainwater pipes are free-flowing, especially on older buildings where they were designed for rainfall rates which are significantly less than current standards.

Our aftercare services are available to help you look after your roof, extending its life so that you don’t need a full replacement.

Get In Touch Today

Roofclad has a range of services that will help you look after your roof and provide you with expert advice about your options if the time comes for it to be replaced.

Get in touch with our team today to find out about all of our services and how we can help you get the most from your commercial roof. If you’ve found this blog post useful, check out our knowledge hub that’s packed full of tips and advice that answers all of your roofing questions.

 

The demand for flat roofing is steadily increasing, this is thanks in large part to its flexibility. It can accommodate a wide range of designs and its durability ensures maximum performance. If you plan on installing flat roofing for your commercial property, it’s vital to know the pros and cons. Below you can find our list of the pros and cons of flat roofing.

Pros of Installing Flat Roofing for your Commercial Property

Maintenance

Making repairs and cleaning gutters is less expensive and easier to carry out on flat roofs. Combine that with their long lifespan, flat roofs are a lot easier to maintain. Labour is also a lot cheaper due to the minimised risk involved in maintaining the roof.

More accessible

Flat roofs are far more accessible than their sloped counterparts. They are a lot easier to climb upon and inspect – making them a lot safer for workers and employees if they need to access the roof! It’s important to note that care and caution should ALWAYS be taken at any time a person climbs on a roof.

Quicker installation

Due to the simple support work and lesser materials, the time it takes to install a flat roof is a lot shorter than a pitched roof or a roof with a more complex design. Complex designs include more corns, cover a larger space and need a more advanced support structure. This equals more planning, time and effort.

It is important to note that the size of the building will impact the length of time it takes to install a flat roof. However, if you hire experienced contractors, you can rest assured that the installation process will be a lot quicker compared to other roof designs!

commercial roof

Cost-effective

One of the biggest advantages of installing a flat roof is how cost-effective they are. Due to the speed of installation and the low number of materials used to cover the roof, flat roofs are reasonably cheap. Maintenance and repair costs are also a lot cheaper when compared to other types of roofs.

More space

A flat roof can increase the amount of space available inside of a building by being able to fully utilise the height of the rooms below, for example. Likewise, space can be utilised on the roof itself. Air conditioning units can be installed on the roof instead of the ground. Solar panels installed on a flat roof are also a lot less evident from the ground when compared to a sloped roof – improving architectural appeal!

Durability

Depending on the roofing system you choose, with good maintenance, a flat roof offers an extremely long life span. Single Ply and Felt Roofing can last over 15 years, for example.

Cons of Installing Flat Roofing for your Commercial Property

Rainfall

Instructor and apprentice learning how to install roofing

A flat roof shouldn’t really be “flat” at all. In fact, a roof that is too flat will allow for the pooling of water, no matter how clear the guttering is kept. This can lead to silt deposits on the roof and stresses in its membrane when the water freezes and then thaws. However, a small incline on the roof can easily solve these potentially hazardous issues.

Insulation

Insulation can be an issue in a flat roof. They are affected by extreme changes in temperature. This is thanks to the decreased space available for insulation. On the other hand, this issue can be easily addressed with built-up felt roofing. This type of roofing can be offered as an insulated option to increase thermal performance.

Maintenance

We know that we mentioned the maintenance upkeep as an advantage of flat roofing. However, it could also be seen as a disadvantage. Membranes can easily be damaged by foot traffic during installation or maintenance. Seams between membrane sheets, while sealed, can also be common areas for leaks. More leaks, more repairs, more money.

Pro Tip: To minimise the amount of maintenance required and to ensure the roof is installed correctly, thus fulfilling its’ expected flat roof life span, we always recommend hiring an experienced contractor to carry out the work.

How can Roofclad Systems help?

Roofclad Systems specialise in the refurbishment of commercial and industrial properties. As a well-established roofing company with over 45 years of experience in the industry, our team of roofers have the knowledge and expertise to recommend the most suitable roofing system for your property. All of our roofers are directly employed by the company and fully trained and certified installers for all major roofing systems.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality service and irrespective of the size of the contract, we offer every client a comprehensive and professional service to suit your needs at a competitive cost.

Considering a flat roofing system for your business? Please don’t hesitate to contact us to receive a quick quote TODAY.

industrial roof

 

How Long Should A Flat Commercial Roof Last?

With proper installation, and adequate maintenance, the life expectancy of a flat commercial roof can vary anywhere between 10 and 35 years. Life expectancy is also dependent on the material used for the commercial roof. Of course, the location and environment of a flat commercial roof will impact the life expectancy. If a flat commercial roof was located in an environment where there were regular strong winds and heavy rain, the life expectancy may be shortened as it will generate more damage over a long period of time. Likewise, if a flat commercial roof was located in an environment with generally good weather conditions, avoiding heavy rain, strong winds and intense UV rays, this wouldn’t necessarily increase life expectancy, but it would mean it is a lot less likely to be reduced due to weather conditions.

Two commonly used materials are a Built Up Felt and Single Ply.

Built Up Felt Roof Life Expectancy

Commercial felt roofing systems are suitable for a wide range of applications, including refurbishment projects. They can be offered as an insulated option to increase thermal performance or single layers depending on the needs of the client. The application process allows the systems to be applied onto most surfaces including timber, asphalt, felt and metal. Built up felt roof systems come with labour and material backed guarantees, to ensure your flat roofs are watertight for up to a period of 35 years.

Single Ply Roof Life Expectancy

This type of ply roofing is highly popular in UK construction projects, thanks in large part to its flexibility, which accommodates versatile designs. It’s durability ensures maximum performance and its speed of installation at a relatively low cost, with a long life expectancy. If properly installed and maintained, a commercial single-ply membrane roof can last 30 years.

Top 5 Factors That Affect The Lifespan of a Flat Commercial Roof

The life expectancy of a flat commercial roof can depend on a variety of factors, these include:

Weather Conditions

As we’ve already touched on, the weather conditions in an environment of a flat commercial roof can have a very big impact on its life expectancy. Exposure to sun over a prolonged period can shorten the lifespan of a flat commercial roof. The UV rays can cause thermal shocks to the roofing materials, leading to expansion and contraction, causing the material to degrade rapidly. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and strong winds, can also cause direct damage to the roofing materials, leading to leaks and other types of damage.

Flat Roof Maintenance

Regular maintenance will help to identify any small problems before they become big ones, and help to prolong the lifespan of your woof. Neglecting your roof can lead to major issues and shorten the life expectancy of your flat commercial roof.

Poor Flat Roof Installation

A poorly installed roof is a roofing mistake can raise a number of issues that subsequently shorten its lifespan. It will require frequent repairs. If you need a new roof installed or repair work done, choose an experienced, well-qualified roofer to do the job.

Flat Roof Ventilation

A well-ventilated roof helps to prolong its lifespan by creating the required balance between the air intake and output. Proper ventilation will help prevent the build up of heat and moisture which can lead to the build up of rot and mould.

Type of Material Used in Flat Commercial Roofs

The type of roofing material used for your commercial flat roof plays a key role in determining the lifespan of your commercial roof. There are a number of different materials used for flat commercial roofing, all with different durability, longevity, appearance, weight bearing.

PVC roof system

PVC roofing, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is a single-ply roofing fitting which can often be found on both industrial and commercial roofs with either a flat or low sloped roof. One of the main reasons as to why PVC roofing systems are so popular is because they are often made and designed before installation, meaning that they are manufactured to fit a specific roof. This therefore means there is less waste produced. Another benefit to PVC roofing systems is that they are generally resistant to most chemicals that could be found on a roof, meaning they can have a long lifespan.

TPO roof system

TPO roofing is also known as Thermoplastic Polyolefin and is one of the most in demand roofing systems in the roofing industry! A TPO roof system involves just a single sheet which is used to cover a roof of any side. The vast majority of TPO roofs will have a lifespan of up to 30 years if maintained well and looked after, mainly because they are UV-resistant and therefore don’t suffer from the damage caused by large amounts of sunlight.

EPDM roof system

EPDM is also referred to as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer which is a strong rubber material which can be installed on nearly any rooftop. One of the reasons why the EPDM roof system is so popular is because it is both heat and weather resistant, meaning that it is designed to be long-lasting and very effective.

Here at Roofclad we have been designing and installing flat commercial roofing systems for a vast range of clients on refurbishment sites. Interested in learning more? Contact us today.