Most older commercial and industrial properties may have been constructed using asbestos products, particularly at roof level. Asbestos is known to be hazardous to human health and can cause conditions such as asbestosis and lung cancer, so it’s important to make sure the correct health and safety procedures are followed to remove it or cladding over it. This blog post looks at what it is, how to remove it, and whether it’s appropriate to install cladding over asbestos.
Asbestos is the name used to refer to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have crystallised to create fibres. It became a popular building material due to its strong, incombustible, and heat-resistant properties and was used in the UK from the 1950s until its use was banned in 1999.
It was particularly popular as a fire-proofing and insulation solution. It was used to create materials in the construction industry, such as asbestos cement sheets, ceiling and roof sheets/tiles, pipe insulation, and spray coatings in many domestic and commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals, and residential homes.
Well-maintained asbestos that isn’t disintegrating doesn’t present an immediate risk to your health. However, it becomes harmful when the fibres are disturbed and inhaled.
Research continues to show that inhaling loose asbestos fibres poses a serious risk to human health and can cause life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. No amount of exposure is considered safe although asbestos-related diseases only develop after many years of exposure to it.
If an asbestos survey shows it’s present in your roof build-up, there are two options to make it safe, both of which require fully-trained experts to carry it out, the options are:
Asbestos removal must be carried out by a fully trained workforce. Under no circumstances should you carry out the removal yourself. If you find asbestos or suspect it may be present, we recommend seeking specialist advice.
In the UK, the removal of asbestos materials is covered by legislation and codes of practice. These set out an employer’s legal duties relating to work involving asbestos including sampling and analysis.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 replaced the previous 2006 regulations and provides minimum standards for protecting employees from risks associated with asbestos exposure. The 2012 rules state that:
Failure to comply with the regulations is a criminal offence that could ultimately result in a large fine or a prison sentence.
In some circumstances where there is deemed to be a lower risk of harm from the asbestos, a license is not needed to remove it. However, training is still required so it must be carried out by specialists. The HSE may need to be given notification of the work, appropriate control measures must be taken, and the local council has to be informed.
Examples of this include:
The majority of higher-risk work with asbestos falls into this category which means a licensed contractor must carry it out due to the significant risk to health involved. The HSE must be notified of this type of removal project at least 14 days before it starts.
Work on asbestos insulation boards, where the risk assessment indicates that it will not be of short duration
There are three main types of asbestos:
Asbestos type | Description |
Brown asbestos (Amosite) | This type of asbestos is considered to be one of the most dangerous. Exposure to it can significantly increase your chances of developing cancer. It is mined mostly in Africa and is commonly used in cement sheets because of its heat resistance and strength properties. |
Chrysotile (White Asbestos) | This is the most commonly used form of asbestos. Its fibers are fine in texture and are often contaminated with trace amounts of tremolite. Found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors of homes and businesses as well as automobile brake linings, gaskets, and boiler seals, insulation for pipes, ducts, and appliances. |
Blue asbestos (Crocidolite) | This type of asbestos was commonly used to insulate steam engines as well as some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, plastics, and cement products. The fibers are incredibly fine and therefore it is one of the most harmful types of asbestos as it can easily become lodged in lungs. |
Asbestos has no smell or colour and the fibres are about 10x smaller than the width of human hair so it isn’t possible to tell if your property contains it by looking at or handling the construction materials. The only way to know if asbestos is present is to have it tested by a specialist laboratory.
Properties built before its ban in 1999 are more than likely to contain asbestos products. If that’s the age of your property, you could check products to see if the manufacturer and name or date of manufacture are on any labels, and then do a quick Google search.
If the search results suggest the materials contain asbestos, you would then need to contact a specialist.
If asbestos is disturbed, it releases harmful fibres which can cause serious illness if they are inhaled over a long period of time. Rather than removing, for example, an asbestos garage roof, in certain circumstances it is possible to leave it in place and overclad.
However, at Roofclad Systems, we would generally recommend its removal:
Light, short-term exposure rarely causes serious illness or disease, and one-off exposure to it is not considered to be a major risk in the way long-term exposure can be. However, no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe and you should always seek specialist advice and take preventative measures to avoid inhaling toxic dust.
Asbestos-related diseases typically occur after many years of regular exposure to it. For example, a risk factor is if you worked in the construction industry throughout the 1950s to 1980s.
You should always contact your GP if you are concerned that you have been exposed to asbestos and have developed symptoms such as coughing, feeling short of breath, or experiencing chest pain.
Typically, particles and fibres in the air can be airborne for up to 72 hours. However, due to the small nature of asbestos fibres, the slightest of air movements may cause the fibres to be airborne for longer.
This needs to be done by a specialist using appropriate protective equipment. The air can be tested for asbestos by drawing a volume of air through a filter, for a measured period of time, and then examined under a microscope.
Asbestos fibres are incredibly small. Which means they can easily break into dust and stick to your clothes. If you think your clothes have been contaminated with asbestos, we recommend that you have them cleaned at a specialist facility or dispose of them altogether.
The problem: Jewson Minster in Glasgow was experiencing a large amount of water ingress through the old profiled asbestos cement roof and Georgian-wired glass. The original roof and wall had very low thermal value in comparison with today’s standards and a large amount of heat was being lost through the pitched roof and wall cladding.
The solution: Our specialist team removed the asbestos cement-profiled roof cladding and installed a new built-up profiled metal system.
More details: Jewson Minster, Glasgow – Strip & Re-sheet Built up System
The problem: Similar to Jewson Minister, the Volvo Truck and Bus Centre in Blyth, was faced with an ageing profiled asbestos cement roof.
The solution: The asbestos cement profiled cladding was removed by our specialist team from the roof level. Roofclad provided a new 115 mm composite Kingspan profiled roof system, complete with new gutters, external trimline-type gutters, and rainwater pipes.
More details: Volvo Truck & Bus Centre, Blyth – Strip & Re-sheet Roofing & Cladding Works
Roofclad Systems are specialists in the removal of non-licensed asbestos roofing products with a fully trained workforce. Our expertise in working with non-licensed asbestos roofing materials means that you can be assured of a removal project’s safety, speed, and legal and regulatory compliance with minimal disruption. We can also provide a staggered programme of asbestos air testing throughout the duration of your project for additional peace of mind.
Contact us today to find out about all of our roofing services.
As a business established in 1978, Roofclad Systems has been a long time specialist in roofing and cladding in the North East of England and has witnessed the evolution of the manufacturing industry across the years. In recent years environmentalism has become a keen issue within the manufacturing industry as more and more companies are moving towards using more sustainable solutions for industrial installations. Industrial processes have come under greater scrutiny and the diverse range of environmental impacts of these processes has been realised. As much as Roofclad hold the welfare of our customers in high regard, we have also been working hard in recent years to make our product more environmentally friendly and therefore reduce our carbon footprint.
This is a complex question and in many ways, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact impact of forms of construction of our planet. However, figures suggested by Greenspec the following….
It’s a shocking reality and one that companies such as ours need to take note of!
Coated steel cladding provides a cost-effective weathering envelope for buildings. However, it comes with a number of downsides and is therefore now a key contributor to environmental damage in the United Kingdom. Coated steel cladding is used to roof industrial and warehouse units, typically located within out of town retail park units. Despite being perfectly fit for purpose, the materials used to compose this form of roof cladding is made of harmful products including steel which can erode into the atmosphere. Roof cladding is also composed of strong corrosive chemical solutions which cause damage during the industrial production process and after installation. Companies, therefore, have to work hard to develop a more organic mechanism for producing roof cladding materials.
Despite these concerning environmental impacts, there is one benefit to outway these consequences of steel roof cladding- that steel is a highly recyclable material. It is estimated that 85-90% of steel from industrial demolitions go for re-use and 40% of steel used in new constructions is recycled.
Roofclad is fully committed to reducing our carbon footprint and we fully understand the urgency in becoming more environmentally as a manufacturing company. As a consequence of this, Roofclad Systems have implemented a number of techniques in order to improve environmental performance and prevention of pollution. We are sure to follow carefully and in a considered manner environmental laws, regulations and codes of practice and ensure all of our staff are well-informed of such. We believe we have a key responsibility to ensure the well-being of our local community and therefore work hard to provide a clean, safe and environmentally friendly solution for the roofing of local businesses.
If you are looking for a roof cladding provider who is environmentally aware then Roofclad Systems would be more than happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us today, we look forward to discussing your requirements with you and ensuring that you get the best advice we can offer you.
When it comes to your roof you simply cannot afford to cut corners with expenses and the standard of your labour practise. As a business owner, your roof is arguably one of the most vital aspects of your business structure – it is the bricks and mortar to your business, gives you a safe and secure premises to work from, and houses your employees that ensure all work is ticking over as it should.
It is easy to take your roof for granted, however if something goes wrong then it could result in large costly repairs. Not to mention it could also pose a threat to interruption of your business operations if your premises are not safe to be on. In order to avoid this from occurring there are many things that you can do as a responsible business owner, from taking out a Maintenance and Repairs Plan to safeguarding yourself, your workforce and your commercial building with the help of professional, expert Roofers who truly know what they are looking out for and how to get the job done correctly.
So why should I hire a professional Roofer, and not try a hand it myself?
As a business owner, you should value the structure and welfare of your commercial building not just for your own benefit but for the benefit and safety of your workforce.
Here is the bottom line:
Although you may do the groundwork behind the scenes and take care of the operational and financial side of things, your workforce are the ones who assist in working all hours to carry out construction contracts that help to keep your business afloat. And a safe, secure and feasible workplace is the least that they can ask for, right?
Therefore depending on the issue that you may have with your roof – whether it is looking at the extent of possible damage, or scheduling a maintenance check, or even patching up a slight repair – it is always best to actively seek a professional Roofing company like Roofclad Systems! Having established the business back in 1978, this gives us 41 years of experience specialising in roofing and cladding across the North East and Yorkshire. Our team have all gone through rigorous training processes to ensure that they can spot minor problems that an untrained eye would fail to pick up on, and they can deliver the best possible solution for each individual case.
A commercial roof which is performing in tip top condition helps to prevent health problems arising from unwanted cold draughts, unwelcome leaks, potential sagging and the growth of mould to name a few.
Not only does this mean your workers will be able to work safely and healthily in your workplace, but it will also lower the amount of employees you experience taking sick-leave from work.
Not only does a roof that is functioning correctly maintain a smooth efficiency in the workflow of your employees, it also increases the energy efficiency of your business overall! An old, abandoned roof will ultimately result in needing more hefty repairs carried out, and therefore include extra costs.
By hiring the help of a professional roofer, you can ensure that your roof has been designed and fitted correctly and schedule regular maintenance checks to keep your workplace comfortable, warm and dry to improve your energy efficiency.
Hiring a professional Roofer to undergo your roofing works means that all of the factors we have mentioned above, ultimately compile to adding value to your commercial building, through the thorough work and expertise of a professional in the trade!
There are four main ways that our team here at Roofclad can add value to your commercial building:
Carrying Out Regular Maintenance Checks –
This can aid you in preventing major problems with your roof by picking up on any minor issues that have been caused through weather damage or over the years. It is essential that we remind you that you should only get your roof checked by a professional roofer, ideally the company that fitted your roof initially, in order to ensure that you are getting a thorough check by experts in the field. Not just that but they will also be able to spot any little changes a lot quicker than someone with no experience, through knowing exactly what to look for.
Our Maintenance Checks consist of:
– Quarterly / Bi-Annual / Annual site visits.
– Removal of all rubbish, debris and leaves from roof areas and gutters.
– Inspect all rainwater outlets, replace leaf guards.
– 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 less than current standards, we are happy to check the design of existing rainwater systems and introduce additional weir overflows or pipes where necessary.
If your roofer has indeed found little issues within your roof that could be easily put right by the right hands, then we can offer you a Refurbishment plan with our team at Roofclad. This is an essential part of simply extending the lifespan of your roof, and really taking good care of it. Not to mention, it can also save you hefty costs in the future to notice the small problems or potential risks early and put them right straight away!
Checking your buildings gutter system is as crucially important to ensure that they are working as they should be, and not blocked up. Your gutters should be checked at least once a year, and any time after a heavy downpour of rain or after a storm. Get in touch today to see how we can help to maintain your gutters here at Roofclad!
If your work premises is particularly dark then why not give it a spruce up for Autumn / Winter and implement Rooflight Works with our help here at Roofclad!? Rooflight Works can totally transform your workspace into a light, airy environment, maximising your team’s overall productivity – which is a win, win situation for any business owner, right? Not only will you see the positive impact on your workforce, but you will also find that it will reduce your need for artificial light – saving you large lighting costs!
Ultimately, adding value to your commercial building will pay off in the end result if you ever consider selling your property or leasing it to another company or organisation to benefit from. Any other business owner alike is going to a lot more inclined to rent or purchase your property from you if your roof is in immaculate condition, understandably. It is also reported that experts agree that you are likely to make around 70% of what you would spend on any construction or repairs.
If our reasoning for why it is so much more beneficial to yourself and your business to hire the help of a professional Roofer has encouraged you get looking, then pick up the phone today and get in touch with Roofclad Systems! Reach us on 0191 410 7535 and we can discuss exactly what we can do for your business today!
Here at Roofclad Systems, we are specialists in roofing and cladding with over 40 years experience. There are many different types of roof cladding options available for your businesses needs, we are always here to help you find the right one for you. Most people don’t pay much attention to their roof until there’s a problem. However, as industrial roof cladding specialists, we luckily have all the information you need! And remember your roof is one of the most important parts of your building as it protects you from many things such as the ever changing climate outside – especially as we live in the UK.
Roof cladding is essentially an extra layer on top of your roof which acts as a waterproof seal for the property, which keeps the elements out and those inside warm and dry. Roof cladding can come in a variety of different materials and here at Roofclad Systems we offer 4 types of cladding material. But, why is roof cladding so important? We are here to tell you exactly why…
Roof cladding is an integral part of any commercial property as it serves 5 major purposes, which are:
Installing roof cladding can provide insulation on your roof that can help to regulate the internal temperature of the building. Insulation can also provide an extra layer of soundproofing which can be beneficial if your industry creates a lot of noise that could cause disturbance to the surrounding area. Additionally, insulation from roof cladding also has the added bonus of providing a level of fire resistance to your building. This is dependable on the type of cladding you have, but Roofclad is able to advise you accordingly.
Another great bonus of adding roof cladding to your building is that it can help to protect your building from the weather elements. Not only is roof cladding a waterproof layer that prevents moisture build-up in your roof’s surface but it can also provide additional internal protection with the right roofing materials. Excess sun, rain, wind and sub-zero temperatures can play havoc with commercial roofing and problems can occur without the extra layer of roof cladding. Extreme weather can penetrate roofs, cause cut edge corrosion and generally deteriorate your roof. By installing roof cladding, you can save on roof maintenance and repair costs in the long-run and significantly increase the lifespan of the roof.
Not only is roof cladding practical – it’s also aesthetically pleasing! The ideal thing about roof cladding is that it can be coated to match the existing aesthetic of your building. Therefore, roof cladding can also help increase the overall appeal of your building.
By protecting the roof from the wind, sunlight, water absorption and more, it also helps to protect and increase the mechanical stability of the roof structure. Whether it’s an industrial building or a commercial building, all roofs need to that they have a secure roof structure.
Instead of replacing your roof, roof cladding can help to prolong the lifespan of your roof, whilst causing less disruption and coming at a lighter financial cost.
Here at Roofclad, we install a range of roof cladding systems. Depending on your budget and your specific requirements, we can install roof cladding such as traditional built-up roof cladding, composite roof cladding, standing seam roofing systems and so on. Do not fret as Roofclad is dedicated to ensure the installation of roof cladding is relatively straightforward, so that there is minimal disruption to your site.
If you are interested in our roof cladding work, we have a portfolio of existing roof cladding options, so you can see the whole process which could help determine what roof cladding system is best for your business. If you’d like to learn more or enquire about our roof cladding services, contact us today on 0191 4107535 or email one of our friendly team members on enquiries@roofcladsystems.co.uk.
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual bidding round for eligible non-diocesan VA schools, academies and sixth-form colleges to apply for capital funding. The funding goes towards:
The Condition Improvement Fund also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for those of the above education providers who have rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Since establishing in 1978, we have been specialists in roofing and cladding refurbishment works. Primarily servicing Scotland, North East England and Leeds, we provide building envelope solutions and environmentally sound building systems for industrial and commercial use. We can take care of your project from start to finish; including the design and installation of your roof and cladding, flat to pitch roof conversions, strip and re-clad of old buildings, waterproof coatings, rainscreen cladding systems and so much more, through to maintenance upon completion.
Over the years, we have obtained a number of roofing and cladding contracts to schools up and down the country. Here’s how we can help you:
When considering roofing refurbishment, the focus should always be on the planning and management of the project. The safety of those carrying out the work, those operating below roof level and minimising disruption to the client’s operations are absolutely critical. When you work with a roofing contractor, with our extensive experience of refurbishment contracts, you can be confident that you are trusting professionals that understand all of the potential risks involved and will work with you to keep your operations running during the project. Here at Roofclad, our design team can advise on the logistics of any project during the consultation stage and offer guidance on cost and scope.
There are four different types of roof cladding refurbishment that we can advise and perform on your roof:
Similar to roof cladding refurbishment, there are a number of different external wall cladding refurbishment options to suit your needs, depending on building structure, support and condition.
There are four main types of external wall cladding refurbishment options that we can advise and perform on your building:
A commercial flat roof can last anywhere between 10 and 35 years. However, this will all depend on how well you maintain it of course. There are a number of systems available for commercial and industrial flat roofing and here at Roofclad, we offer full renewal of existing flat roofing and repair options, including:
Roofclad Systems are highly experienced when it comes to commercial and industrial gutter maintenance in the UK. We have been maintaining gutters for over 30 years, with experience on a number of different industrial and commercial properties.
There are two types of industrial and commercial guttering types that we would recommend:
Industrial and commercial gutters should be inspected at least once a year and any time after a heavy storm or downpour of rain, gutters should also only be checked by a qualified person to do so – they will know what they are looking for in terms of current issues, they can also spot any potential problems. Checking gutters regularly to make sure they are free from any debris is so important to maintain a fully functioning guttering system. It is not uncommon for gutters to get blocked with leaves and other debris, especially in the autumn and winter months. Dealing with a problem before it causes damage to your guttering system is so important.
If you think your gutter is currently blocked or damaged, we will be able to refurbish it and provide your business with a fully functioning guttering system. Our team will happily refurbish old work and make it good as new. Learn more about our Gutter and Maintenance Packages today.
Roofclad Systems have had an in-house fabrication department since 2014 which has grown from strength to strength. Our fabrication team understands that the supply of products of the required quality, on time and in sequence is critical to the performance of projects.
Our factory is managed and manned by staff with a continuous improvement philosophy, routinely utilising lean processes to reduce waste and increase flexibility. The vastly experienced fabrication team recognises that customer satisfaction is key to our continued success.
We can manufacture a wide range of bespoke fabrications from our in-house facility:
A roof protects you, your employees, your students and your building contents. If the roof is not maintained, it will not perform to its maximum lifespan. Over the years, Roofclad Systems has recognised the importance of our clients initiating a regular maintenance programme with respect to their cladded roofs. By implementing a roof maintenance plan, it can substantially increase the lifespan of the roofing fabric and therefore increase the protection it gives you and your building.
Roofclad Systems can conduct a maintenance programme that can be tailored to suit the client and consist of many different services to include:
With over 40 years of experience within the industrial roof and cladding refurbishment industry, Roofclad Systems are the leading contractors to take care of your roofing needs. Contact us today for your FREE quotation to get started.
Here at Roofclad Systems, we have recently expanded our business across the North. Extending our service to Yorkshire. We are well known for our industrial roof cladding in Newcastle, and so we thought we would extend our service into other areas.
Our business now has over 50 full-time staff and is set to increase with the business extending to Leeds. The service will be the same, primarily being roof cladding in Leeds. Yet with all the other services we offer like our industrial rooflight works, roof refurbishment and cladding maintenance.
This move will help us get a firm base for contacts across the North of England, helping increase our brands’ visibility and awareness. Alex Tilley, our managing director has stated that Roofclad has had many quotes/enquiries around Yorkshire and beyond. Therefore, it makes sense that we have an office further south from our current office in Birtley.
One of the main contracts which Roofclad have won in Yorkshire is a £250,000 roofing contract for Rosti at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, our new base will help us with the workflow of contracts like these for the future.
We service our customers in Yorkshire from our Roofclad Systems office in Leeds, as it is great access to the motorway. As it is south of Leeds, it is in an excellent location to the M62/M1. Making it more accessible to everyone around.
With the new office in Leeds, we are committed to creating new jobs around the local area. Hoping to appoint more employees in the future as we are continuously growing and expanding.
For more information on Roofclad Systems and our new addresses etc., get in touch with us. We are more than happy to help and offer you a quote for our services.