Industrial Roof Condition
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, keeping your industrial roof in good condition is of great importance. Whether you are a tenant keeping your demise watertight for business purposes, or a landlord maintaining their asset, the roof remains a key component.
What are the typical defects?
Coating - Natural weathering / solar degradation/ delamination / cut-edge corrosion / loose fixings
Metal box gutters – Corrosion / blocked outlets / joint failure
Rooflights – Weather erosion / UV degradation / exposed GRP fibres / loss of light transmission / loss of strength
What are our options?
Coating
The condition of the roof coating will determine the necessary repair. If the roof coating is delaminating but the roof substrate remains in fair condition, re-coating with a liquid applied product is likely to be the most economic option. However, if the roof substrate is in poor condition, with perforations evident, over-cladding or replacing the roof are likely the better options.
The size of the roof could also affect the suitable repair. On large roofs, longer lead-in times and application times may prolong the programme, particularly in the English weather.
When considering over-cladding, due diligence is required. The existing loadings need to be calculated on both the existing structure and fixtures, as well as the new loads from the over-clad. The details need to carefully be considered around roof lights and parapets (if not forming part of any replacement work).
If the substrate is considered beyond repair, with perforation throughout, replacement may be necessary. This is likely to be the least economic option and probably has the greatest impact on other factors. Is a tenant in occupation? Are existing fixtures suspended from existing roof?
With any of the above options, varying levels of guarantee can be provided. Such guarantees are of the product and workmanship (providing approved contractors are used with selected products). Typical guarantees can range from anywhere between 10-25 years.
Gutters
Metal box gutters can be repaired in a similar manner to the roof coating. Providing the substrate remains in a sound condition, re-coating options are available.
If weather affects re-coating, or if the gutters have suffered perforation to the substrate, a rubberised lining membrane system may be a more suitable option.
Rooflights
Depending on the extent of disrepair, the existing roof lights may be salvaged. Some roof lights may simply be aged and benefit from a clean, which removes the natural weathering. These can then be applied with a liquid based product which avoids the need for replacement. Such product will prolong the serviceable life of the roof light.
However, if the roof lights are considered beyond economic repair, replacing them may be the more economical solution. Similarly, replacing can have huge impact on natural light into the property.
Okay, so which repair option do you recommend?
Every client requirement is different and various considerations need to be examined. Perhaps you are the freeholder / occupier. Consideration could be whether there are any future fit-out requirements? This could dictate where roof lights are positioned to save costs.
If you are a tenant, are there any dilapidations liabilities? Does the lease require you to allow for such a repair, or does a schedule of condition protect you?
Before advice can be provided on the best repair option, we need to understand your situation.
Please get in touch with any queries or to discuss your situation and we would gladly assist.
Insight provided by Lewis Livesey.
