a cold rolled steel buildings built by Hamilton Steel
a cold rolled steel buildings built by Hamilton Steel

Roofing for steel buildings: What to consider

18th March 2024 · Structural Steel

Roofing for steel buildings: What to consider

When it comes to choosing roofing for steel buildings, selecting the right material is crucial if you wish to ensure longevity, durability, and overall structural integrity. 

Here at Hamilton Steel, we believe that structural steel stands out as the perfect material for the framework and cladding of agricultural, commercial or industrial buildings, ensuring the longevity of any structure. In this guide, we will explore various roofing options for steel buildings.

Factors to consider 

When it comes to choosing roofing for a steel building, there are a number of factors that you will need to consider when making your choice.

  • Weather-resistance: Your steel building will most likely face exposure to diverse weather conditions, from heavy rain and snow to intense sunlight. The roofing material and design therefore needs to be able to withstand these elements without deteriorating over time.
  • Weight: Steel structures are designed to be lightweight yet incredibly strong. However, weight should still be a key consideration when you are choosing your roofing, and it is advisable to opt for a material that won’t compromise the overall structural integrity of your building.
  • Durability: One of the major advantages of steel buildings is their inherent strength and durability. As such, the roofing that you choose should complement these qualities in order to maximise the overall strength of the building
    Cost-effectiveness: How cost-effective your chosen material is doesn’t just depend on the upfront purchase and installation costs, but how cost-effective the roofing is over time. This will, in part, depend on aforementioned factors such as weather-resistance and durability, and how often your roof requires repairs as a result of its performance in these areas.

Choosing your material

  • Metal roofing sheets: Metal roofing sheets are a top contender for steel buildings due to their exceptional durability, versatility, fire-resistance, and low maintenance requirements. Available in materials such as galvanised steel, aluminium, and zinc, these sheets offer superior weather resistance, preventing issues like rust and corrosion. They are also very lightweight, making installation easier and putting less stress on the steel structure of the building.
  • Built-up roofing (BUR): Built-up roofing, commonly known as BUR, consists of multiple layers of roofing felt or fabric alternated with layers of bitumen (asphalt) and finished with a top layer of a material such as gravel. While BUR can be durable and offer good waterproofing, it tends to be quite heavy, potentially exerting a considerable load on the building’s steel structure.
  • Concrete roof tiles: Concrete roof tiles offer a durable and fire-resistant option. However, their weight can be a concern for steel buildings, potentially requiring additional structural support. Concrete tiles may also crack over time due to their rigid nature, leading to maintenance issues and costly repairs.

Architectural detail of metal roofing on commercial building.

The advantages of commercial metal roofing for steel buildings 

Their combination of durability, lightweight design, ease of installation, energy efficiency, versatility, and long-term cost savings makes metal roofing sheets the optimal choice for anyone looking to ensure their steel structure stands the test of time. So, when it comes to safeguarding your investment and ensuring the longevity of your steel building, metal roofing sheets undoubtedly rise above the competition.What’s more, metal roofing sheets also offer fantastic heat and acoustic insulation, helping you to regulate the temperature of your commercial building and minimise noise disturbance. This type of cladding is also aesthetically pleasing, giving your building a clean and modern look.

How can Hamilton Steel help? 

Here at Hamilton Steel, we specialise in the supply and installation of commercial steel buildings, with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry.

Whether your project is a small or large development, adding steel cladding to your roof can greatly increase the lifespan of your building.

Metal roofing sheets are a superior cladding material, offering fantastic durability and requiring little maintenance, enabling your roof to sustain itself for many years without the need for repairs or renovation.

Our steel cladding services are second to none, providing the ideal solution for anyone looking to invest in their commercial buildings and guarantee the longevity of their roofing.

Are you interested in the benefits of steel cladding for your commercial building? Hamilton Steel can provide the perfect solution for your needs. Simply get in touch today.

 

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