Over-cladding or over-roofing an asbestos roof can be a cost-effective method of stopping leaks and uplifting the aesthetic appearance of a building, as long as the project is managed correctly and not simply left to a roofing contractor.
The MCRMA (Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association) is currently producing a guidance note which will be available to professionals who deal with this kind of work.
Advantages of Overcladding an Asbestos Roof
• Generally cheaper than roof renewal.
• Can be completed with tenants in-situ if managed correctly.
• Quicker than renewal and quicker than a coating the roof.
• Safety netting is generally used externally which can save money.
• Improved EPC and roof is generally upgraded to current regulations.
• A better repair than a coating and adhoc repairs
Disadvantages of Overcladding an Asbestos Roof
• Considerations to rainwater drainage should be given and sometimes upgrades are needed.
• The existing structure should be assessed by a structural engineer to confirm the proposed specifications suitability. Costly strengthening works are likely to be required.
• Statutory considerations such as planning permission and building regulations.
•The orginal asbestos roof & lining panels remain in-situ.
• Air monitoring & specialist cleaning is needed in many cases.
• Risk of asbestos contamination in occupied buildings.
• Alteration works may be needed to accommodate the works such as removing windows, raising parapets etc.
• Further repairs and redecoration to ceiling liners may be needed to facilitate a letting.
If you are considering overcladding an existing asbestos roof, we provide a full management service to help you.
This includes specification of the roof, managing a competitive tendering process to ensure you get the best value, management of the works and of course, maintaining the health & safety file.
The health and safety file contains all of the information about your roof, including any air monitoring, decontamination or disposal documents.
Our fee is typically calculated on a percentage of the total cost of the works and is usually recouped by savings made at the tendering stage, so is often cost-neutral.
However, you will also need to budget for structural engineers fees to calculate the additional weight loading & suitability, as well as planning fees in respect of increasing the height of the premises.
But tendering isn’t only about price. It also considers contractor’s experience, competence and even their ability to fund the works as they progress.
It is common for contractors to request stage payments, or most usually, monthly or more regular valuations.
An important part of the service therefore, is regular valuations, to ensure that the client only pays for materials and works that have actually been completed at the various valuation stages.
For more details on this service, please call 0121 711 7110 and ask for David Carter.
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