When To Replace An Industrial Roof

Asbestos Roofs

Asbestos roofs have a design life of between 25 and 40 years, according tothe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. We’ve seen some that are 70 years old and still going strong. We’ve also seen plenty that are 20-25 years old and need replacement.

Although there are some decent repair options for asbestos roofs, there are a number of factors that might influence a replacement decision.

1.  If there is any intention to install solar panels in the future;
2. If the premises require an energy performance uplift for rental or sale purposes;
3. If the premises are being generally refurbished;
4. If there is a desire to remove the asbestos risk.

Our survey reports typically cover all of the options, providing all of the relevant information in a single document. We can also arrange a follow-up meeting with all stakeholders to present our findings and discuss the options available to you.

 

Metal Roofs

Metal profiled roofs also have an anticipated life expectancy, usually between 25 and 40 years, depending on the roof system that has been installed, but the actual life of a metal roof is determined by its maintenance regime.

Metal roofs can be either the “built up” or “composite” type.

A built-up roof comprises an internal steel liner, with a fleece insulation layer and a futher coated, metal sheet above, to create a sandwich effect.

A composite metal roof is a factory-made metal liner with a solid core insulation layer bonded to the inner lining panel and the outer roof sheet. This can make for quicker installation.

The outer roof sheet is usually coated with a plasticised finish, or in some cases, a thinner, harder paint system.

When you look at metal roof sheet warranties, you’ll probably find that the warranty only covers the coatings applied to the sheets and is typically not a waterproofing warranty. It pays to check, but it’s always important to understand.

If a metal roof is not maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty, it can soon develop problems such as cut edge corrosion.

Over prolonged periods of time without proper maintenace, the whole coating applied to the surface of the roof sheets can begin to fail, due to exposure to ultra violet light (sunlight).

Loss of the factory applied finish can lead to extensive corrosion and this can ultimately render a roof beyond economcal repair.

Badly repaired roofs are also prone to early failure, the biggest culprit being certain cut edge corrosion treatments that introduce a latent defect by trapping moisture beneath the roof sheet edges.

Essenially, if the roof sheets are rotted extensively, especially around fixing points, it’s probably a good idea to renew it.

Many can be repaired, but beware, because repair costs can increase significantly if certain defects are not immediately apparent – that’s where a good surveyor comes in!

Our experienced industrial roof surveyors know exactly what to look for and the report your receive will contain the various options that are available to you.

We can also arrange a follow-up meeting with all stakeholders to present our findings and discuss the options available to you.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs on industrial and commercial premises can be made up in many forms.

Typically a flat roof will only need to be replaced completely in instances where there is significant water damage to the insulation layer and the structural deck.

Whilt it’s normal to look at just the waterproofing layer (whether it’s felt, single ply or other waterproofing membrane), if a flat roof has been leaking for some time, then it might be prudent to carry out core sampling.

This involves cutting small holes in sections of the roof to examine the substrate beneath for damage. The holes are temporarily repaired immediately after testing, but this shouldn’t be carried out unless a decision to replace the roof covering has already been made!

In some cases, even brand new roofs become problematic and the reason for water ingress might not be the waterproof membrane – it could be a design fault that makes it necessary to replace the roof in its entirety, though this is rare.

We provide a number of flat roof survey options, including moisture mapping,core sampling and entirely visual surveys.

Whichever option you choose, we can also arrange a follow-up meeting with all stakeholders to present our findings and discuss the options available to you.