Features and Benefits
There are many features and benefits of using the U-Roof Ltd. Light Gauge Steel Frame system – particularly relevant when taking our “full frame” system. Whilst we’ve categorised them below many of the benefits apply to all beneficiaries – we’ve tried to list them appropriately to who we feel would benefit the most.
End User Specifier Architect Features Benefits
• Designed to meet or exceed NHBC guidelines. Certifications available if required – system is accredited by the Steel Construction Institute in accordance with BS 5950 Part 5 and NHBC Chapter 6.10
• 200 year + minimum expected life when used in a warm frame construction with supporting evidence backed up by the Steel Construction Institute, the NHBC, Tata Steel & Arcelor Mittal .
• 100 % recyclable with 50% scrap content steel used throughout – meeting Code for Sustainable Homes standard.
• Minimal packaging required during manufacture & transportation.
• SAP calcs performed on day of test will achieve same results 20 years later – all joints will remain as completed on day of installation.
• Lightweight construction means reduced foundation / piling requirements and also makes it a perfect system to retrofit to existing conversions.
• Reduced rafter/joist depth in comparison with traditional methods simplifies warms roof construction – advantageous when planning regulations restrict ridge height.
• Warm frame construction reduces risk of condensation and improves living environment – an A / A+ rating is achieved for this type of construction under the BRE Green Guide.
• Steel frame buildings at no further risk during lightning storms if earthed through consumer unit.
• Non combustible.
• Will not absorb moisture.
• “Room in the Roof” by default in most cases – typically providing more space than other systems.
• No interference from steel frame with respect to TV, radio, WiFi or other transmitted signals.
• Beneficial for areas subject to flooding due to inorganic nature of steel – structurally system not at risk nor will it need time to dry out – minimal disruption.
• In certain complex instances requirements for ridge, hip and valley steels is significantly reduced.
Builder / Developer Features & Benefits
• Allows construction of the basic insulated structure to take place outside the “critical path”.
• Can be installed in wet or inclement conditions – unaffected by frost therefore minimising the risk of program slippage.
• In certain complex instances requirements for ridge, hip and valley steels is significantly reduced.
• Will not rot, warp, twist or creep under load nor be subject to insect infestation.
• SAP calcs performed on day of test will achieve same results 20 years later – all joints will remain as completed on day of installation.
• Ridges, hips and valleys completed with ease using patented U section profile.
• Manufactured in factory controlled conditions to tight tolerances providing a dimensionally accurate product to the benefit of following trades for following trades.
• Lightweight construction means reduced foundation / piling requirements and also makes it a perfect system to retrofit to existing conversions.
• Reduced rafter / joist depth in comparison with traditional methods simplifies warms roof construction – advantageous when planning restricts ridge height.
• Flexible and adaptable system permits late design changes to be accommodated.
• Reduced requirement for skilled tradesmen required to install.
• Lightweight gable panels can be installed removing risks associated with relatively fragile masonry gables.
• Steel frame buildings at no further risk during lightning storms if bonded via normal earth system.
• In many cases panels can be manually lifted into position.
• All site fixings & insulation panel joints are readily visible facilitating easy inspection of correctly installed product.
• Walls do not require external sheathing.
Project Manager Features & Benefits
•A warm frame construction allows first fix trades to commence a lot sooner than traditional build reducing fixed site costs – up to 5 times faster than traditional methods of construction.
• Reduced construction phase insurance costs due to non combustible nature of material.
• In most cases the roof is capable of being erected at ground level and craned on – significantly reducing labour spent at height and therefore reducing H & S risks.
• Provision of safe working platform once floor joists installed and boarded.
• Relatively lightweight meaning reduced requirement for craneage.
• Reduced snagging due to lack of settling or shrinkage with call backs virtually eliminated.
• Manufactured in factory controlled conditions to tight tolerances providing a dimensionally accurate product to the benefit of following trades for following trades.
• 100 % recyclable with 50% scrap content steel used throughout – meeting Code for Sustainable Homes standard.
• Flexible and adaptable system permits late design changes to be accommodated.
• Can be supplied pre insulated depending on volume requirements further reducing on site assembly time.
• All site fixings & insulation panel joints are readily visible facilitating easy inspection of correctly installed product.