Why the building envelope matters

Walls and roofs of larger business premises account for a major share of the heat loss and heat gain. Most facilities managers target lighting and HVAC systems to reduce costs; however, a significant amount of waste occurs in the building envelope and roof cladding is one of the best solutions.

Modern insulated cladding systems consist of an outer skin and a high performance core insulation. This means the heat in a building can be kept during the winter and reflect away during the summer and relax the load on the HVAC equipment.

Types of cladding for industrial roofs

Double-skin built-up systems and insulated composite panels are the two most common choices for roof insulation. Flexibility is the main benefit of a double skin built-up system. In this case, the insulation thickness can be increased or decreased to meet a specific thermal target. However, insulated composite panels are quick and easy to install on site and therefore have the added benefit of minimising disruption to the site operation.

Both have different coatings and profiles available which allows the customer to find the right balance between look, price, and durability. In industrial or coastal areas, coatings with increased corrosion resistance help the roof last longer.

Meeting regulations and targets

Building regulations specify minimum thermal performance standards when roofs are replaced or substantially refurbished. Cladding upgrades can meet these thermal performance requirements, as well as improve the EPC rating of the building. Improving the EPC rating of the building is important for landlords, as minimum energy efficiency requirements may prohibit the ability to let the commercial property.

More and more businesses are developing their own carbon-reduction goals. Better insulation is a visible, measurable improvement to a building’s ESG sustainability score and helps demonstrate to tenants, customers and investors that a property is being managed responsibly.

Rooflights and airtightness

Replacing rooflights is another element of a cladding upgrade. Using new, high quality, well insulated rooflights allows more daylight to enter the building and reduces the need for artificial lighting. This is especially beneficial for larger floor areas. Airtightness is just as important. Sealing laps and fixings, and covering penetrations with tape helps eliminate gaps that allow warm air to escape.

The financial case

Re-cladding can seem like a considerable upfront cost, but the savings continue year after year. With reduced heating bills, the cost of cladding soon pays for itself. Other savings come in reduced maintenance, fewer leaks and less condensation. Control of condensation can be very valuable in storage facilities where the damp can spoil stocks or equipment.

A number of projects pay back over a few years with the energy cost savings, and an upgraded roof helps protect the long-term value of the building. Scheduling the work with necessary repairs helps save the cost of access and scaffolding.

Getting the right advice

Because no two buildings are the same, a survey of the existing roof is always a good place to start. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your existing roofing sheet, analyse potential asbestos, provide an estimate of thermal improvements, and recommend a system that best suits your business. Contact us for a free survey and quotation.