Advantages of an Insulated Metal Roof System

They say beauty is more than skin deep. This is true, especially while you consider a building or a structure. The most basic requirement of any building is to keep the external elements – heat, rain, cold and noise out; while keeping comfortable conditions in, for the building occupants. Advances in manufacturing processes, materials and technologies have transformed the way we keep our inside temperatures as conducive as possible. Thanks to Insulated Metal Roof Systems!

To ensure better thermal performance and sound control inside a building, Insulated Metal Roof System plays a vital role. To avoid energy losses and minimize expense on other equipments to cool the inside premise, we need to create our buildings as energy-efficient as possible.

So, if you are a far-sighted person, Insulated Metal Roof System will be your perfect choice!

Insulated Metal Roof System enables better performance of the structure and enhances experience for people working under it. This system can go a long way in providing long term benefits.

What is Insulated Metal Roof System?
This type of metal roof system helps in reducing the overall heat transfer coefficient by adding materials with low thermal conductivity. It also maintains an ambient temperature in the building and works as a barrier to heat loss and gain.

Let us see some of the advantages of an Insulated Metal Roof System:

  • Heat Prevention: In summers, insulated roof works on minimizing the heat transfer between inside and outside of the building.
  • Heat Retention: Locations with lower temperatures where heating structures is unavoidable, insulation works best to prevail warmth inside the premise.
  • Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated roof helps save on energy consumption by improving energy efficiency, comfort, and living standards in both modern commercial as well as Industrial buildings.
  • Acoustic Control: Insulation acts as an infill between two metal sheets. It not only reduces heat transmission but also external sounds such as thunder, rain, hail etc. noise from entering the building envelope through the roof.

There are two types of insulations predominantly used in an Insulated Metal Roofing System:

  • Glass Wool Insulation:Glass wool is made from recycled glass or sand, soda ash and limestone.
  • Rock Wool Insulation: The rock wool is made from basalt, volcanic rock, and an increased proportion of material that is recycled in the form of briquettes.
Note: In Insulated Metal Roofing System, insulation can withstand temperature upto 400o C, offering an incredibly high thermal performance. Higher the insulation thickness, better is the thermal conductivity.

However, for a well-insulated metal roofing system, you need a trustworthy partner. Fortunately LYSAGHT® roof and wall cladding solutions from Tata BlueScope Steel can help you install your new fully insulated roof.

About LYSAGHT® Insulated Metal Roof System
LYSAGHT® profiles can be used in Single Skin and Double Skin Insulated Roof systems. LYSAGHT® roof and wall systems provide superior energy efficiency combined with aesthetics for your next project. LYSAGHT® recommends Roll Insulation for Single Skin roof and Both Slab and Roll Insulation for Double Skin Roof.

LYSAGHT® Insulated Metal Roofing Systems’ advantages:

  1. Performs better for environment control during fire, smoke emission and toxic emissions
  2. It is suitable for all types of buildings
  3. Insulation thickness can be customized as per requirement
  4. Different insulation solution is provided depending upon local weather conditions
  5. Foil laminates are also available to reflect heat and provide vapor barrier

Illustrations of some of our offerings:

Choose your type of metal roof insulation system today! At Tata BlueScope Steel, we can help you choose the right one. To get started with a roofing installation or replacement, visit us at www.tatabluescopesteel.com

How Green is Your Roof?

Enhance your structure’s green rating by adopting sustainable roofing

If one of your aspirations is to make your structure more sustainable, this information will help you understand how you can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly roofing solutions.

These days, using sustainable building materials is critical in new building design considerations and construction. With growing concerns over climate change there is a conscious effort to move towards ecologically safer solutions.

Sustainable construction means using renewable and recyclable materials when building new structures, as well as reducing energy consumption and waste.

Architects and designers are always looking for aesthetically superior, environmentally friendly products and solutions to help create efficient, long lasting and sustainable buildings.

Let us see few demands within architectural community while choosing their building material:

  • Recyclability is a number one priority and demand for materials that eliminate environmental impact is on the rise
  • Energy Efficiency with smaller carbon footprint, is yet another sought after properties while choosing a roof.
  • Maintenance Free structure with longevity and durability that promises greater performance in adverse climatic conditions is pertinent in today’s unpredictable environmental conditions.

Steel roofing and wall cladding by LYSAGHT® from Tata BlueScope Steel are a great solution for people who want to practice conscious sustainability. With a robust sustainability policy, dedicated to both – managing operations responsibly and continuous improvement, Tata BlueScope Steel is committed to design and manufacture of sustainable products and solutions, that are lighter, last longer and use few resources to produce them.

LYSAGHT® Roofs make the best sustainable solution:

a. Recyclability: This could be well reiterated with their products made from 100% COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel that are environment friendly as they can be recycled and are reusable conforming to the sustainability quotient stipulated by GreenPro certification.

b. Paint technology: The paint system of COLORBOND® steel does not contain any heavy metal like lead, chromium, cadmium, etc. making it environment friendly. Instead, it uses stable resin & inorganic pigments for paint durability which are sustainable in nature.

c. Water harvesting: The design of deep ribs on LYSAGHT® roofs and accessories used, make the roofing system compatible for water harvesting.

d. Light weight of steel: Reduces the overall weight of the structure, ensuring less carbon footprints. No welding or wastage during construction; hence no damage to local flora and fauna.

e. Integration with solar roof panels: All our profiles are compatible with roof mounted solar applications.

f. Cool Comfort: LYSAGHT® profile made from COLORBOND® steel is backed by energy efficient Thermatech® technology that enhances the thermal performance (Higher Solar Reflectance value (SRI)) of the roof. In moderate to hot climates, compared to roofing materials of similar color with low solar reflectance, COLORBOND® steel with Thermatech® can reduce annual cooling and energy consumption by up to 15%.

g. Cost and Energy savings: All profiles offer extruded type of skylight for daylight saving. Extruded profiles ensure less leakages enhancing skilled workmanship. In addition, accessories like louvers, turbo vents, ridge vents ensure smooth air-flow which reduces overall energy consumption.

LYSAGHT® products are used in most progressive segments of India’s infrastructural, manufacturing, warehousing and commercial applications contributing to the green requirements of the project.

If you wish to fulfil your dream of a sustainable structure; do get in touch by writing to us.

Redefining Grain Storage

Significance of choosing the right material for grain storage

Inadequate infrastructure for storage is the major cause of post-harvest losses for all kinds of food grains in India, which is estimated at around 15% by Food Corporation of India. Usually grains are stored in bags in warehouses with many associated losses, including spillage, rodent attacks, bird droppings, theft/pilferage, etc.

A strong thrust towards modern and scientific means of grain storage is essential.

Steel silos at present are the best alternative for grain storage, thanks to their versatility, easy assembly, hygienic handling and low storage cost. Over the years, bulk material storage silos made of metal have played an important role in conservation of key natural or man-made resources. Large steel silos can be used to store various agricultural, commercial and industrial products such as grains, cement, fly ash and mineral materials, thus meeting the storage needs of most enterprises in modern society.

Most critical amongst them is grain and food storage as well as food processing units, that demand utmost hygiene and protection from external factors!

Many conventional warehouses today lack adequate ambience such as proper temperature and moisture which greatly affects the quality of grains and leads to damage and wastage of the produce. The grains get infested with moulds and insects due to lack of safe and scientific storage practices.

What is a Steel Silo?
A steel silo is a cylindrical storage warehouse made of galvanized coils. Steel silos can also be divided into spiral steel silos and assembled steel silos. The structural principle of the steel silo is very different from the traditional warehouse. They not only optimize space as compared to traditional storage options but are also an economic solution with long-lasting performance.

Characteristics of a Steel Silos

✓ They offer high tensile strength

✓ Designed to withstand snow loads & strong winds

✓ Built with a robust framework, enable optimum storage conditions

✓ Designed to adhere to soil conditions

✓ Economical Grain storage options than warehouse storage

✓ Termite, fire and mold resistant

✓ Easy and Quick to install

The storage industry’s demand for non-conventional, futuristic, lightweight and stronger material; has led to a well-researched, durable and the most trusted product in form of ZINCALUME® steel.

Well researched and scientific materials used for storages such as ZINCALUME® Steel help our farmers and exporters to keep the quality of the produce in line with international requirements thus reducing losses. This also helps in getting better prices in the global markets apart from savings, by reduction in losses and rejections by importers.

Most Advantageous Material for Silos:
Best known for its exceptional performance, ZINCALUME® steel manufactured and supplied by Tata BlueScope Steel, is the most preferred material for making metal silos. With more than five decades of global presence, ZINCALUME® steel made of 55% Aluminium, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicon, is a tried and tested formulae for long lasting performance.

Some of its highlights are:

✓ Offers excellent corrosion resistance. Remarkable Cut Edge Protection

✓ Looks newer for longer due to reduced oxidation, up to 4 times longer life than conventional steel material

✓ Light weight, Conventional GI sections of higher thicknesses can be replaced with lesser sections of ZINCALUME® steel resulting in less bulky structures

✓ Easy formability, ZINCALUME® steel has specific steel grades suitable for most forming operations, without sacrificing coating adhesion.

✓ Improved thermal efficiency and temperature control for storage

✓ Sustained durability with low maintenance in the long term

✓ Suitable for all weatherability and climatic conditions

✓ Made from sustainable material

ZINCALUME® silos are best suitable for grains. Due to high solar heat absorption of Galvanised Steel silos, the grains in contact with heated Galvanised Sheets tend to become brittle. ZINCALUME® steel on the other hand ensures lesser heat absorption thus avoiding loss in quality of grains stored.

Apart from silos, ZINCALUME® steel, a versatile material is aptly suitable for other formidable structures for human interactions. Be it LGF, pipe cladding, doors and window frames, drywall partition or solar mounting structures; you can rest be assured of the quality and performance of ZINCALUME® steel as an alternate application.

Do get in touch with us for more information by writing to us on contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or visit our website www.tatabluescopesteel.com

Grain silos made from ZINCALUME® steel

Are You Looking At Faster Construction With On-time Project Completion?

LGFS – WHERE TIME IS MONEY, WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY

Superior steel structure built with cost effective solution and delivered well within timelines; is a true customer delight. LGFS (Light Gauge Framing Systems), is a proven technology that transforms customer demands into reality. The advantages you can derive as a builder or an end user with LGFS, are immense.

But, before we go any further, let us understand what exactly is LGFS?

Light Gauge Framing System (LGFS) or Light gauge Steel framing (LGSF) is a construction technology using cold-formed steel as a construction material. It can be used for roof, floor, wall systems of the entire building.

Let us see some of the benefits LGFS has to offer:

1. Advanced Technology: Light Gauge Framing System (LGFS) is a leading construction solution based on recent developments in the field of science and technology. Automation in production processes and high precision equipment, enable production of frame shape with even 1 mm accuracy.

2. Quick, Easy & Precise: LGFS can be placed on a lightweight brick foundation or light strip foundation. Picking and lifting machinery is minimized. The only tool used for installation is a screw gun. Heavy crane or heavy lifting equipment aren’t required. LGFS systems are not welded; they are tightened with the help of tap-bolts or nonthreaded fasteners, enabling rapid installation for early occupation and quick revenue generation. These buildings demonstrate precise geometry and high strength properties. Metal properties eliminate shrinkage or deformation at the end of installation. LGSF technology is based on “dry” construction methods; consequently, the structure could be installed at any time of the year and under all adequate weather conditions.

3. Reliability with Durability: A Light Gauge Steel Structure is dependable due 550 MPa steel that goes into its making. Anticorrosive Metal coating protects metal against rust with no seasonal impact, enabling long-term operation of buildings.

4. Broad interior layout opportunities: LGSF technology enables creation of interior spaces of up to 16 meters without additional supporting structures. This helps designers and architects realize their modern and innovative ideas into reality.

5. Environmentally friendly: Steel is odorless, environment friendly material which does not emit hazardous substances. Properly used steel structures are safe to human health and environment. All frames are insulated with completely processed organic materials.

6. Cleanliness: Construction site remains clean and clutter free. All components of a Light Gauge Steel Structures are prefabricated and preassembled in accordance with design objectives. Materials that are exclusively required for assemblage of the entire building are delivered to construction site. Leading to minimal construction waste, offcuts or defective products.

7. Optimized Costs: Overall cost of pre-fabricated cold formed steel building is less compared to RCC due to various reasons: It is less labor intensive. Takes less time for construction, hence early occupation for revenue generation. Foundation cost is lower due to lighter material. Structure is completely, relocatable. Operational cost and maintenance are less due well insulated claddings and long-term performance of steel.

Tata BlueScope Steel offers Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems and solutions under EZYBUILD® smart steel structures. These Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems are made from 55% Al-Zn Alloy coated ZINCALUME® steel of AZ150 G550 (550 MPa minimum yield strength), complying with AS 1397 and IS 15961 standards.

Apt for industrial, commercial, residential and institutional applications, these ready to install solutions are quick alternatives to conventional buildings and are available through a dedicated network of authorized EZYBUILD® solutions providers.


Smartly designed LGFS structure


LGFS rigid frames ensure strength & performance

So, if you are looking at smart, rapid build technology and require an end-to-end hand-holding from design to execution; you may contact our team of Experts on contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or visit the company website https://tatabluescopesteel.com/products-solutions/lysaght/ for more information.

Pre-Engineered or Conventional Buildings

Are you planning for a new building project and confused over which type to build? Whether to choose a Pre-Engineered Buildings or go for a conventional structure? We can help you get better insights for making an informed decision.

It is important to know the nuances of the two solutions for long-term consideration.

What are PEBS and Conventional Buildings?

Pre-Engineered Buildings
Pre-engineered buildings are built mostly in steel and are factory made, shipped to site and bolted together. The rigid framing completes the roof, beams and columns. Then other exterior panels are assembled, along with structural elements and accessories. Pre-engineered Buildings revolutionized the construction market with its built-up sections in place of conventional hot-rolled sections. Larger column-free area sets PEBs apart, compared to its conventional counterparts.

Conventional Buildings
Conventional buildings on the other hand are traditional buildings consisting of steel, brick and cement sections. These are fabricated and assembled at the site. Conventional building method involves welding and cutting, which is done largely at the construction sites. A conventional building is designed from scratch, requiring substantial designing inputs and detailing of the intricacies done by consultants.

PEB Vs Conventional – A Comparative

ParametersPEBConventional
Weight30% Lighter Heavier
StructurePrimary Members are Tapered Primary Members are hot rolled ‘I’ Sections
DesignSoftware based Standard designs that are replicable Partially Automated Designs with manual intervention
 Secondary Members are light weight & rolled framed ‘Z’ & ‘C’ sections Secondary Members are ‘I’ & ‘C’ sections which are heavier in weight
Delivery TimelinesShorter duration Can extend depending on complexity
FoundationSimple design easy to build Substantial investment in foundation work
Erection ProcessEasy, Fast & Safe Labor – Intensive
Seismic ResistanceLow Weight Flexible Frames offer Higher Resistance to seismic forces Relatively higher wastage and energy consumption
SustainabilityReduced wastage and lesser impact on environment due to lean construction Wastage and energy consumption
FlexibilityFuture expansion is simple, easy and cost effective. Single supplier can coordinate changes. Revisions or additions can be difficult due to extensive redesign.
PerformanceAll components are specified and designed to act together as a system, for maximum efficiency, precise fit and performance. Components are designed in general for possible use in many alternative configurations.
AccountabilitySingle source responsibility Multiple vendors involved
Overall CostCost is slightly more but is justified from a time advantage perspective. Cost could be slightly lower than PEB Structures but is difficult to accurately define the total costs.
ApplicationsBest suited for Industrial, Infrastructure and Warehousing projects. Best suited for Commercial Establishments, Institutional structures, Industrial and residential applications.

Illustrative representation of comparative structural loads

These sections may differ along the length according to the bending moment diagram above. The use of optimal section leads to saving steel usage leading to reduction in the overall cost.

Both Pre-engineered and conventional buildings have their own advantages. Choosing the right kind of building structure depends on design requirements and materials your project demands. One must consider budget, safety, durability and maintenance before arriving at a decision.

To help you build better, we at Tata BlueScope Steel with our team of seasoned engineers and years of experience offer world-class pre-engineering building solutions in form of BUTLER® Buildings. By providing timely construction and superior solution, BUTLER® Building Solutions has achieved high acceptance in Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure and Warehousing sectors all over the world.

Please get in touch with us on contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or visit the company website www.tatabluescopesteel.com for more information.

Creating Stunning Architecture with Curved Roof & Wall Cladding

Embracing contemporary designs through modern architecture, architects today are experimenting with curved metal roofs and wall cladding solutions; breaking away from the traditional, simpler and mundane panels. Not only it helps them to incorporate exciting elements such as tapered and convex shapes in their designs, but it also transforms their vision into reality!

    
Shapes possible with Tata BlueScope Steel’s LYSAGHT FLEXLOK® Profile

Creativity in architecture stems from possibilities enabled by its building material. In recent times coated steel roofs have grown as design favorites, giving wings to your imagination, due to its innate strength and flexibility. From tapered, curved and excellent spanning capabilities, to an all-pervasive weather ability; color coated steel roofs are the new-age solutions for space extensions, bigger interior spaces, high clearances, larger spans with seamless columns. Combined with unique angles, eclectic hues, increased edge finishes, appealing gutter options and more, architects now have access to a greater assortment.

Advantages of a Metal Curved Roofs

Optimize Spaces: For a complete visual delight, Architects and designers are replacing typical squared, vertical buildings with curved walls and undulating roofs for an optimized space.

Enhanced Aesthetics with Practicality: Curved roof structures have become a popular trend over recent years, providing aesthetic appeal and the practical advantages of lower apex heights and parapet requirements.

Better Strength: Curved roofs are entirely made of metal as it offers strength and flexibility to be bent or manufactured in a curved shape.

Low on Maintenance: Roofs made from steel are wind and corrosion resistant and promise longer life.

Sustainable Alternative: Made from 100% recyclable and reusable steel, the roofs are environmentally friendly, thermally efficient and installed with lean and safe construction practices.

Modern age Commercial, industrial and infrastructural buildings like malls, modern warehouses, airports, metro stations, educational institutions, etc. are being built with the objective of high aesthetical appeal, giving rise to new trends in roof designs and modern architecture.

We at Tata BlueScope Steel, through LYSAGHT® roof and wall cladding solutions; partner with some of India’s best-known architects, who inspire the construction fraternity with their out-of-box thinking.

LYSAGHT® profiles such as TRIMDEK®, FLEX-LOK ®, KLIP-LOK® and CUSTOM ORB® can be angled, sliced, tapered or curved and are a designer’s delight. The profiles can be crimped curved on-site or in factory as per customers’ requirement.


BASF, Chennai – A fine example of aesthetics with durability


Kolkata Metro


Chennai Metro

Seeking pure customization and liberating your freedom of thought, these profiles accentuate your signature styled architectural creations with a modern-day streak. Leaving your mark for generations to come

In addition to roofing profiles, LYSAGHT® offers a complete 360 built experience. From state of art manufacturing of world’s finest products to design & engineering services, safe and advanced construction capabilities; LYSAGHT® team of experts are known for their complex project handling!

Do get in touch with us for your next roofing project by sending an email to contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or simply explore our range of solutions by clicking the link: https://tatabluescopesteel.com/products-solutions/lysaght/

Screw-down Profiles – An Effective and Economical Roofing Solution

As you start building your next project, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is what kind of roof you want. If you’ve chosen a metal roof, sifting through different metal roofing options can be challenging and overwhelming. However there are two most preferred metal roof types: screw down metal roofs and standing seam, or “exposed fastener” metal roofs. The exact choice will depend on several factors such as budget, build-speed requirement, impact load, lifespan, aesthetics, environment, application etc. This article will focus on screw-down profiles and their benefits as an economical and effective solution; which will also help you take an informed decision.

What is screw-down profile?
Screw-down metal roofing is essentially a corrugated metal roof held together with many exposed screws that clasp the roof in place. It is one of the most basic forms of metal roofing you’ll find in the market, and is particularly common over warehouses, railways and metro stations, manufacturing plants, infra and industrial establishments.

Advantages of Screw-Down Metal Roofs:

  • Firstly, Screw-down roofing is one of the simplest forms of roofing available.
  • Secondly, it is quick and easy to install as the roof is simply fastened to the frame with screws, which cuts down on installation time, offering a relatively straightforward installation process.
  • It is excellent for withstanding high wind load, snow load or impact load i.e. foot traffic, enabling ease of maintenance.

With the right kind of accessories, especially designed SDS class 3 screws with black EPDM washers, correct installation practices, regular maintenance; one can achieve long-term performance!

Being pioneers in color coating steel industry and manufacturers of its allied products, Tata BlueScope Steel has mastered the art of crafting precision-oriented roofing solutions with an array of screw-down profiles to choose from including: TRIMDEK®1015, BR II™ 900, SPANDEK® 935, CUSTOM ORB® 990, VARYDEK® 1000 and Tile profiles. All profiles offer compatible accessories which are made from superior material with higher corrosion resistance and greater thermal efficiency.

LYSAGHT® screw down profiles are specially designed to provide anti capillary groove to ensure water-tightness for leak-proof roof performance. Best-in-class accessories offer greater performance and corrosion resistance. Our design and technical experts ensure proper installation methods to optimize overall roof performance, ultimately delivering value to our customers.

So what are you waiting for? Contact LYSAGHT® expert today, for a free counselling session to get best offers on screw-down profiles.

You may send your queries to contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or visit the company website www.tatabluescopesteel.com for more information.


Kolkata Metro adorned with LYSAGHT TRIMDEK® Profile


Valpoi Bus Stop, Goa in a scintillating LYSAGHT SPANDEK® 935 Profile


MRF Manufacturing, Trichy with LYSAGHT TRIMDEK®

A Practical Guide for Installing a Long-Lasting Roof

Roofing expense may contribute to about 3% of your overall expenditure but protects the remaining 97%!

Yes, the way you install your roof, lays the groundwork for your structure’s entire future. If installed under expert guidance, it lives longer; if not it may lead to a pre-mature failure! A roof gives protection against all weathers, makes your structure energy efficient, gives comfort while contributing to the overall aesthetics. As the life of any structure depends on its roof – if installed properly it not only enhances beauty, but also helps it to last longer with less maintenance, as compared to poorly installed roofs, thus saving cost in the long term.

Let us see some of the best practices for roof installation:

Before embarking on execution, always think of Safety first

  • Prepare for the assembly in advance.
  • Understand the structural drawings
  • Use safety harness, personal protective equipment’s and smooth sole shoes



Dos

  • Cut materials on ground than on any other material where hot particles can fall and cause damage to the finishing of sheets
  • Remove all the drill particles, scraps, excess fasteners and pop rivet mandrels from roof to avoid rusting and stains.
  • Power saw along with metal cutting blades should be used for thin sheets



  • The roof screws should always be placed through the ribs and wall screws should be fixed through pan.
  • Use recommended screws/ fasteners of class 3 with EPDM rubber sealing washers
  • The air gap towards the left makes sure that water does not travel upward, the groove should be on the inner side.
  • Structures like HSS angles, channels and tubes (apart from the zinc coated supporting structure) should always be painted prior to fixing the sheets.
  • Use neutral cure silicone rubber sealants.
  • Wash the roof with clean water or mild detergent by using soft cloth, mop or soft nylon bristles to avoid swarf stains and rusts.



  • Screws should be fixed directly on the supporting members.
  • While walking on the roof, keep your weight evenly distributed
  • Guard film must be removed after installation

DONT’S

  • Don’t keep colour coated sheets in contact with cement, dirt and chemicals like paint or thinner
  • Don’t install the roof sheets during rains, sheets get wet and slippery
  • Do not use J hooks, carbon washers and stainless-steel screws on the sheets as they might cause damage to the sheets.



  • Don’t overdrive or under drive the screw as it leads to water leakage and washer damage.
  • Improper contact at the groove portion makes the roofs vulnerable to water leakages, the groove portion should not be on the outer side.



  • Don’t leave metal articles on the roof
  • Don’t throw bird feed on the sheet, bird dropping can damage the colour of the sheet.
  • Don’t use acetic acid-based sealants which liberate aggressive by-products during curing
  • Never use abrasive or solvent type cleaners, wire brushes, steel wool, sponge, scorers to clean the roof sheets as it softens the paint film
  • Avoid walking on the end lap gutters, single rib and skylight sheets.

While no roof will last forever, you can improve the odds by insisting on installation that observes the best practices along with the authenticity of the manufacturer. It is extremely important to hire a qualified professional who understands one’s requirement and does the job flawlessly.

Tata BlueScope Steel is your roofing expert with years of experience when it comes to supply of superior quality roofing solutions and best-in-class installation practices within the construction industry. You can view a full range of Roofing and Wall Cladding Products, Solutions & Services on the company website.

7 Crucial Signs to Believe You Need a New Roof

A stitch in time saves nine is a common phrase, used to say that it is better to fix a problem when it is small, than to wait for it to become bigger than you can handle!

This stands true for the roofing woes we face when early signs of a damaged roof are ignored. A roof is the first line of defence for all external adversities. It becomes crucial to pay attention towards its wear and tear. It is imperative to observe the early signs of damage and address them well in time to avoid costly repairs that may occur in the future.

Here is an easy guide to know when your roof needs a doctor:

1. Age of roof
Aging of roof is a natural process which can be caused due to various reasons like Pollution, extreme weather conditions etc. Irrespective of the appearance, it is always important to keep a tap of the age of roof. Roofs which are considerably old should be considered for re-maintenance or replacement with better quality materials. One should get the roof inspected by a professional to ascertain the requirement of any maintenance.

2. Deterioration of paint
If the paintwork of the roof gets visibly degraded, it is one of the first signs that the roof either needs maintenance, replacement or might just need to be repainted. Peeling and flaking of the paint may happen either on the outer surface or the inner surface of the roof. Ensuring that the roof paint is in good condition may just add on to better aesthetics as well as increased life of the roof.

3. Damage through water
A good and well-maintained roof is designed to withstand any weather condition be it heavy rains, summers or winters. If there is a leakage, one can see signs of seepage through the structure. In such cases it is important to ascertain the actual reason behind the leakage, increased moisture inside the roof or any other water damage on the roof and get the same either repaired or changed.

4. Corrosion and rusting
Corrosion is a natural process wherein the metal gets oxidized, in case the roof sheets are not properly maintained it may result in faster rate of corrosion of the roofing sheets. Corrosion is also the sign that water could be gathering in the supporting structures and gutters. Timely maintenance of roof may result in slowing down the corrosion process. If the roof is substantially corroded it is suggested to replace the roof structure with a new one.

5. Holes and cracks in the roof
It is very crucial that the roof should be replaced if one observes cracks, bending or holes in the roof as these may cause long term damage to the structure like dampness, peeling of paints, water leakage, moulds etc.

6. Damages in supporting structures
Any damage in the supporting structures of the roof like purlins, flashings etc. is a clear sign that the roof may be compromised. It is important to repair the roof or replace the same in such cases to avoid any major cost at later stages

Any roof must undergo maintenances within regular intervals. All the above points should be kept in mind while inspecting the roof and the decision should be taken on whether the roof needs to be replaced or there is a need of any maintenance work. It is always suggested to get the same inspected through professionals.

If you’re a home owner and your roof is showing signs of age, Tata BlueScope Steel has the perfect knowledge and experience to restore your roof to its original glory. You can purchase a range of roofing solutions from our award-winning roofing brand DURASHINE®. Guided by a team of professionals that specialize in steel roofing, you can rest be assured of complete peace of mind while collaborating with us!

To find out more about our products and services, contact us/visit website/fill form and we will get back soon to help you!

Choosing the correct Purlin for Roof framing

While designing any new roof or renovating existing roof, it is important to check all technical parameters to attain perfection. A well-designed roof is an ideal solution to safeguard us from extreme weather conditions and all-natural calamities.

Being the most essential part of any industrial building, roofing is a vital component which needs to be maintained with stability and carried appropriately. In the current trend most of the Metal Buildings are designed with shallow roof slope to get safe and economical building solution. When the roof slope is shallow, there is a negative pressure that develops on the roof which tries to uplift the roof panels.

By choosing the right purlin spacing with a right roof profile, stability in roof is achievable.

What are Purlins?
Purlin is a structural secondary member which forms the skeleton of the Metal Building. Purlins are the longitudinal horizontal members connecting the rafters along the length of the building. The structural support of every building is made up of purlins.

What are the main functions of Purlins?

  • Transferring the wind loads to the main frame, rafters and columns. Thus providing structural stability to the main frames by connecting them all along the building.
  • Supporting the Roof System i.e. the enclosure of the building.
  • Purlins are the structural load carrying members. The wind forces acting on the End Walls of the building get transferred by purlins to the main frame members and to the foundation, by means of bracings.
  • Purlins also supports roof system, and are designed to take care of wind load acting on the roof, Live Load, Dead load of Sheeting or roofing and collateral loads like Ventilation duct load, sprinklers, lightings etc.

Thus, Purlins are an important component of the building.

What are the different types of Purlins?
Raw Material wise two types of Purlins are there

  • Hot rolled Purlin
  • Cold Rolled Purlin

Based on the Shapes

  • Circular – pipes / tubes (Hot rolled)
  • Square and Rectangular hollow sections (Hot Rolled)
  • ZEE, ZED and CEE shaped purlins (Cold formed)

Today, Metal Buildings have evolved with design technology called Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB), with clear span of 90 mtr. Purlins used in these PEBs are of either ZEE or ZED shaped Cold formed members having the min yield strength of 300 MPa. These ZEE or ZED Purlins are of min 1.2mm thickness to maximum 3.15 mm steel thickness. These are generally roll formed from Pre-Galvanized sheets having the zinc coating mass of min 120 GSM to the maximum of 275 GSM.

Factors considered while designing Purlin
While designing any structural member, we need to find the load acting on that member. To determine the load, complete building parameters like Width, Length, Height, Roof Slope and Wind Speed of the building should be considered.

    1. Loads acting on the Purlin

    Dead Load of roofing systems are self-weight of the roof sheet, Solar modules, roof platforms, ventilators, walkways etc.

    Live Load on the roofing system

    Wind Load which are external in nature

    Collateral loads are the hanging loads from the Purlin

    2. Support type

    Second important factor is the support type, whether it is supported as a Single Span or Continuous Span by Overlapping the purlins. CEE members are generally used as a simply ‘supported Purlin’ and ZEE or ZED purlins as a continuous span as we can overlap the purlins.

    3. Span of the Purlin

    Third important factor is the Span of the Purlin, that is the Bay Spacing or Rafter to Rafter spacing. Based on the span, Strength and Deflection of purlin will be determined.

    Purlin is designed basis the roof system. For example, if Screw down system is put on top of the Purlin then the screw down profiles provides the Diaphragm which provides bracing strength to Purlins. In case standing seam, profiles are fixed on top of Purlin and then the purlins need to be checked for Lateral Torsional Buckling apart from its bending moment and deflection checks.

    Cold formed design codes must be used while designing cold formed purlins.

    4. Selection of the Purlin type and Design Optimization

    Cold formed ZEE Shaped purlins are most economical solutions nowadays as compared to Hot rolled ISMC channels and other HR pipe purlins. HR Purlins are higher in weights (kg/m). Also, they cannot be overlapped hence need to be designed as a Simply supported section which limits optimization. Whereas Cold formed ZEE purlins are slim and available in the thickness range of 1.2mm to 3.15mm, and can be overlapped for different lengths, resulting in designing of most optimized purlin sections. On an average 30% to 50% weight savings can be achieved using Cold formed ZEE Purlins.

    5. Purlin Finish

    Cold formed Purlins are roll formed from pre-galvanized Coils with Zn coating mass of minimum 120 GSM to the maximum of 275 GSM. If the environment is controlled and away from coastal and chemical industries like ware houses, small manufacturing units, factories without any generation of chemicals then 120 GSM coating is enough.

    For the other chemical and costal environment minimum coating mass of 275 GSM is required. For severe corrosive environments, we can further increase the coating mass of zinc or can apply any anti corrosive paints on the purlins. Alternatively, Purlins can be sealed with false ceiling materials as well.

LYSAGHT® high strength light-weight recyclable purlins – CEE-plus™, ZEE-plus™ & ZED-plus™ provide economy to the building construction and also helps in keeping the site clean and environment friendly.

LYSAGHT® CEE-plus™, ZEE-plus™ & ZED-plus™ sections are accurately roll-formed from high strength zinc-coated steel, pre-punched to the required dimensions to provide an efficient, lightweight, economical purlin and girts.

LYSAGHT® profiles made of COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® steel manufactured and supplied by Tata BlueScope Steel are suitable for roof, wall support and portal framing up to a certain span. The system, which includes bridging and a comprehensive range of accessories, is supplied as ready for erect.