Expert-authored Guidance Documents and online CPDs published by the MCRMA – the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association – can help clients and project teams unlock the full potential of metal building envelope renovation and upgrades.
The MCRMA’s publications, developed by technical specialists within its member companies along with selected industry partners, are designed to help anyone involved in the metal building envelope supply chain understand the different renovation approaches for metal cladding and roofing, their feasibility and associated best practice.
For many building owners, refurbishment has moved from being a necessary maintenance task – often reactively to resolve an unanticipated problem – to something that’s at the core of their asset management strategy. With the right approach to metal facades and roofing, refurbishment can be an effective way to extend the life of existing assets while significantly improving their performance, appearance and energy efficiency.
The MCRMA’s Guidance Documents can assist at the earliest stages of a proposed metal envelope refurbishment by helping determine a project’s feasibility. The guidance can inform decisions on which refurbishment approach to pursue, whether it is to over-roof or over-clad, apply a new coating in combination with minor repairs, or to focus on a renovation of the guttering and rainwater management systems.
Only by assessing the extent of corrosion, coating degradation, weather tightness and structural integrity, is it possible to determine whether a repair, renovation, over-cladding or complete replacement strategy is appropriate and the most cost-effective solution. There are a number of suitably qualified and experienced inspectors and consultants available within the MCRMA’s membership who can assist at this stage.
Whichever approach is preferred, the MCRMA’s guidance also helps to ensure the work can be completed safely. Guidance Document GD 18 Guidance to the Construction (Design And Management) Regulations 2015 provides the general safety principles, and another publication developed in conjunction with the Advisory Committee for Roofsafety (ACR), GD 13 Non-Fragility of Roofs: A Checklist, is helpful for assessing the fragility or non-fragility of the existing roof and any rooflights.
Over-roofing or over-cladding is often identified as an excellent way to provide a thermal upgrade with improved aesthetics without having to remove the existing roof substrate. The MCRMA’s GD38 Over-Roofing Guidance Document provides best-practice guidance here.
GD38 includes advice on how to improve weatherproofing, thermal performance, building longevity and maintain operational efficiency. It also outlines key considerations including structural suitability, health and safety, Building Regulations compliance, insulation upgrades, fire performance, and the detailing of over-roof systems on existing metal, fibre cement and composite panel roofs.
Refurbishment using specialist coating systems has become another increasingly common method of extending the service life of appropriate metal roof and cladding assemblies. Whilst there is no Guidance Document published currently relating to this type of refurbishment, the MCRMA’s membership includes providers of specialist coating solutions who would be able to offer advice on relevant projects.
In metal building envelope projects involving gutter and drainage system upgrades to protect from water ingress, corrosion and structural deterioration, best practice is covered in the MCRMA GD38 Guidance Document. Further assistance can be provided by a number of member companies, including one that provides a variety of specialist gutter refurbishment systems.
View and download all the MCRMA Guidance Documents at www.mcrma.co.uk.
