SLE Cladding Limited

This photograph of a refurbished former bowling club house roof demonstrates how, with a little care and thought, old structures of character can be given a greatly extended life with the aid of modern materials. When this building was first constructed the only sheet metal available was corrugated steel (black iron), supplied with the option of being galvanised. Maintenance then was most likely a regularly coat of black pitch or paint applied by brush. When the building was first brought to our attention, red rust was both the predominant colour and coating.

On SLE Cladding's advice it was re-roofed using black Plastisol (plastic coated steel) in the same 3" corrugation as the original roof. Original type drive nails and diamond curved washers were specified in preference to modern fixings. A problem occurred with the roof ridge and barge boards, insomuch as the originals were of "roll top" variety. These are still only made in 6ft lengths of galvanised steel (no company could be found to take on the work of making them in plastisol). To have them poly coated after manufacture was beyond the client's budget. Experimentation found that we could custom fold a "square top" look-alike ridge and barge board inhouse which would withstanding all but the very closest of scrutiny inspections.

Finally, a local charity became interested in the restoration project, and funded most of the refurbishing costs with a grant.

DO'S and DON'TS

Do retain original profile, usually 3" corrugated profile.
Don't change to box profiles
Do use plastisol coated steel sheets for longer life expectancy.
Do retain original colours. Corporate/custom colours can be reproduced, but are expensive
Do Use original type fixings
Do repair or replace any cast iron guttering, don't use plastic.
Do include modern, but hidden, creature comforts such as insulation.


The 12 x 3" iron corrugation used

Galvanised Diamond Curved Washer	Drive Screw (Nail)	Valley Details

For further information please contact SLE Cladding Ltd. Tel. 01948 666 321. Fax. 01948 66 55 32