Steel framed roof – types and advantages

Steel-framed roofs are very popular among builders. They are installed mainly in industrial construction. In this article we will focus mainly on their types and the main benefits of having such a roofing system. We invite you to read.

General benefits of installing a steel-framed roof

Steel roof structure is a solution that is easy to install. As a result, it is formed relatively quickly, maintaining full integrity even in the case of very strong weather impacts (wind, rain, snow load, etc.). Steel construction also means low construction costs, as it is relatively easy and fast to manufacture and assemble the various elements. It should also not be forgotten that the load-bearing structure of a steel roof is lighter than its wooden counterpart. And while we are at the comparison of steel with wood, we must also remember that it is:

• resistant to biological agents (no maintenance),

• resistant to moisture, while it is worth remembering to cover the structure with a special layer of varnish,
• does not dry out (unlike wood),
• low-cost maintenance of steel roof structures.

In addition, steel structure roofs can be easily modified and adapted to the needs of the investor. This, unfortunately, can not be said of a wooden structure, which is much less tolerant of possible alterations. Simply put: the advantages of a steel roof structure are measurable and make it possible to achieve a high load-bearing capacity, as well as to give the roofing virtually any shape.

What do roofs made of steel construction consist of?

What elements does a steel truss consist of? Its main elements are steel girders, to which steel trusses are attached. Parallel to the ridge of the roof are laid steel purlins, which are direct support for sandwich panels or trapezoidal sheets. The whole is divided into segments (i.e., roof bays), which make it possible to evenly transfer the weight of the entire block. Structural elements of a steel roof are also bracing and braces, whose task is to provide the whole with adequate rigidity and compensate for vibrations that could lead to its destruction. An important role is also played by roof trusses, which support the entire roof structure.

As you can see, the construction of the roof is quite complicated. Nevertheless, its design – with the help of appropriate digital tools – can be modified quite easily, thus creating roof designs that are tailored to individual customer needs and local conditions.

Types of steel roof structures – what is worth knowing about them?

Specific shapes of steel roofs have a significant impact on the functionality of the building. This relationship is particularly important in the case of buildings of an industrial nature, which must perform strictly defined functions. So what can a steel roof structure look like? What are its main advantages?

Single-slope steel roof structure – this is a simple block, which is cheap and quick to install. At the same time, the single-slope roof requires only a single gutter. The peculiarities of this structure make it worth installing only in small steel halls and storage facilities.
Gabled roof – this is the ideal solution for objects with a very large span. In this variant, it is possible to use a wide, ridge roof skylight, thanks to which you can illuminate the interior with daylight. The self-supporting base of the roof also does not require additional supporting substructure.
Flat roof – in this variant the pitch of the roof is practically 0. Deciding to install such a roofing, we incur relatively low costs. Moreover, we can use the roof surface for typical commercial applications. The installation of a flat roof is very simple, although it makes sense only in small industrial and warehouse buildings.
Arched roof – is a specific shape of roofing, in which its surface has a characteristic arched shape. This type of solution is used primarily in various types of sports facilities, pavilions, as well as exhibition halls. Thanks to the arched vault, the object allows more efficient use of the entire available space.
Dome roof – is a variant that, as the name suggests, is similar to a dome. This type of solution is usually used in buildings of a religious nature, but also in museums and objects of historical origin or character. The dome allows you to arrange the interior impressively and allows you to get a lot of extra space.
Wreath roof – this is a rather original shape of the roof, as its corrugated slopes resemble… a crown. This is a rather rare steel structure. Nevertheless, it can be seen in hotels and other recreational facilities. This is an ideal solution for investors who want to distinguish their object from its surroundings in this way and give it unique visual qualities.
Sloping roof – this is an architectural solution in which the roofing slopes are inclined at an angle. This type of solution is mainly used in residential construction. Sloping roofing allows, among other things, for efficient drainage of water (including snow and logs) from the roof surface.
Pilaster/shed roof – is a construction that until recently was very popular in industrial construction. In this variant, asymmetrical gable roofs form something like teeth. The construction of a shed roof is quite complex, but thanks to it, the roof slopes can be effectively relieved, and even in large-scale buildings.

Technologies used in the construction of a steel-framed roof

The efficiency of steel roof construction is due, among other things, to the use of innovative design and installation technologies. These include:

• CAD/CAM software, which can be used to create precise three-dimensional models and simulate the loads applied to them during different seasons and meteorological phenomena,

• laser cutting equipment, is precision equipment (often using CNC technology) with which individual roof components can be precisely cut and then joined together,
• molding equipment, this is equipment with which you can freely (and very precisely) mold the structural elements that make up the roofing structure,
• modern welding technologies – these include MIG/MAG (Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas) and arc welding, thanks to which the connection between elements has well-defined strength and structural properties,
• technologies that speed up assembly – these include automatic assembly systems, whose task is to quickly weld individual components together so that it takes much less time to assemble them “on site”,
• advanced measurements, the purpose of which is to determine the correct geometry of structural elements, so that their shape and position are in accordance with design requirements.

What is used to protect roof slopes in steel construction?

What finishing materials are used on steel roofs? Here two things should be taken into account. They are selected so that the weather resistance is, as much as possible. The second issue is the fire safety of steel roofs, which should be designed to maximally reduce the transmission of fire to sensitive points of the building. So what elements can be used as a roof covering in a steel structure?

• Steel sheet – this is the most popular finishing material, which is very often chosen by the investor. It is worth remembering to protect it with specialized protective paints, which will create a corrosion-resistant coating on the surface. Steel sheets are available in a variety of colors and finishes.

• Sandwich panel – is an element consisting of two layers: insulation (inner) and covering (outer). Their advantage is low weight and simplicity of installation. The panels are also resistant to moisture and provide maximum protection against corrosion. Some of them have interesting decorative qualities, as they are available in different colors.
• Solar panels – this is a rather expensive way to finish the roof plane, but they allow the generation of additional electricity. Such a solution has specific environmental benefits, as it allows you to save and store electricity.
• Roof systems – this is a functional way to drain water (and melting snow) from the roof surface. At the same time, thanks to them, you can ensure optimal ventilation in the facility, as well as extend the life of the roofing structure.
• Roofing nibs – this is a solution that is used less and less often, but nevertheless many investors still opt for them. Their shape and appearance imitate traditional roof tiles made of ceramic. At the same time, steel elements are very easy to install and come in different color variants. Thus, they can be quite easily matched to different architectural styles.
• Roofing membranes – these are flexible materials usually made of plastic, which are generally installed on flat roofs. Their advantages are very good acoustic properties of the steel roof structure, as well as a lifespan of up to several decades. As a side note, this is due to the UV resistance of the membranes.

When selecting finishing materials for steel-framed roofs, many other issues must also be taken into account, including the ability to recover energy (e.g., solar energy), as well as to use it more efficiently. A properly constructed steel-framed roof allows you to properly illuminate the interior, partially heat it (especially in spring and autumn), and more efficiently use the space available in the building.

To sum up, one of the biggest advantages that steel-framed roofs have is their variety. It is thanks to it that their shape can be adapted to the investor’s individual needs, as well as to local and weather conditions.