Metal Roof Overcladding for Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Cost-effective refurbishment solutions for ageing profiled metal roofs, improving weatherproofing, insulation and long-term building performance.
Commercial & Industrial Metal Roof Overcladding Specialists
Young & Company specialise in metal roof overcladding solutions for commercial and industrial buildings across the North West and beyond.
Many profiled metal roofing systems installed throughout the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are now reaching the point where refurbishment is required. These roofs may still be structurally suitable but can suffer from leaks, cut-edge corrosion, fixing failure, coating degradation and deteriorating rooflights.
Metal roof overcladding provides a practical and cost-effective alternative to full roof replacement where the existing roof structure is suitable. A new roofing system is installed over the existing metal roof covering, improving weatherproofing, insulation, appearance and long-term performance.
Common Problems with
Ageing Metal Roofs
Over time, profiled metal roofs can deteriorate due to weather exposure, ageing materials and failure of fixings or coatings.
Common issues include:
- Cut-edge corrosion
- Fixing failure
- Loose or deteriorated fasteners
- Coating and paint system breakdown
- Roof leaks and water ingress
- Degraded or failing rooflights
- Poor insulation and thermal performance
- Condensation issues
- Ongoing maintenance problems
- General ageing and deterioration of the roof covering
Where these issues are widespread, repeated patch repairs may no longer provide a long-term solution. Overcladding can provide a more reliable and durable refurbishment option.
What is Metal Roof Overcladding?
Metal roof overcladding is the process of installing a new roofing system over an existing profiled metal roof.
Rather than stripping and removing the existing roof covering, a new roof build-up is installed above the current system, subject to the existing roof and structure being suitable.
This approach can improve the performance of the building while reducing disruption to the occupants or ongoing business operations.
A typical overcladding solution may include:
- Existing roof assessment
- Sub-framing / support system
- Insulation upgrade
- New external roof covering
- Replacement rooflights where required
- New flashings, trims and gutter details
Benefits of Metal
Roof Overcladding
Metal roof overcladding can provide a highly effective refurbishment solution for suitable commercial and industrial buildings.
- Cost-effective alternative to full roof replacement
- Reduced disruption compared with full strip and replacement
- Improved weatherproofing
- Improved insulation and thermal performance
- Extended roof lifespan
- Improved building appearance
- Reduced ongoing maintenance
- Opportunity to replace failing rooflights
- Suitable for occupied commercial and industrial buildings
- Can help modernise ageing industrial premises
When is Overcladding Suitable?
Metal roof overcladding may be suitable where the existing profiled metal roof and supporting structure are capable of receiving the new system.
It is commonly considered where roofs are suffering from general deterioration but do not require full strip and replacement.
Typical suitable scenarios include:
- Ageing profiled metal roofs
- Cut-edge corrosion affecting sheet ends
- Coating degradation
- Failing fixings
- Recurring leaks
- Poor thermal performance
- Degraded rooflights
- Buildings requiring improved appearance and performance
A roof survey should be carried out to assess the suitability of the existing roof and structure before overcladding is recommended.
Where overcladding is not suitable, Young & Company can also provide full metal roof replacement solutions.
What Our Clients Say
Overcladding or Full
Roof Replacement?
Not every roof is suitable for overcladding. The correct solution depends on the condition of the existing roof, the structure, the extent of deterioration and the client’s long-term requirements.
Where the existing roof is suitable, overcladding can provide a cost-effective and less disruptive refurbishment option.
Where the roof covering or structure is too deteriorated, a full roof replacement may be the better long-term solution.
Young & Company can advise on the most appropriate option following review of the existing building and project requirements.
Roofing Systems for
Metal Roof Overcladding
Young & Company install a range of modern roofing systems suitable for commercial and industrial metal roof overcladding projects.
These may include:
Composite Insulated Panel Systems
Composite insulated panels provide a fast, efficient and high-performance roofing solution. These systems improve thermal performance and provide a modern, durable roof finish.
Built-Up Roofing Systems
Built-up systems provide flexibility for refurbishment projects and can incorporate insulation upgrades to improve thermal efficiency and building performance.
Standing Seam Roofing Systems
Standing seam systems, including our Royaldeck ‘S’ system, can provide an effective low pitch roofing solution with concealed fixings and long-term weatherproofing performance.
Rooflight Replacement as
Part of Overcladding Works
Many ageing metal roofs also contain old, discoloured or fragile rooflights that no longer perform effectively.
As part of an overcladding project, existing rooflights can be replaced with modern rooflight systems to improve natural daylight within the building and support the overall roof refurbishment.
Replacing rooflights during the works can help improve:
- Natural light
- Roof safety
- Building appearance
- Long-term performance
- Weatherproofing
In-House Fabrication
& Purpose-Made Details
Young & Company operate our own in-house fabrication facilities, allowing us to manufacture purpose-made flashings, trims, gutters and bespoke metal components to suit the requirements of each project.
This gives us greater control over:
- Quality
- Lead times
- Project detailing
- Site coordination
- Final finish
Our fabrication capability supports efficient delivery of commercial and industrial roof overcladding projects.
Our Approach
Young & Company provide practical, project-specific metal roof overcladding solutions.
Our approach typically includes:
- Initial enquiry
- Review of existing roof condition
- Site survey
- Recommendation of suitable refurbishment options
- Preparation of quotation / specification
- Installation by experienced roofing teams
- Completion and handover
We aim to deliver long-term roofing solutions with minimal disruption to ongoing building operations wherever possible.
Why Choose
Young & Company?
- Over 40 years of commercial roofing experience
- Specialist metal roof refurbishment contractor
- Experienced with ageing profiled metal roofs
- Cut-edge corrosion / fixing failure / rooflight replacement understanding
- In-house fabrication capability
- Practical overcladding and replacement advice
- Focused on quality, safety and long-term performance
FAQ'S
Can an existing profiled metal roof be overclad?
Yes, an existing profiled metal roof can often be overclad where the roof covering and supporting structure remain suitable to receive the new roofing system.
A roof survey should first assess the condition of the existing sheets, fixings, supporting structure, rooflights, gutters, roof pitch and any areas of corrosion or water ingress. Where the existing roof is too badly deteriorated or structurally unsuitable, full metal roof replacement may be the better long-term option.
Can a metal roof affected by cut-edge corrosion still be overclad?
Cut-edge corrosion does not necessarily prevent a profiled metal roof from being overclad. The suitability of the roof will depend on the extent of the corrosion and the overall condition of the existing roof sheets, fixings and supporting structure.
Localised corrosion and other defects may need to be treated or repaired as part of the preparation works. Where corrosion is extensive, the roof sheets are badly deteriorated or the supporting structure is affected, full roof replacement may be more appropriate.
How does metal roof overcladding work?
Metal roof overcladding involves installing a new roofing system above the existing profiled metal roof, subject to the existing roof and structure being suitable.
A typical overcladding system may include:
- An assessment of the existing roof and structure
- A new support rail or spacer system
- Additional insulation where required
- A new external metal roof covering
- Replacement rooflights
- New flashings, trims, gutters and rainwater details
The existing metal roof normally remains beneath the new roofing system, reducing the need for a complete strip and replacement.
What are the benefits of metal roof overcladding compared with full roof replacement?
Where the existing roof is suitable, metal roof overcladding can provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to full strip and replacement.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced disruption to ongoing business operations
- Improved weatherproofing
- Improved insulation and thermal performance
- Replacement of old or failing rooflights
- Reduced ongoing maintenance
- Improved building appearance
- Extended service life of the roof
- Avoidance of unnecessary removal of the existing roof covering
Overcladding is not suitable for every building, and the correct solution should be determined following a survey of the existing roof and supporting structure.
Can insulation and rooflights be upgraded as part of metal roof overcladding?
Yes. Additional insulation and replacement rooflights can be incorporated into a metal roof overcladding project.
An insulation upgrade can improve the thermal performance of the building, while modern rooflights can improve natural daylight, weatherproofing and the overall quality of the refurbishment. New gutters, flashings, trims and rainwater details can also be included where required.
In many cases, the works can be planned and phased to minimise disruption to an occupied commercial or industrial building, although this will depend on the site, access arrangements and ongoing operations.
Discuss Your Metal Roof Overcladding Project
If your commercial or industrial building has an ageing profiled metal roof, contact Young & Company to discuss whether overcladding could provide a suitable long-term refurbishment solution.