Day: December 11, 2023

Does thicker sheeting last longer? What are the different types of roof sheeting and side cladding materials? How do they work? What are their different applications? Which ones last longer?  Just like most of our prospective clients, you may be asking yourself such questions. The truth is that materials are different for a reason. However, in this blog, we will analyse roof sheeting and side cladding material differences to help you make the right decision for your steel structure.

Sheeting and Side Cladding Material Differences

Essentially, there are only two types of sheeting that have a significant difference and are used mainly on warehouse-type structures.

The first is the traditional IBR sheeting (pierced fixed) that is more common, and the second is concealed fix sheeting. This type gets fixed using clips or cleats that are concealed under the sheeting, which means there are no Tek screws’ piercing done on the sheets.

IBR Sheeting

You can get the IBR sheeting in a few different variations which are chromadek and galvanized. They are available in different thicknesses: 0,5mm, 0,58mm, and 0,8mm. IBR sheets are fixed using a Tek screw piercing through the sheeting, and by securing it into the purlin. Our preferred sheeting supplier here at Valostar is JCP Roofing.

Concealed fix sheeting

Concealed fix sheeting is available in different shapes, forms, and thicknesses, but are however, all based on the same principle – which is that the sheeting gets secured by a clip to the purlin. This means that you don’t have any Tek screws piercing through the sheeting. Our preferred sheeting supplier here at Valostar is Global Roofing.

So, does thicker sheeting last longer? It is often a misconception that a thicker sheet will give you a longer guarantee. The life span of sheeting, either chromadek or galvanized is determined by the external and internal environment where the sheeting is being installed. For instance, you will get a much longer lifespan out of your sheeting if it’s installed on a rural farm compared to a chemical plant or a warehouse next to the ocean.

The approximate lifespan of sheets is displayed below:

Deciding on the different thinness of sheeting should be based on the purlin spacings and foot traffic. Compared to traditional maintenance, if you are going to install solar, you will have frequent foot traffic on the roof. Installing thicker sheeting will be highly recommended.

How to Keep Steel Construction Project Costs Low?

Depending on your project’s size, location, complexity, ability, and timeline, it might seem impossible to manage your construction project yourself. However, if you are practical and have time to manage your own project, you can DIY and save on construction project costs. With the architects’ and engineers’ drawings, you can get your project started and finished sooner than you think. All you need to do is divide your project into manageable sections.

In this blog, we discuss a few factors that determine how much you may end up paying to get your warehouse or factory built. We look at the elements that push up construction project costs, and factors that dictate costing, as well as leave a few suggestions on what you can do to keep your project costs low. Lastly, we explain how costing in our industry works to help you get insight into how the final cost of a steel construction project is decided upon.

Elements that Push up Construction Project Costs

1. Getting a full-time professional team on board (engineer, contracts manager, project manager, architect).

2. Very poor soil conditions will force you to remove the bad soil and import suitable soil and get it compacted.

3. A very uneven site can also cause you to either cut and fill or backfill your site and even the surface.

4. If the product that you will manufacture or store within the warehouse is very corrosive or very flammable, you would need to apply corrosion protection for a C3 corrosive environment that is almost four (4) times the price of a normal paint spec for a C1 environment. If it’s highly flammable, you may need to install additional sprinkler systems and back up water. In some instances, the fire regulation can force you to take further steps or measures that will require more investment.

Factors that Dictate Costing of a Steel Structure

• Architectural finishes,
• Corrosive environments, ventilation requirements, special insulation requirements,
• Polycarbonate sheeting for natural light,
• Roller shutter / sliding doors,
• Location of the project,
• Special site conditions (e.g., difficult access to the site),
• High safety environment (e.g., working at a mine),
• Additional quality control measures required by the client (e.g., pre-assembly of parts before being released to the site),
• Changes to the scope of work.

Things You Can Do to Keep Construction Project Costs Down

• Try and keep your building design simple with minimal cosmetic finishes and no fancy architectural designs. 
• Acquire the right engineer’s design to suit your needs. For example, if you want to add solar, you should remember that solar adds additional weight to your roof. Therefore, your structure needs to be designed to accommodate the extra weight.  If you would like to expand your building in the future or add a mezzanine floor at a later stage, or natural light to save energy, you should communicate this with your structural engineer.

How Does Costing in the Steel Construction Industry Normally Work?

The fabrication industry normally works out the steel construction cost in metric tons (ton) and square meters (m2). At Valostar Steel Construction, we price an entire warehouse/factory in R / ton and the sheeting or cladding in R/m2.  In essence, the heavier your design the more expensive, the lighter the building the cheaper.  That is why it is important to sit with the engineer to ensure that your building is designed according to your needs and requirements. A good rule of thumb for straightforward building will be around 30kg per m2.

If you are wondering what it would cost you to build your dream warehouse/factory, you can calculate your structure cost here and get your price estimate in minutes. For further information on things to consider when starting a construction project, please read our previous blogs.

Things to Do When Planning and Starting a Construction Project

How does all this work? Where do I start? You must have asked yourself these questions after reading our previous blog which tackled the steps, we recommend you follow before starting with your building construction project. In this blog, we will look at what you need to do to be successful in planning for your construction project.

Now that you have some knowledge about the dos and don’ts, let’s take you through the things you need to think about and do before Valostar Steel Construction can take over.

What do I need to Develop My Own Warehouse (The Basics for Starting a Construction Project)?

The first thing you need to acquire is architectural drawings. You will need an architect to prepare the drawings you will submit to the council for approval. Architects know all your municipality laws and know what rules to adhere to as municipalities have different rules. It is also a good idea to sit with the architect and develop your site plan together to come up with ideas around how you can use your land/plot to its full potential or spot out how your logistics will work inside and outside your warehouse/factory.

Once the drawings have been approved by the council, you will then need to start doing the following:

1. Civil and Structural Engineer

The engineer needs to understand your needs for the building, and he needs to design it accordingly. He will ensure that every contractor involved in your project knows exactly what quality and type of building material to use. He will check if you would like to add solar panels onto your roof and if the architect did specify that you would need fire sprinklers in your building, etcetera. The engineer will design the building to accommodate all this extra weight that will be hanging or sitting on top of your roof.  He will check if you have sufficient compaction under your foundations, if you have a proper drainage system, and the list goes on. So, you have every reason to involve an engineer right from the beginning as the guy who has your back.

2. Quantity Surveyor

The quantity surveyor (QS) is there to make sure that after your building has been designed, everything happens according to the architect and engineer’s designs. They will put together a BOQ and send it out to make sure you get the best prices according to the specific design. They will assist you with all the appointments and will also make sure that you are not overpaying for work not done.

3. Valostar Steel Construction

We are structural steel fabricators and structural steel installers. What that means is that we fabricate and install structural steel for warehouses/factories/shopping centres according to the engineer/s design. We try doing 90% of the work in-house to help our client/s save on costs. Our internal team comprises a quantity surveyor, draftsman, project manager, and site erection teams.

Therefore, after we have been appointed, we start with detailed drawings according to the engineer/s design. We then submit the drawings for approval to the engineer. Once approved, we start procuring all the material necessary to execute the work. We then fabricate, paint, ship to the site, and install all structural steel according to the approved drawings. To ensure internal quality, we have various quality control systems that document the entire process to ensure full traceability of all components of the project ensuring that we can deliver the project on time, on budget, and within the quality requirements.  

As we work together with various engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors, we can assist and guide you in the right direction should you not have your own professional team.

What are the things that you need to consider when starting a construction project?

Far too many times clients phone us to quote on a new factory/warehouse project they want to build. They then get five (5) different steel construction contractors on site to quote based on verbal instructions – where every contractor follows his own ideas of what the client wants. This normally leads to the client getting five (5) totally different quotes, which, can be overwhelming. Often, clients choose the cheapest structural quote when starting a construction project only to realise later in the project that they are not really getting what they wanted, or the quality they were looking for. This then turns the client’s dreams into a nightmare, an unpleasant experience, and a bad construction project. So, take this from us – all this can be avoided.

In this blog, we share steps you can take and follow to ensure that everything is done right from start to finish and that you get out of the project happy and satisfied. In the end, we also share a list of industry players we recommend you may consider and involve when starting a construction project.

We Recommend that You:

1. Get an Architect involved from the beginning

More often, clients only get the architect/s involved at the end because they thought they would save time and money.

2. Appoint an Engineer

The engineer is there to make sure that your building is built according to the requirements of the national building standards. The engineer will also issue you with all the relevant material that all the contractors need to quote on. Remember that the engineer is there to protect your interest and to make sure that everything is built up to standard. 

3. Appoint a Quantity Surveyor (and this is optional but will save you a lot of headaches)

The quantity surveyor will:

• put a budget together for you using the architect’s and engineers’ drawings.
• measure all the material that is required and formulate it into a Bill of Quantities (BOQ).  This BOQ can then be sent out to, in our case, all steel construction contractors to price from. By this stage, everyone has a set of rules to follow when quoting.
• also handle all the legal appointments of the contractors, safeguarding the client from defaulting contractors or vice versa. 
• also review monthly invoices submitted for payments – by calculating and measuring to make sure the work invoiced is done and up to the standard set out by the engineer/architect, and that it is done according to the BOQ.

So, how does all this work? Where do we start? You must be asking yourself these questions. But, at Valostar Steel Construction, we can assist you along the way should you not have a professional team to turn to. Read our next blog to find all the answers you need.

Architects, Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors We Recommend When Starting A Construction Project:

Architects

Pattichides & Partners

Gottsmann Architects

Piek Architects

TPS Architects

Archinev

Engineers

L&S Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Sotiralis

Aspire Consulting

Zutari Engineers

Hansa & Associates

Quantity Surveyors

Schoombie Hartmann

Matla Quantity Surveyors

Quanticost

ISF Group

MLC Quantity Surveyors

As a commercial building owner, choosing the right roofing material is crucial for long-term durability, cost savings, and protection. One option that stands out is metal sheeting. And, there are many reasons why metal roofing is ideal for commercial buildings. In this blog, we’ll explore why you should seriously consider metal sheeting for your next commercial roofing project.

Reasons Why Metal Roofing is the Perfect Choice for Commercial Buildings

Steel roofing offers a distinct safety advantage during lightning storms. Unlike traditional roofing materials that may catch fire, metal roofs disperse electrical energy evenly, reducing the risk of fire or damage to your stock and assets. This provides peace of mind for building owners, especially in regions prone to frequent storms.

Metal roofs are known for their resilience against harsh weather conditions, including heavy snow, ice, and high winds. Whether your building is located in a coastal region with unpredictable weather, a steel roof can withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws at it. This durability makes metal roofing a smart investment for commercial properties, offering long-term reliability and security.

To enhance their longevity, metal sheets are coated with aluminum or painted to prevent rust. This anti-corrosive layer ensures your roof remains fresh and rust-free for years, saving you thousands on repair and replacement costs. Metal outmatches other roofing materials in durability, maintaining its sleek appearance and functionality for decades.

One of the lesser-known benefits of metal roofing is its ability to reflect sunlight during the summer months, helping to keep your building cooler throughout the day. Research shows that businesses can reduce cooling costs by 10-20% by switching to metal roofing. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a comfortable environment for employees, leading to increased productivity, even during hot weather.

Offers Optional Metal Roofing Materials

Galvanized steel sheeting is popular for commercial buildings, but you have other material options depending on your location. If your building is near the coast, consult your contractor to prevent corrosion from salty air. By selecting the right material, you can ensure your roof remains durable and corrosion-free.

Compared to traditional roofing materials, steel roofing offers superior value without compromising on quality. Metal roofing offers an environmentally friendly choice because manufacturers often use recyclable materials, and it lasts for decades with minimal maintenance. It’s a practical investment that pays off in the long run, from cost-effectiveness, energy savings to low maintenance costs. These are the main reasons why metal roofing is ideal for commercial buildings.

If you’re considering a steel roof for your commercial building, get in touch with us to discover how our steel construction company can provide you with a maintenance-free roofing solution that meets all your needs.

When deciding between wood and steel trusses for your construction project, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each material. Here’s a comparison of wood and steel trusses to help you determine which is the most reliable option for your specific needs.

Steel Overview

Steel is a standout choice due to its recyclability, durability, and versatility. These trusses can span larger distances without the need for intermediate supports, making them ideal for expansive industrial and commercial structures. Their heat resistance and custom-fabrication capabilities also make them more desirable. Additionally, steel trusses can be painted in any colour or hot-dip galvanized for enhanced corrosion resistance.

At Valostar Steel Construction, we streamline the process by manufacturing the entire steel structure as a modular set, transporting it to the site, and assembling it with bolts. This method simplifies the construction process and often proves to be more cost-effective for our clients.

Wood or Timber Trusses

Typically, builders standardise wooden trusses and do not design them to act as columns. They are also more flammable than steel and generally used in residential settings. However, they come with their own set of advantages which include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Wood trusses are generally less expensive than their steel counterparts.
• Natural Insulating Properties: Wood has natural insulating properties that help retain heat.
• Standard Sizes: They are often available in standard sizes, which can limit their spanning capabilities.
• Ease of Use: Wood trusses are easier to work with on-site, allowing for quick modifications and adjustments.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Wood offers a warm, natural look that many find appealing for residential and some commercial settings.

However, wooden trusses have limitations, including flammability, reduced durability, and shorter spans compared to steel trusses.

While wood trusses have their place, steel structures often emerge as the superior choice for commercial building projects. At Valostar, we offer bespoke solutions for steel structures of all sizes and complexities. Our comprehensive approach covers design and detailing, fabrication and painting, as well as erection and cladding, ensuring a seamless project from start to finish.

Since our conception, we have worked on quite a number of construction projects with either new clients and/or existing clients who come back for repeat business. We pride ourselves in our capacity to construct all steel structures regardless of their sizes and complexities. We offer our steel construction service to clients who want to start their concepts from structural drawings or design and those who may only require the construction of the actual project. Whether you have your own complete design or not, we are available to help you bring your idea to life.

A Feature of Our 5 Most Recent Construction Projects

On this blog, we will be sharing only 5 of our most recent construction projects, those that are complete and those that are still in progress. The work shared below serves the purpose of reflecting our capabilities as a sought after steel construction company. Below are the clients we have handled their projects from concept to completion either in collaboration with other companies or on our own.

QK Meats

Location: Midrand

Structure: Cold-storage facility

Job: Construction Capacity: 10000m² of floor space with 260 tons of steel and 14000m² of cladding.

Special material used: Fish Eagle white colour GRS Kliplok profile 700.  

State: Complete Period: 3 months

This arrangement offers QK Meats a thoroughly concealed roof with almost no maintenance for the year to come.

Dynamic Pools

Location: Withok Estates, Brakpan

Structure: Mini-warehouse factories

Job: Construction

Capacity: 2 off 15m x 30m x 4,5m steel structure totaling to 900m² of floor space.

Special material used: Chromadek sandstone beige, Buffalo Brown flashings.

State: Complete

Period: 90 days

Quality Meats

Location: Heidelberg

Structure: Existing butchery upgrade and expansion of the new butchery area.

Job: Construction

Capacity: 70 tons of structural steel with new butchery consisting of 1300m² of floor space. The existing building of 950m² to be refurbished offering a total of 2250m² of floor space.

Special material used: GRS galvanized Kliplok 700 with a 50mm insulation board.

Period: In progress

Bluegumview Cash & Carry

Location: Tsakane

Structure: Warehouse

Job: Construction

Capacity: 4000m² of floor space and 40000m³ of storage space with 85 tons of structural steel and 4600m² of cladding.

Special material used: Chromadek Azure Blue fix Kliplok 700 roof sheeting, StonCor Africa 187 food-safe paint.

State: In progress

JCP

Location: Nigel

Job: Roof re-sheeting

Capacity:  2700m² of new roofing installed.

Special material used: JCP’s new concealed fix roof sheeting also called JCP (Joint Clip Profile).

State: Complete

Period:  2 weeks

We Comply!

All our structural products comply with the relevant SANS loading code. SABS standards with regards to design welding AWS D1.1 and assembly procedures are certified by a registered engineer. So, why not choose a construction company that puts safety and your project first? For your upcoming project, choose a company that is known for exceeding expectations and get your project in action from concept to completion.

Click here to view more of our projects.

Your livestock is a valuable asset, and like any investment, it requires protection and care. One of the best ways to ensure this is by providing all-weather shelter such as our DIY steel structure shed, for key working areas. Not only does this minimise heat stress for both animals and workers, but it also ensures that work continues smoothly, regardless of the weather.

Here’s Why Investing in Our DIY Steel Structure is A Smart Move

1. Value for Money

Valostar sheds are engineered for strength and reliability, making them a standout choice compared to traditional structures. Our DIY steel structures feature a galvanized steel framework that provides superior durability and versatility, ensuring long-term value. Additionally, the cost of our pre-fabricated sheds is far more affordable than custom-built alternatives, giving you maximum return on investment.

2. DIY Steel Structure Offers Easy Assembly

Our steel structures are delivered as a complete kit with every component down to the last washer. The pre-formed galvanized components are easy to handle, allowing you the option to assemble the shed yourself and save on labour costs. Alternatively, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can rely on Valostar’s professional construction team to assemble it for you. Whichever route you choose, the end result is a sturdy, high-quality structure tailored to your farm’s needs.

3. Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution

A Valostar DIY shed offers unmatched cost-efficiency. Over time, the investment pays for itself through reduced animal stress, increased productivity, and the value of feed saved from weather exposure. The modular design allows for additional features like side and end walls, or gable infills, which can be added to boost protection at minimal additional cost.

At Valostar, we offer a diverse range of steel structures designed to meet your farm’s specific needs, no matter the scale or complexity of the project. Some of our standard offerings include open-sided structures, closed sheds, modular designs, and custom sizes.

Why Choose Valostar?

With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Valostar stands as a leader in steel construction for the agricultural sector. Our combination of durable materials, flexible design options, and cost-effective solutions means you can trust us to meet your farm’s unique demands, regardless of the project size or complexity.

For a quick quote and assistance send an email to sales@valostar.co.za or call our office on 087630560. Alternatively, click the button below to calculate your estimate quote if you already have standard sizes.