What is roof lifting? Simply put, when a building has low clearance, the roof of the structure can be hydraulically lifted to raise ceilings. This is an effective and efficient solution for older existing properties with ceiling height that is obsolete and untenable.
With a roof lift, low roof buildings can be transformed into modern high-clearance structures for warehouses, storage, manufacturing or distribution facilities. Almost any steel roof structure can be lifted using specialized heavy lifting equipment such as rod climbers and strand climbers.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of roof lifting structures
The Benefits of Roof Lift
Listed below are several advantages of undertaking a roof lift project for any building.
Lower cost and quicker completion
Opting for a roof lift can reduce construction and development costs. This also includes increased tax expenses associated with new construction. Most of the time, roof lifting projects are considered renovation or remodelling projects. Hence the time frame for the conversion is faster than traditional construction.
Better construction alternative
Companies can also minimize regulations and zoning restrictions with roof lift projects. Landlords can attract tenants; buyers can improve their acquisitions and brokers can expand the marketability of existing industrial buildings. Industrial manufacturers and warehouse users can avoid the relocation of their premises. By eliminating the need for additional real estate, they can forego land and parking requirements and reduce the environmental impact. Thus, they can maintain the existing footprint of their building while boosting its capacity.
Repurpose existing structures
Raising the height of a roof structure allows companies to repurpose or convert existing buildings. By maximizing cubic space, they can construct modern high-output facilities and create high-value assets. Such a roof lift project offers multiple creative opportunities for adaptive reuse.
Lesser downtime
Roof lifting can be undertaken with minimal disruption of your business’ daily operations. Since the roof can be lifted completely or in sections without having to vacate the premises completely, the downtime is significantly reduced.
Roof Lifting Process: An Overview
As highlighted above, the roof lifting process is quick, efficient and cost-effective. During the heightening of an existing steel roof structure, the total lifted area can go up to 10,000 sq metres or more. While conducting lift operations to raise ceilings, over 50 strand jacks may be used that have a combined lift capacity of nearly 800 tons. For a roof lift, the main steel girders are lifted two at the time using provisional framework masts for the hydraulic steel rod climbers.
Here is an overview of the steps involved in a roof lifting process. In the first step, the building is gutted down to its bare skeleton. Once the roof lifting equipment is in place, temporary crib posts are set up to support the roof structure until the process is complete. These are welded to the ceiling and anchored to the floor to lift a range of different sized roofs.
In the second step, a temporary support system acts as the shoulders to allow the roof to sit on after separation. Once the columns and walls are detached from the roof, the actual roof lifting process begins. Using heavy lifting hydraulic equipment, the lifting of the roof takes place with close monitoring to ensure accuracy and safety.
The third step involves the installation of the new beams once the targeted roof height has been reached. The hydraulic lifting equipment is then removed after the new columns are put into place. In this manner, the roof lifting process is completed.
Contact Bygging Uddemann for your Construction Needs
Lifting of roofs is a relatively simple, yet crucial process in construction. The utmost care and precision is required to make the steel roof structure durable and functional at an optimum level. With over 70 years of continuous development and expertise in the construction field, we specialize in heavy lifting equipment and technology such as climbers and strand jacks. From slipforming to lowering and lifting of roof structures, and transfer of heavy loads to the construction of steel tanks, we do it all. Visit the Bygging Uddemann website to know more about our successfully executed projects around the world.