Overcladding is an advanced and cost-effective roofing and cladding solution that allows property owners to enhance the performance, appearance, and longevity of their buildings without the need for a complete roof or wall replacement.
This method is particularly popular in commercial and industrial sectors where minimising downtime, reducing costs, and improving energy efficiency are key considerations.
Understanding Overcladding
Overcladding involves installing a new protective layer over an existing roof or wall, effectively covering and reinforcing the structure without removing the original materials. This method is widely used to refurbish ageing buildings, improve thermal efficiency, and provide a modern aesthetic upgrade.
Rather than dismantling and replacing deteriorating roofs or walls, which can be expensive and disruptive, overcladding enables businesses to extend the lifespan of their buildings while enhancing their environmental performance. By implementing insulation layers beneath the cladding, overcladding can also improve a building’s Energy Performance Certificate rating, making it a valuable investment for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs.
Overcladding Suitability Checker
To find out if overcladding is right for your building, we’ve created this handy tool which helps you to find out in just a few seconds.
Is Overcladding Right for Your Building?
Your Overcladding Benefits
Disclaimer: This assessment tool is provided for general informational purposes only. A professional structural survey is required to definitively determine if overcladding is suitable for your specific building. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation.
The Overcladding Process
The overcladding process consists of several key stages to ensure optimal performance and durability:
📋Structural Assessment
Before overcladding begins, a thorough structural survey is conducted to assess the integrity of the existing roof or wall. This ensures that the underlying structure can support the additional load of the new cladding system.
🏗️Installation of Support Framework
A bar and bracket system, often made from lightweight steel or aluminium, is securely fixed over the existing surface. This framework provides a solid base for the new cladding while allowing for ventilation and insulation layers to be installed.
🌡️Addition of Insulation
To improve thermal performance, an insulation layer, typically made from Rockwool or rigid foam boards, is installed between the existing structure and the new cladding. The thickness of the insulation can be tailored to meet the specific energy efficiency requirements of the building.
🛠️Fixing the New Cladding Panels
A range of high-quality materials, such as Plastisol-coated steel sheets, aluminium panels, or composite panels, are then secured onto the framework. These sheets are designed to provide long-lasting weather resistance and come with warranties of up to 30 years.
👌Finishing Touches & Quality Checks
Bespoke flashings and closures are added to ensure a seamless and professional finish. Final inspections are carried out to confirm the installation meets all safety and performance standards.
Key Benefits of Overcladding
Overcladding offers a wealth of advantages for businesses looking to upgrade their commercial or industrial buildings:
1. Cost-Effective Refurbishment
Overcladding significantly reduces the costs associated with full roof or wall replacements. It eliminates the need for dismantling existing structures, saving on labour, disposal, and material costs.
2. Minimal Disruption to Operations
Unlike traditional refurbishment methods, overcladding allows businesses to continue operating as usual. With no need for major demolition work, production downtime and workforce displacement are minimised.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency
By incorporating modern insulation materials, overcladding enhances the thermal performance of buildings, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. This improvement contributes to a better EPC rating, which can enhance property value and compliance with energy efficiency regulations.
4. Enhanced Weather Protection
Overcladding provides a new layer of protection against the elements, reducing the risk of leaks, corrosion, and structural degradation. High-quality cladding materials offer superior resistance to wind, rain, and UV exposure.
5. Extended Building Lifespan
With overcladding, the underlying structure is preserved and protected, effectively extending the life of the building for decades. This approach also reduces the long-term maintenance requirements.
6. Modernised Aesthetics
Overcladding offers an opportunity to completely transform the exterior appearance of a building. Businesses can choose from a wide range of finishes and colours to achieve a sleek and professional look.
7. No Planning Permission Required
In most cases, overcladding does not require planning permission, making it a hassle-free solution for businesses looking to upgrade their properties quickly and efficiently.
8. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Overcladding reduces construction waste by eliminating the need to remove and dispose of existing materials. Additionally, improved insulation reduces energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability goals.
Wall Overcladding vs Roof Overcladding
Wall overcladding and roof overcladding are both essential options for upgrading ageing industrial and commercial buildings. While they share similar benefits – like better insulation and protection – they serve different structural roles. Roof overcladding shields against the elements from above, while wall overcladding improves vertical surfaces, often transforming the building’s appearance in the process.
Below is a comparison of how roof and wall overcladding differ:
| Feature | Roof Overcladding | Wall Overcladding |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect the building from rain, snow, UV, and heat loss above | Improve façade performance and appearance, enhance insulation |
| Structural Requirements | Requires correct pitch, drainage, and load-bearing capacity | Requires a stable vertical surface with reliable fixings |
| Installation Disruption | Minimal – installation typically has little impact on day-to-day operations | Minimal – installation typically has little impact on day-to-day operations |
| Thermal Efficiency | Significantly reduces heat loss through the roof | Reduces heat transfer through walls and improves EPC ratings |
| Looks | Less visible, but can refresh rooflines with clean, modern finishes | Highly visible – can dramatically improve the external appearance |
In many cases, combining both systems gives the most comprehensive performance, especially when improving energy efficiency and extending the life of your property.
Common Overcladding Materials
Several types of materials are used in overcladding, each offering unique benefits depending on the project’s requirements:
- Plastisol-Coated Steel Sheets – Durable, weather-resistant, and available in various colours and finishes.
- Composite Panels – Provide superior insulation and a sleek, modern look.
- Aluminium Cladding Panels – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly customisable.
- Fibre Cement Sheets – Fire-resistant and ideal for agricultural or industrial applications.
- GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Panels – Resistant to corrosion and chemicals, making them ideal for harsh environments.
Considerations Before Choosing Overcladding
While overcladding is a highly beneficial solution, there are key factors to consider before proceeding with a project:
- Structural Load Capacity: The existing structure must be assessed to ensure it can support the additional weight of the new cladding system.
- Asbestos Management: If the existing roof contains asbestos, professional surveys and air monitoring should be conducted to ensure safe handling and compliance with health regulations.
- Ventilation & Moisture Control: Proper ventilation must be integrated into the overcladding system to prevent condensation and maintain air quality.
- Fire Safety Compliance: The choice of materials must align with fire safety regulations, particularly for high-risk environments.
- Customisation Needs: Businesses should consider colour, finish, and branding options to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality.
FAQs
Can you overclad a roof that contains asbestos without removing it?
Yes, asbestos roofs can often be safely overclad without removing the existing materials. Overcladding encapsulates the asbestos beneath a secure, weatherproof layer, significantly reducing the risk of fibre release. It’s a common and effective solution for upgrading asbestos cement roofs without major disruption.
How long does overcladding an asbestos roof typically take?
Most asbestos roof overcladding projects for commercial or industrial buildings take between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on size and complexity. Overcladding allows businesses to remain operational during the works, reducing costly downtime.
Is overcladding a permanent solution or a temporary fix?
Overcladding is a long-term refurbishment strategy, not a temporary fix. With quality materials and correct installation, overcladding systems can last 25–40 years while significantly improving weather resistance, insulation, and overall building performance.
Does overcladding add significant weight to the building?
Modern overcladding systems are designed to be lightweight. However, a structural assessment is always carried out beforehand to ensure the existing roof or wall can support the added weight. Most buildings with sound structural integrity can safely accommodate overcladding.
What are the building regulations for overcladding asbestos in the UK?
Projects involving overcladding over asbestos must comply with:
In addition, fire safety codes and ventilation requirements apply depending on the building type and use.
Can overcladding improve my building’s EPC rating?
Absolutely. Overcladding improves insulation, reducing heat loss and energy consumption. This often leads to a significant increase in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, making buildings more efficient and potentially more valuable.
What’s the difference between overcladding and re-roofing?
Re-roofing involves removing the old roof and replacing it completely, often requiring asbestos removal. Overcladding keeps the existing structure in place, installing a new layer over the top. This method is faster, less disruptive, and typically more cost-effective.
Is condensation an issue with overcladding systems?
Not when installed properly. Overcladding systems are engineered to include vapour barriers, insulation, and ventilation layers that prevent condensation build-up and ensure long-term moisture control.
What colours and finishes are available for overcladding panels?
A wide range is available, including RAL-matched colours, matte, gloss, and metallic finishes. Overcladding allows you to modernise your building’s exterior with custom styles that reflect your brand or preferred aesthetic.
Can overcladding be done in winter or bad weather?
Yes, overcladding can be carried out year-round. Unlike re-roofing, it retains weather protection during installation. However, extreme weather may cause brief delays for safety.
Is overcladding safe for food production or cleanroom environments?
Yes, hygienic overcladding systems are available. With sealed joints, fire-rated insulation, and food-safe finishes, overcladding is suitable for food processing plants, pharmaceuticals, and cleanrooms.
Does overcladding affect existing guttering or roof drainage systems?
Overcladding can improve or adapt your current drainage system. New gutters and flashings are often added to ensure seamless integration with the upgraded roofline or wall panels.
Is it more expensive to overclad asbestos roofs?
In most cases, no. Overcladding avoids the high cost of asbestos removal and disposal. While safety procedures are required, overcladding remains a more cost-effective option with a faster return on investment.
Can I get a warranty on an overclad asbestos roof?
Yes. Our overcladding systems come with manufacturer-backed warranties of up to 30 years, even when installed over asbestos cement roofs, provided all safety and compliance standards are met.
How do I know if my building is suitable for overcladding?
Use our Overcladding Suitability Checker tool or book a free on-site assessment with our specialists. We’ll evaluate your roof or wall condition, structural capacity, and insulation needs before recommending a tailored solution.
Why Choose Excel Roofing for Overcladding?
At Excel Roofing, we are experts in providing high-quality, nationwide commercial overcladding solutions. With years of experience in the industry, we offer a full-service approach, from initial surveys and structural assessments to professional installation and aftercare.
Early in 2025 we undertook a complex overcladding project in Birmingham. Read our case study to see how the points discussed in this article apply to a project in the real-world.
If you’re looking to upgrade your commercial or industrial building with overcladding, contact Excel Roofing today.
