A Halifax-based engineering firm could be set to change the nature of building after investing £300,000 in state-of-the-art machinery and software that manufactures a unique innovation in roof design and structure.

U-Roof Ltd, founded in 2008, has developed a new method of roof construction using a u-shaped, cold-rolled, galvanized steel profile section which enables any structure to be fitted together in a fraction of the time of traditional timber frames and it’s already being enthusiastically received by builders, self build enthusiasts and specifiers across a wide range of market sectors.

Mark Prentice, Managing Director of U-Roof, commented: "We've trialled the product extensively and all of the feedback has been outstanding. This quite simply saves an immense amount of time and money in domestic roof construction and the entire structure can be completed in hours by operatives without the requirement for specialist equipment.

"It's considerably lighter than traditional roofing timbers which is a major issue in health and safety terms.

"It also offers a high tensile strength and is not prone to corrosion, distortion or infestation.

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"There are also environmental benefits. The product lends itself to a high performance warm roof design, as well as being effective within cold roof scenarios, and exceeds all existing government targets for construction energy efficiency with insulation and lightweight roof coverings fitted with ease.

"In addition there is zero wastage throughout the process as every section is individually cut to length directly from steel coil," he said.

"We exhibited recently at EcoBuild/Futurebuild and were swamped with enquiries from various interested parties. This product really could go through the roof and create many new jobs for the local economy.

"It's a true piece of Yorkshire innovation with an eye on global markets,” added Mark who has an extensive background in the region's construction industry and is also MD of Brighouse-based metalworking specialists Arkoni."

Developed by engineer David Thurston, the steel strips are cold rolled into the required form, length and shape by a specialist machine designed by Stockport firm Bulldog.

David explained: "This is a truly unique piece of equipment and has been designed specifically to suit our exacting requirements.

"It will allow us to produce up to 10,000 full roof structures every year,” added David who came up with the idea whilst on holiday in South Africa.

"From an engineering perspective U-Roof adheres to the ethos and objectives of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)."

The purpose of MMC is to encourage communication by bringing together professionals from all aspects within the construction industry to exchange information on the latest developments and Best Practice Methods of Construction.

"Our mission statement is 'right first time, on time, every time' and I believe there is a clear gap in the market for steel structures that offer strength, lightness and versatility in design as well as offering considerable time and cost savings," concluded David.

For more information visit: www.u-roof.com

(CD/BMcC)