There is a pressing need for updating the technical specifications for roofing and follow them strictly.
In recent years, there haven't been significant breakthroughs in roofing systems, apart from some improvements in specifications.
What are the latest trends and developments in roofing and cladding systems?
In recent years, there haven't been significant breakthroughs in roofing systems, apart from some improvements in specifications. However, these enhancements often fall short in government airport tenders, where outdated, ‘cut-and-paste’ specifications are still common. In contrast, private airports have seen notable advancements, with qualified consultants ensuring high-quality specifications that are strictly followed, backed by rigorous testing and warranties.
A well-designed roof should have a lifespan of at least 20-30 years with little or no maintenance. Therefore, the specifications and qualification criteria for experienced roofing contractors should be established accordingly to ensure durability and long-term performance. Roofing materials should be selected based on the building’s location, wind speed, heat, sound insulation, and rainfall requirements, with all specified products undergoing required testing in high-end laboratories to guarantee reliability. Modern roofing materials, such as aluminium, zinc and zincalume, offer different warranties and lifespans depending on regional and environmental conditions. Selecting the right material and ensuring strict adherence to quality standards is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of the roofing system*
What are the key differences visible in government and private airports?
The roofing standards in government and private airports differ significantly, with private projects adhering to much stricter specifications while government projects often struggle with expertise and enforcement.
In government airport projects, many consultants lack specialized knowledge of roofing systems and instead rely on vendors for specifications. As a result, recommendations often prioritize a vendor’s product range rather than the best solution for the project. Additionally, government tenders frequently include ‘equivalent’ material clauses, Equivalent can be anything, creating loopholes for substandard alternatives.
Another major concern is the manipulation of roofing installer qualifications to accommodate new vendors offering lower prices. These vendors may have limited experience, come from different industry backgrounds, or lack the necessary expertise in roofing systems. Even when robust specifications are outlined, enforcement remains weak, and contracts are typically awarded based on cost rather than quality and experience. This cost-driven approach frequently leads to roof leaks, poor long-term performance, and, in extreme cases, Roof failures.
Conversely, private airport projects bring in experienced foreign architects who ensure rigorous quality control. Specifications are strictly adhered to, warranties are enforced, and extensive testing is conducted to guarantee long-term performance. For instance:
Such extensive validation is a hallmark of private airport projects, ensuring that roofing systems meet international standards and withstand the test of time.
Government airport projects, however, often suffer due to a lack of stringent oversight. The inclusion of low-quality vendors, the misuse of the "equivalent" clause, and cost-focused bidding processes contribute to long-term structural weaknesses. While no project is without its challenges, the key issue lies in the inconsistent enforcement of specifications, which compromises the overall integrity of the roofing system.
Ultimately, the difference is clear: private airports prioritize quality, testing, and global expertise, while government projects often face challenges due to cost-driven decisions and weaker enforcement of standards
Is there a need to update the specifications according to the changing requirements?
Yes, as airport infrastructure evolves, so too must the roofing specifications that ensure safety, durability, and long-term performance. Stricter material testing, well-defined vendor qualifications, and a more rigorous selection process are essential to maintaining high-quality standards in roofing systems.
However, government-managed airports often suffer from loopholes in vendor and material qualifications, leading to substandard installations. Unlike private projects, where global expertise and strict adherence to specifications are standard, many government airport projects prioritize cost over quality. This cost-driven approach frequently results in structural failures, leaks, and in extreme cases, roofs being lifted or blown away.
One of the most critical yet overlooked factors in roofing system performance is the alignment of secondary structures, particularly cold-formed purlins. These structural elements serve as the foundation for the roofing installation, and misalignment significantly weakens the entire system.
Roofing installers provide specific guidelines on purlin spacing and alignment, but it is the main contractor’s responsibility to ensure proper levelling before the roofing work begins. Inexperienced roofing vendors, or those looking to cut corners, often proceed with installations even when purlins are not properly levelled. This drastically increases the risk of failure, potentially leading to sections of the roof detaching or being torn off in strong winds.
A common issue in the industry is that contractors and roofing installers actively look for loopholes in tender specifications to lower costs and win bids. Instead of focusing on compliance and structural integrity, the priority becomes minimizing expenses, which ultimately jeopardizes roofing performance.
To prevent such failures, airport authorities must update specifications regularly, enforce stricter compliance measures, and demand higher qualification standards for vendors and installers. Only through these reforms can the industry ensure safer, more resilient roofing systems for modern airport infrastructure.
What are the sustainability and weather-resistant features evolving in roofing systems?
India has made significant strides in adapting roofing systems to withstand diverse weather conditions. Today, high-quality materials are widely available, and when the right system is used and installed correctly, roofs can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance. In airports, aluminium roofing is the preferred choice due to its durability, with a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Other materials like zinc and copper are also used, though copper remains rare. While the availability of good-quality materials is not a challenge, proper system design and installation play a crucial role in ensuring long-term performance.
To achieve durability, detailed design and strict specifications are essential. Special attention must be given to sealings of joints and roof openings, as these are often the weakest points in a roofing system. Standing seam roofing, commonly used in airports and industrial buildings, is a prime example of an effective system that, when installed correctly, ensures watertight performance.
However, roof openings such as skylights, pipes, wiring, fans, and smoke vents are frequent sources of leakage. These areas require expert handling, yet many roofing installers lack the experience and technical know-how to seal them properly. This is where expertise in both design and installation becomes critical. Also, there should be a proper coordination with the roofing vendors and other vendors like skylight vendors, MEP vendors, lighting arrestor vendors etc. which is the responsibility of main contractor and PMC.
With our strong track record in complex roofing projects, we were entrusted with the Bangalore International Airport roofing, which involved numerous roof openings. Our expertise in handling such intricate installations led to a repeat order for Navi Mumbai International Airport from L&T, where we are managing multiple skylights. Our confidence in executing such projects stems from years of experience and specialization in sealing critical roof openings.
A significant challenge in roofing projects is the damage caused by other vendors after the roof has been installed. Contractors working on skylights, MEP systems, turbo vents, lighting arrestors, solar panels, and smoke vents often inadvertently damage the roofing during their installations. To prevent this, a proper protection system should be implemented throughout the construction process, ensuring the roof remains intact until the final handover.
By focusing on robust design, expert installation, and stringent protection measures, we can ensure sustainable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting roofing systems for airports and industrial buildings alike.
Which are the major projects you are currently working on?
We are proud to be a part of the Navi Mumbai International Airport project, which is currently under construction. Additionally, we are working on a project in the Maldives, a uniquely designed Science Park in Nerul, Mumbai, and several other prestigious developments.
In short, For Choosing the Right Roofing system, it’s essential to collaborate with top industry vendors such as Kalzip, VM Zinc, Tata BlueScope, and us, i.e. Vijaynath Roofing. Engaging with experienced vendors ensures that clients and architects receive expert recommendations through detailed proposals tailored to their project’s needs. Kalzip and Tata BlueScope have more than 50 years’ experience and we, Vijayanth Roof and Wall Cladding System, has around 30 years’ experience in the roofing industry.
Key factors to consider in roofing selection include:
1) Lifespan of the roof
2) Heat and sound insulation
3) Wind uplift resistance
4) Roof openings and water drainage solutions
5) Strict material and system testing requirements
6) Comprehensive leakage warranties
A well-structured tender should clearly define these specifications and enforce strict testing criteria to guarantee long-term durability. Once proposals are received, clients and architects can compare the options based on cost, performance, and longevity to make an informed decision.
In fact, I recall a client who, after reviewing our proposal, requested to inspect one of our roofs that had been installed over 10 years ago. Seeing its durability firsthand gave them the confidence to place an order with us.
