Raising the roof in Jo'burg.

LIGHTWEIGHT STEEL ROOF trusses are beginning to make a meaningful impact on the local market. This is the opinion of Brent Harris MD of Vela Steel Building Systems (Vela SBS) which recently established a truss factory in Jet Park, Johannesburg.

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"There are so many advantages to lightweight steel roof trusses, in fact to light steel-framed building in general, that the local building market is beginning to take serious notice," says Harris.

The Vela SBS U-Chord[R] Truss is a cold-rolled lightweight galvanised steel truss system that provides for high speed on-site erection through its simple fastening system.

"The simple single-bolt fastening system of our trusses enables easy on site assembly significantly reducing burdensome transportation costs and the precision engineering means that there is no cutting or drilling on site, just a quick fastening of the single bolt connections," says Harris.

The box-like profile of these trusses gives the U-Chord[R] Trusses similar properties to conventional timber trusses but with many more advantages. Two of these are: the galvanised steel is not prone to shrinkage, warping, rot, infestation or moisture absorption; because they are so light they are easily handled and reduce the need for on-site cranes.

The Vela trusses enable a great deal of design flexibility. The truss is designed and engineered according to architects' specifications and each truss is manufactured to suit the individual house or building.

"Our lightweight steel trusses can be used on all types of buildings, whether they are conventional brick or block, industrial steel or timber and our professional team provides a structurally sound design for any roof from hip to gable, flat or pitched," says Harris.

Vela SBS also manufactures the entire lightweight steel frame for housing, schools, light industrial structures as well as internal wall partitioning for commercial and retail developments. Harris says that the response to the launch of this very innovative building technique has been overwhelming.