Temporary roof scaffoldingthat keeps the weather outof your project

How a temporary roof is built

The support scaffold is erected first, taken high enough to carry the beams clear of the existing ridge. Aluminium beams then span the building, spaced according to the span and the expected loading, and are secured to the supporting structure. The covering is installed over the beams — either a keder-type sheeting system running in tracks or a corrugated sheet system — and tensioned so water runs off cleanly to the perimeter rather than pooling.

Because a sheeted roof behaves like a sail, tie frequency, bracing and anchorage are all increased relative to an open scaffold. That matters especially on the coastal strip around Selsey, East Wittering, Bognor Regis and Worthing, where sustained onshore wind is routine through winter.

• Perimeter support scaffold designed to carry the roof loads
• Aluminium roof beams spanning the building at calculated centres
• Keder or corrugated sheeting to form the weathertight envelope
• Increased ties and bracing to resist wind uplift
• Gable sheeting and end closures where full enclosure is required
• Access lifts and loading positions planned under the covered area

Variations and options

Not every job needs a full-span enclosed roof. On smaller works, a partial cover over a single slope, a monopitch arrangement, or a temporary roof over just the section being opened is often the right answer and costs considerably less. Where a building is being fully reinstated after fire, a fully enclosed structure with sheeted gables gives a controlled environment for drying and rebuilding.

Ridge height, span, pitch and whether the ends are sheeted are all decisions made at the survey. We size the arrangement around what is actually being done underneath rather than defaulting to the largest structure available.

• Full-span enclosed temporary roofs for complete re-roofs
• Monopitch and partial covers for single-slope works
• Sheeted gable ends for full enclosure and drying environments
• Temporary roofs over structural alterations and steel installations
• Fire and flood reinstatement enclosures
• Heritage and listed building protection with non-invasive ties

Residential and commercial applications

On residential properties, temporary roofs are most often used for full re-roofs, loft conversions where the roof is opened up for dormers, and reinstatement work after storm or fire damage. The priority is protecting the family's home and belongings while the building is open.

On commercial and industrial buildings, the driver is usually continuity — keeping a school, care home, warehouse or retail unit operating while the roof above is replaced. That means phasing the enclosure across sections of the building and coordinating with the occupier's routine, which we plan in at the survey stage.

How long a temporary roof stays up

Hire runs on the same basis as our other work: six weeks as standard unless a different period is agreed when quoting. Roof projects with structural work involved frequently need longer, so we usually agree a specific duration up front rather than defaulting.

If the works overrun — which happens most often when opening up reveals unexpected timber decay — tell us early and we will extend rather than leave a partially completed roof exposed.