FEATURE ADVERTORIAL
Demand for ultra-span continues to grow in Africa
Ultra-Span is a light gauge steel roof truss system that is both lightweight and compact for easy handling and economical transportation . The low mass per m 2 of this roofing system ensures both savings on the supporting structure as well as on transportation and erection costs whilst also being vermin proof and non-combustible .
times over that its Ultra-Span light gauge steel roofing system is very much the product of choice and has been widely utilised successfully on various commercial projects .
MiTek was also the SAISC Steel Awards 2019 Light Steel Frame Building Category Sponsor and had three entries into the annual SAISC Steel Awards that took place on 10 October 2019 in Johannesburg , Cape Town , and Durban concurrently . These entries were in contention for the highly-coveted Light Steel Frame Building category , which MiTek licensed fabricators have won with Ultra-Span projects in 2010 , 2015 and 2017 .
MITEK
Engineered designs are calculated using MiTek ’ s state of the art 20 / 20 software and provides economical roofing solutions .
Light gauge steel offers a wide range of benefits when
compared with conventional construction using other framing materials . There are advantages in terms of quality , cost , durability , and speed of construction . Reduced wastage , lower logistical costs and earlier occupation offer cost savings , compared with conventional building methods . “ Large sections , or an entire roof can simply be preassembled on the ground and hoisted into position onto a building ’ s walls – making this one of the most viable systems , with a large range of applications up to a clear span of 40m . Supported through a substantial network of licensed truss suppliers , Ultra-Span is equally ideal for all local and export applications where it can be pre-assembled or site assembled .” Says Hennie Viljoen , Marketing Manager of MiTek .
“ Our business objective for Ultra-Span is to rapidly expand the specification , usage , and sales of our current and emerging Ultra-Span solution in all of our key markets around the African continent . The common market segments that present the greatest opportunities for this expansion are low-cost housing projects , light industrial , and large span structures . We are experiencing a lot of new interest in Ultra-Span , throughout the African continent over the past few years , and we continue to grow our presence in various markets .” Says Viljoen .
FROM LOW-COST HOUSING TO LARGE SPAN STRUCTURES When it comes to large span structures MiTek has proven many
LIGHT GAUGE STEEL VS TIMBER TRUSSES It is however often believed that light gauge steel structures cannot really compete with timber nail-plated roof trusses on the low-cost market , but quite the opposite is often true ; where in fact light gauge steel structures at the lower roof pitch of 17.5 degrees for tiles is usually more cost-effective due to the greater strength of steel versus timber and also all the sundry materials being supplied in exact lengths thereby leaving no wastage .
The roof trusses can also be supplied in kit form with all components in exact required lengths requiring only on-site assembly , or they can be supplied in pre-assembled form .
A further site advantage , especially on large low-cost housing sites is the inherent resistance of light gauge steel to warping in poor weather conditions as well as the materials being noncombustible and as such not being used fo
WHY MITEK ? MiTek is a diversified global supplier of builder products , collaborative software , engineering services , and manufacturing equipment to the residential , commercial , and industrial construction sectors . Founded in 1955 and a Berkshire Hathaway company since 2001 , MiTek has operations in more than 40 countries on six continents .
When asked what sets the company apart , many of the MiTek staff claim that it is the relationships that they have with their customers .
“ We live out a genuine , core passion for serving our customers ; and we build trust as a partner on your journey , through our uncompromising commitment to helping you succeed – immediately , and in the long run ,” comments Viljoen .
MiTek Industries South Africa ( Pty ) Ltd Tel : + 27 ( 0 ) 11 237 8700 | Website : www . mitek . co . za
www . saaffordablehousing . co . za NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 19