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A BBA-approved structural metal roof lining system which handles the dual-edged sword of architects' and contractors' requirements is available from Arcelor Construction. For architects, the Arval Tactray 90 tile and slate support system enables them to free up internal spaces that would otherwise be cluttered with bracing systems. Contractors will benefit from the metal system being 25% quicker to install than a traditional timber rafter-based construction. Buildings can be made water-tight in super quick time, saving on work force costs. Lightweight but inherently strong and available perforated to optimise acoustic performance, Tactray 90 is ideally placed to meet the trend for bigger commercial and retail buildings, being capable of spanning up to 3,600mm under normal load conditions. The Arval system does not affect tiling as all other installation remains identical.

When faced with designing open-plan offices and large spaces such as sports halls, anything that allows for long ceiling spans must answer many architects' prayers. Arcelor Construction UK supplies the world's largest range of metal decks to provide structural support for lightweight roof systems such as built-up metal, standing seam or single-ply membrane. With spans of up to 9,800mm under normal conditions, the Arval decks negate the need for secondary steelwork and permanent bracing (as part of a property engineered solution) to give uncluttered sightlines, and ultimate design flexibility.

Steel roofing and cladding supplier Arcelor UK sprang into action when a customer urgently needed to replace a roof on a storm damaged supermarket. High winds ripped the aluminium sheet off the newly-completed store in Chester depositing it in the car park. Following a Sunday morning telephone call to Arcelor's managing director the company confirmed it was able to supply the material without delay. Arcelor supplied roofing contractor Blackwell Stanistreet with its Arclad R34 profiled steel sheeting to replace the lightweight aluminium which had been destroyed. The first sheet was supplied on Tuesday and both roofs were installed within just 12 days.