Navigating the challenges and milestones of projects at Mumbai and Bangalore International Airports, this interview sheds light on the essence of precision engineering and innovation in the roofing and cladding industry.

Can you share some insights into the challenges and achievements associated with the Delhi and Hyderabad International Airport and Mercedes-Benz facilities projects? 
We have encountered unique challenges and celebrated notable achievements across projects at Delhi and Hyderabad International Airports, as well as with Mercedes Benz facilities. Notably, our Bangalore Airport project stands out as our recent pinnacle achievement. Over the past year, we successfully delivered five projects, including Bangalore and Goa airports, collaborating with esteemed contractors like L&T and Shapoorji. Although we’ve made strides in enhancing tender specifications, there’s still room for improvement.

Crafting meticulously designed roofs to meet stringent requirements for warranty, sound, and leakage tests is a testament to our commitment to quality. Despite facing the challenge of aligning our designs with sometimes inaccurate government tenders, we diligently adhere to climatic reports and stringent testing facility requirements. Our technical presentations to clients have been instrumental in securing larger projects such as Navi Mumbai Airport and a project in the Maldives, providing us with a competitive edge.

Our success is largely attributed to the expertise and attention to detail of our experienced workforce, who consistently deliver on technical specifications. We have observed a growing demand from clients for warranties, efficient water flow, and measures to reduce sound and heat, areas where we continue to innovate and improve. While progress has been made, we recognise ample room for further advancement in meeting evolving client needs and industry standards.

What are some of the latest technologies and materials you are using in your roofing and wall cladding systems? 
We introduce the latest technologies and materials in our roofing and wall cladding systems, focusing strongly on client requirements. For example, the Navi Mumbai Airport project involved rigorous testing of coils and other materials at the manufacturing facilities itself and on-site for water leakage. Technologies enhance design and material performance, allowing customisation based on needs such as high wind resistance, where sheet thickness and purlin spacing are adjusted accordingly. At the newly opened Bangalore Airport, the purlin spacing was three meters compared to the standard 1.4 meters, and we had to use a special deck imported from Germany for the same. Our vast industry experience, bolstered by our parent company, KALZIP, ensures we provide superior solutions. This expertise, coupled with our attention to detailed requirements and execution of the same that sets us apart in the market. Our advanced installation techniques backed with 30 years in the industry execute the roofing system as per approved drawing from clients.

Could you describe the most critical aspects of the installation process for metal roofing systems to ensure longevity and performance? 
The installation process for metal roofing systems hinges on detailed specifications and client requirements. For longevity, aluminum Roof from Kalzip are used for 50 years and zinc from VM Zinc are used for 75 years. We also offer special roofing systems for FM Requirement with tests done in the United States. Insurance, material quality, and extensive experience ensure optimal performance, offering clients a wide range of durable design options.

How do you manage thermal expansion and contraction in metal cladding systems to prevent structural issues? 
To manage thermal expansion and contraction in metal roofing systems, we insist on precise structural alignment, especially purlins, during finalisation of the orders. Proper purlin leveling is crucial to prevent water accumulation and ensure the performance of the roof. We incorporate specially designed expansion joints sourced from Germany into our systems for building expansion. While expansion management is important, the critical aspect is handling and leveling the structure accurately. Many companies need to pay more attention to this, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes. Our meticulous attention to structural integrity and expansion design ensures optimal performance and customer
satisfaction.

How does your company ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain high quality in its projects? 
Our moto is first safety then quality and then progress. We ensure compliance with safety standards by collaborating with clients to understand their specific requirements before starting a project. Each site has dedicated safety officers. For example, at Navi Mumbai Airport, we adhere to the distinct safety protocols of clients like Adani and L&T, ensuring rigorous safety adherence throughout the process.

What trends do you see shaping the future of India’s roofing and wall cladding industry? How is your company preparing to stay ahead of these trends?
While India’s roofing and wall cladding industry currently sees no major innovations, customisation remains key. For instance, Adani required dual-colour roofing panels for Navi Mumbai Airport, and for Bangalore Airport specified three-meter purlin spacing. Our company stays ahead by importing cutting-edge technologies from Germany, ensuring we meet evolving client demands. Collaboration between architects and us is crucial to address potential issues arising from vague tender specifications. We educate clients on essential features like gutter installation and roof openings, emphasising the importance of proper design elements for project success. Continuous adaptation to client needs and proactive communication distinguish us in the industry.

How does your company handle incomplete roofing specifications in private sector projects and overcome government and airport authority contract challenges? 
With 70 percent of specifications often accurate and 30 percent open to  interpretation, many contractors prioritise low bids over quality. Architects should leverage our 30 years of expertise to draft comprehensive proposals, ensuring successful roofing projects. Collaborating with esteemed clients like GMR, L&T, and Adani, we excel in private-sector projects. However, in government and airport authority contracts, the lowest bidder prevails, highlighting the need for improved specifications akin to foreign standards. By bridging this gap and advocating for quality-driven approaches, we aim to elevate industry standards and deliver superior roofing solutions for all stakeholders. The services we provide to the architects before floating the tender include putting in correct specifications, shop drawings, BOQs, required tests, and warranties for the roof. We expect architects to call on us to suggest whatever is required to make a high-performance roof before making a tender so that the tender is accurate.

We offer the full systems to our clients that is Roof, Gutters, Roof Ventilators, detailed for Sky light, Roof Openings, etc.

For more information, visit: https://www.vijaynath.in/