"Raising the Roof" in Construction

Since the late 1990s, the term "raise the roof" in pop culture hasn't been cool. However, one company is taking that trend very literal. That company is Upbrella Construction, and the trend is to to build the roof of a structure in the early construction phase, and then raise it as the building progresses. No need for multiple, big cranes.

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This alternative process for building tall concrete and steel buildings consists of a permanent mobile roof, a roof lifting mechanism a protective enclosure, and a high-capacity hoist. The adaptable roof and associated protective enclosure allow finishing touches and occupancy of the lower floors faster.

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The enclosure keeps the environment and the workers completely sheltered, allowing the project team to control better risks associated with construction.

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The process is very straightforward. The first step is the floor on the foundation, and then the floor above is assembled on the previous level. It's then positioned using the adapted roof and its hoisting system. The good part is that the roof can remain throughout construction and after the building is completed if it has the desired geometry. Once the floors are installed, the entire roof system is raise and work can progress, where the process is repeated.

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If sales cease, construction can be suspended while the finished floors can become and remain occupied. Then, if sales or demand increase, construction can quickly proceed once more without the issue of getting the equipment back and resetting construction to where it was left at.

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Other benefits include reduced insurance costs; elimination of lost days due to inclement weather; reduction of overhead and winter costs; increased energy efficiency for the building site; and the reduction of public occupancy costs. In terms, charges could be cut into about half, perhaps more and the injury percentage at a construction site will be significantly reduced.