When a commercial unit becomes vacant, it presents the ideal opportunity for landlords and managing agents to address long‑standing maintenance issues before re‑letting. At Elstree Trade Park in Borehamwood, we were appointed to refurbish an empty industrial unit requiring essential roof repairs, including the treatment of widespread cut edge corrosion. With the building preparing for new occupancy, ensuring the roof was watertight, protected, and compliant with modern standards was a priority. Our team delivered a full refurbishment using a trusted Giromax® system to restore performance and extend the roof’s lifespan.

Understanding the Challenge: Cut Edge Corrosion on Metal Roof Sheets

Cut edge corrosion is one of the most common issues affecting ageing metal roofs. It occurs where the factory‑applied protective coating has been cut during manufacture or installation, typically along sheet edges, laps, and around fixings. Over time, exposure to weather causes the metal substrate to oxidise, leading to:

Peeling and delamination of the original coating
Water ingress through sheet laps
Capillary action drawing moisture into the building
Structural deterioration if left untreated
Increased risk of leaks and internal damage

At Elstree Trade Park, the corrosion was visible along both the sheet ends and overlapping side laps, indicating that the roof had reached a stage where professional treatment was essential. Without intervention, the deterioration would continue, potentially leading to costly sheet replacement in the future.

Our Solution: Giromax® Cut Edge Corrosion Treatment

To address the corrosion effectively and provide long‑term protection, we specified the Giromax® Edgecoat system, an industry‑leading solution designed specifically for treating cut edge corrosion on metal profiled roofs. Giromax products are known for their durability, flexibility, and ability to withstand the movement and thermal expansion typical of metal roofing.

The treatment process involved several key stages:

Cleaning and Preparation

Before any coating could be applied, the roof required thorough preparation. Our team:

Removed loose and delaminated coatings
Cleaned the sheet edges and laps
Treated rusted areas to stabilise the substrate
Ensured all surfaces were dry, sound, and ready for coating

Preparation is critical to the success of any coating system, and at Elstree Trade Park, this stage ensured maximum adhesion and long‑term performance.

Treating Corroded Edges and Laps

Once prepared, the Giromax system was applied in stages:

Rust inhibitors were used to halt ongoing corrosion
Reinforcement tape was embedded where necessary to strengthen vulnerable laps
Giromax Edgecoat was applied to encapsulate the sheet edges and create a flexible, weatherproof barrier

This system is designed to move with the roof sheets, preventing cracking or splitting over time.

Ensuring Long‑Term Protection

Giromax Edgecoat provides:

UV resistance
Excellent elasticity
A seamless waterproof finish
A long manufacturer‑backed guarantee

For the client, this means peace of mind and reduced maintenance requirements for years to come.

Why Giromax Was the Right Choice for This Project

The Elstree unit required a solution that would deliver both immediate protection and long‑term value. Giromax was selected because:

It is specifically engineered for cut edge corrosion
It offers proven performance on ageing metal roofs
It avoids the need for costly sheet replacement
It provides a durable, flexible finish suited to the UK climate

For landlords preparing a unit for new tenants, choosing a system with a strong guarantee and minimal disruption is essential. Giromax delivered exactly that.

A Refurbishment That Adds Value for the Landlord and Future Tenant
With the roof now fully treated and protected, the unit at Elstree Trade Park is in excellent condition for re‑letting. The refurbishment has:

Prevented further deterioration of the roof
Reduced the risk of leaks and internal damage
Improved the building’s overall appearance
Increased confidence for incoming tenants
Extended the lifespan of the existing roof structure

By addressing the issues while the unit was empty, the landlord avoided future disruption and ensured the property is ready for occupation without delay.

Cut edge corrosion, if left untreated, can escalate quickly, but with the right system and expertise, it can be halted and reversed. Using the Giromax® cut edge corrosion system, our Cladding Coatings team restored the roof to a high standard, delivering a durable, cost‑effective solution that protects the building for years to come.

If you have an empty unit or ageing metal roof showing signs of corrosion, our team can provide a full survey and tailored refurbishment plan to suit your building and budget.