Project scope

The steel fabrication landscape in Essex (and particularly in Chigwell) is bustling with construction projects that demand high-quality steelwork. From residential extensions to commercial developments, structural steel plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and longevity. At MAH Steel, we specialise in delivering precision-engineered steelwork for projects across Essex, leveraging our strategic Kent location for efficient service and delivery. Our extensive experience includes steel solutions for residential extensions, steel beams for loft conversions, and steels for basement conversions, which have become increasingly popular as homeowners seek to maximise their living space.

Bifold steels play a critical role in modern home extensions, particularly when incorporating large bifold doors. They provide the essential support required to bear the weight of the brickwork above, ensuring structural integrity while allowing for expansive, unobstructed openings. This is especially important in contemporary home designs, where maximising natural light and creating fluid indoor-outdoor spaces are key considerations.

A recent steel fabrication project in Chigwell required a long run of bifold steels to support brickwork above a large rear extension. This structural solution ensures the necessary load-bearing capacity while maintaining an open and airy living space. Our client needed the steels craned over the house and precisely placed on top of supporting posts—a challenge that our 30m crane handled with ease. Once we agreed on the project scope, we finalised the quote, obtained client approval, and proceeded with the steel drawings to begin manufacturing.

Steel fabrication in Chigwell step by step

The first step was selecting the appropriate steel from our extensive in-house stock to ensure both quality and timely execution. After choosing the right materials, we transported them to our cutting facility, where we carefully checked each piece against the cutting list before sawing it to exact specifications.

With the steel cut, we moved it to our fabrication area. Our expert fabrication team rechecked all measurements before starting work to ensure precision. Following the confirmed drawings, our coded fabricators worked meticulously to shape the steel to the project’s exact needs. Once fabrication was complete, our in-house QA team conducted a thorough inspection. The steel was fully welded and drilled according to the engineer’s specifications, and another QA check confirmed that all holes, plates, and fabrication elements aligned perfectly.

Next came the blasting and painting process. We coated the steel with zinc phosphate primer, ensuring the correct thickness of paint in microns to provide optimal protection and durability. The steels were then carefully hung in our yard to dry before undergoing another round of quality control checks.

Steel delivery in Essex

Before dispatch, our QA and loading teams performed final inspections. Bolts, steel-to-steel fixings, nuts, washers, and packing plates were added where necessary to ensure the project met all specifications. Once everything was confirmed, we loaded the steel onto our 30-metre Hiab crane truck, with our driver overseeing load security in preparation for a 5 AM start the next day.

Upon arrival in Chigwell, our team efficiently craned the steels over the house and into position exactly where the customer needed them. The seamless coordination and precise execution ensured the structural steels were ready for the next phase of the build without any delays.

This Chigwell project showcases MAH Steel’s expertise in steel fabrication and structural solutions. Our ability to handle complex logistics—such as craning steels over residential properties—combined with our commitment to precision and quality, makes us the trusted choice for builders and homeowners across Essex, Kent, and beyond.

For more information on our services and projects in Chigwell, Epping Forest, and Essex, get in touch with us today!