Project scope

This home extension project in Bromley required some fabricated steels. At MAH Steel, we’re a Kent steel fabricator, and our steel factory is conveniently located in Gravesend. Besides, we’re a proud sponsor of Bromley FC! All this makes us the leading steel fabricator for Bromley area.

Steel fabricators commonly use fabricated steel is in home extensions to provide structural support and stability. Whether it’s for adding additional floors, expanding living spaces, or creating open-plan layouts, fabricated steel beams and columns offer strength and durability. It allows architects and builders to create versatile and modern designs while ensuring the safety and longevity of the extension.

The start of the steel fabrication project

So, this time we received drawings from our customer. We work with all kinds of drafts and sketches from our customers, if there are any. Once the design is finalised, the fabrication team utilises computer-aided design (CAD) software and precision cutting machinery to transform raw steel materials into customised steel components. Our expertise lies in our ability to craft steel fabrication solutions from scratch, tailoring each project to the unique needs and specifications of our clients. From the conceptualisation and design phase to the final steel installation, our skilled team meticulously plans and executes every step of the process with precision and dedication. Whether it’s creating custom architectural metalwork or constructing structural steel frameworks, we combine innovative technologies with years of experience. It allows us to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations.

But back to the process. The steel was delivered to our yard by our trusted steel supplier and offloaded by our loading team.

Our cutting and saw operators checked the cutting list and cut steels to the required measurements. These are advanced steel manufacturing techniques that revolutionise the precision and efficiency of metal fabrication. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) steel profiling involves using computer-controlled machinery to precisely cut and shape steel components. Laser steel profiling is a cutting-edge technology in steel fabrication. Using focused laser beams, this process accurately cuts through various thicknesses of steel with remarkable intricacy. This enables the creation of complex steel shapes and designs with minimal material waste. From structural steel beams to intricate architectural elements, laser steel profiling ensures unparalleled accuracy, speed, and consistency. Its versatility and precision have elevated standards in steel manufacturing. CNC steel profiling enables the production of high-quality, tailor-made steel components for diverse applications.

During the steel profiling process, we ensure that the correct cut lengths are achievable. Our cutting team cleans up and squares off the ends.

Steel fabrication process

Once the material has been cut, it’s then transported by a forklift to the steel fabrication area. Here it’s when our experienced fabrication team steps in to start the project. Our workshop manager issues job tickets and Tekla drawings. Tekla drawings refer to detailed technical drawings created using Tekla Structures. It’s a software application widely used in the construction and engineering industries for building information modelling (BIM) and structural design. These drawings are typically generated to communicate design specifications, structural details, and construction plans for various types of buildings and structures. Tekla drawings can include information such as dimensions, material specifications, connection details, reinforcement layouts, and other crucial data necessary for steel fabrication, construction, and project coordination. These drawings play a vital role in facilitating communication between architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout the construction process. It ensures accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to project requirements.

Only after that, our steel fabrication team starts. At the end of that process, our in-house inspector checks all material. At MAH Steel, we go through a lot of quality checks, but it’s a paramount part of the steel fabrication process. This way we can control the fabrication from start to finish. Besides, MAH Steel is a CE-marked steel fabricator. CE-marked steel fabricators are steel manufacturers that have undergone rigorous assessment to ensure their compliance with European Union standards for steel fabrication. This certification indicates that the fabricator’s products meet the essential health, safety, and environmental protection requirements set forth by EU regulations.

Once we have manufactured the steel, we check it again. Before going to the next step, we have to make sure the right holes are drilled and the steel beams line up with end plates.

Finishing touches

The steel then goes to our paint shop. There are different steel finishes, that offer diverse aesthetic and functional options for various applications. Polished finishes provide a sleek and reflective surface, ideal for architectural accents and decorative elements. Brushed finishes offer a satin-like appearance with parallel lines, adding texture and reducing visible fingerprints. Galvanised finishes involve coating steel with a protective layer of zinc, enhancing corrosion resistance and durability, making it suitable for outdoor structures. Powder coating provides a durable, customisable finish in a wide range of colours and textures. It offers both aesthetic appeal and enhanced protection against wear and corrosion. Each steel finish caters to different needs, providing options for both visual appeal and performance in diverse environments.

This time it was fire paint. Steel fire paint is a specialised type of paint designed to withstand high temperatures and provide a durable finish on steel surfaces exposed to heat. It typically contains heat-resistant pigments and binders that allow it to maintain its colour and integrity even under extreme conditions, such as those found in automotive exhaust systems or industrial machinery. After that, our quality control team checked the steel for the paint’s thickness and laid it out in the yard to dry. Time to take the fabricated steel to our Bromley customer!

Steel Delivery and Erection in Bromley

Once again, it’s checked by the loading team that all steel is correct to the delivery notes. Then it is loaded onto one of our crane lorries and delivered to the site to exactly where they want it. On this occasion this was over a fence into the back garden.

The customer is then asked to check that they are happy, and all is correct. The job is then signed off.