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Inclad vs Tophat

A Clear Comparison of Build Quality, Strength and Value

C Section Vs Tophat

InClad Steel Buildings are designed differently to typical “top-hat” steel buildings.
While both systems can meet building regulations, the way they achieve strength and stability is very different.

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Fully welded frame connections
Manufactured in-house
Greater structural rigidity
Designed for long-term durability

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Tophat Style Buildings

Bolted frame system
Components sourced from multiple suppliers
More movement under load
Lower long-term durability

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Purlin Position

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Purlins sit directly on C-section rafters
Connected using engineered brackets or cleats
Creates a rigid and stable roof structure
Reduces movement across the roof system

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Tophat Style Buildings

Purlins form part of a thin folded section system
Fixed using screws and overlapping sections
Less structural rigidity across the roof
Increased risk of movement and noise over time

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Uprights and Rafters

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Heavier gauge steel sections
Engineered for higher load capacity
Greater resistance to deflection
Designed for long-term performance

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Tophat Style Buildings

Lighter gauge steel sections
Lower load capacity
Increased flex under pressure
Designed to meet minimum requirements

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Eaves Haunch Connections

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Reinforced haunch design
Stronger connection between column and rafter
Improved load transfer at critical stress points
Increased structural stability

Tophat Style Buildings

Simpler connection detail
Less reinforcement at key junctions
Reduced load transfer efficiency
Higher stress concentration in key areas

Why this matters:

A stronger knee connection improves overall frame stiffness, reduces long-term fatigue, and helps doors and openings stay better aligned over time.

Eaves Detail

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Fully integrated eaves system
Improved weather protection
Cleaner, more robust finish
Designed for durability and longevity

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Tophat Style Buildings

Basic eaves construction
Less effective weather sealing
Simpler detailing
Reduced long-term durability

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Ridge Haunch Connections

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Reinforced ridge connection
Stronger structural continuity
Improved load distribution across roof span
Increased resistance to movement

Tophat Style Buildings

Basic ridge connection
Less reinforcement at apex
Reduced load distribution efficiency
Greater potential for movement

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Cleat Detail

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Precision-engineered cleat connections
Stronger fixing points
Improved alignment and fit
Increased structural reliability

Tophat Style Buildings

Standard cleat connections
Less precise alignment
Reduced fixing strength
Greater tolerance variation

Base Cleat Detail

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Heavy-duty base cleat system
Secure anchoring to foundation
Improved load transfer to ground
Enhanced structural stability

Tophat Style Buildings

Lighter base cleat design
Reduced anchoring strength
Less efficient load transfer
Increased movement potential

Purlin Stays

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Reinforced purlin stay system
Increased roof stability
Better load distribution across purlins
Reduced deflection over time

Tophat Style Buildings

Basic purlin stay system
Less reinforcement
Reduced load distribution efficiency
Increased risk of movement

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Door Detail

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Reinforced door framing
Improved structural support around openings
Better alignment and operation over time
Designed for durability under frequent use

Tophat Style Buildings

Standard door framing
Less reinforcement around openings
Greater risk of movement over time
Reduced long-term durability

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Bracing System

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Fully engineered bracing system
Increased lateral stability
Designed to handle wind loads effectively
Improved overall structural performance

Tophat Style Buildings

Basic bracing system
Reduced lateral stability
Less effective under high wind loads
Lower overall structural performance

Cladding Buildup

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

High-quality cladding system
Improved insulation performance
Better weather resistance
Designed for long-term durability

Tophat Style Buildings

Standard cladding system
Basic insulation performance
Reduced weather protection
Shorter lifespan

Sway and Stability

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Designed to minimise structural movement
Increased rigidity across the frame
Better performance under load conditions
Improved long-term stability

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Tophat Style Buildings

Greater potential for movement
Reduced overall rigidity
Lower performance under load
Increased long-term wear

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In simple terms:

Tophat frames need extra bracing to stop them moving.
Our C-section frames don’t — they’re engineered to be stable from the start.

Load Capacity

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Designed for higher load capacity
Suitable for demanding applications
Greater safety margins
Engineered for long-term performance

Tophat Style Buildings

Designed to meet minimum load requirements
Limited performance under higher loads
Reduced safety margins
Not suited for more demanding applications

Compliance

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Fully compliant with UK building regulations
Manufactured to industry standards
Certified and quality controlled
Designed for long-term reliability

Tophat Style Buildings

Meets minimum regulatory requirements
Standard compliance approach
Less focus on long-term performance
Built to basic specification levels

Durability

C Section & Pearlin style buildings

Built for long-term durability
High-quality materials throughout
Reduced maintenance requirements
Designed to last

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Tophat Style Buildings

Shorter expected lifespan
Standard material quality
Higher maintenance over time
Reduced long-term value

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Join the Inclad Trade Network

If you're a builder or contractor ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. Call our team today or fill in the form below to apply for a trade account.

Neil Collins

4 months ago

As a business owner this was a big investment, so we compared a few steel building systems before deciding. The advice was honest and straightforward, and the difference between a lightweight system and a proper portal frame was explained clearly.

James Ingram

6 months ago

I had a very specific need for an aircraft hangar designed especially for a gyrocopter. Matty was really helpful during the design process, answering all my texts and emails promptly while suggesting lots of alternative options. The installation team were great – hardworking guys and again very helpful. I have no hesitation in recommending Matty and his team who were professional and easy to work with throughout.

Anik

Excellent job! Six car wash bays fully clad to a very high standard. The team were reliable, efficient, and delivered exactly what was promised. Very pleased with the final result — definitely recommend.

Ashley Costello

8 months ago

Inclad supplied and installed our 10mtr x 7mtr workshop for our company, Chief productions in Salford, Manchester. Great service from Matt and his workforce from start to finish. Absolutely fantastic service, nothing too much trouble.

Mark Beaty

Just had our building designed managed and built by the guys at Inclad – Matty looked after us throughout, the process was quick and painless and everything was done as it was promised and the quality of the work and materials used is 100%

Would only recommend these guys moving forward! 5 stars… if i could give 6 I would!

Mark Simpson

9 months ago

Top quality work.

I needed extra storage for my business so got Inclad to build a lean-to garage on the side of my house with a commercial grade roller shutter on each end. Matty is really easy to work with and the design and installation process were very straightforward, he showed me samples of the steel and I went to look at previous work they had done which gave me confidence in the quality of their work.

The installation went well, the build quality and colour are great and the roller shutters are very robust, really happy with the overall product.