The school were encountering significant amounts of water ingress throughout various teaching areas each time it rained. We undertook a detailed inspection of the flat roof coverings and it was apparent the school required new flat roofs throughout. Therefore we prepared SCA bids as part of a multi-phased approach to replace the existing roof coverings, for which funding was awarded for the initial phase and all subsequent phases.

The flat roof coverings were approaching and, in several areas, exceeded their anticipated life expectancy along with the rooflights. The roof coverings were found to contain a catalogue of defects, including poor patch repairs. This resulted in water being trapped within the roofing system, which in turn caused delamination to areas of the timber roof deck. Furthermore, the effect of water ingress also reduced the thermal performance of existing insulation.
Given the extent of the defects and water trapped in the system, the flat roof coverings were stripped in their entirety exposing the roof deck; thus allowing repairs to be undertaken. A new built-up bituminous waterproofing system, incorporating a tapered insulation scheme (to current regulations was installed). This provides efficient rainwater runoff and collection to existing outlet positions.

As part of the scheme, we were also able to rationalise the roof light positions, bringing additional natural light to a number of classrooms and corridor areas.

Each phase of the project was tendered via a single stage tender process, with the works let via JCT minor works contracts (the overall value of the construction works was circa £671.7k). Given the scale and nature of the works, they were completed over a number of financial years. Each project utilised as much of the school holidays as possible in order to minimise disruption during term times