• Hillside Primary School – Stoke on Trent

  • Felt Roof Refurbishment Works

Project Overview

The roofing project at Hillside School in Stoke involved the re-roofing of approximately 90% of the school’s entire roofing system using a high-quality flat felt roofing system. This major project was successfully completed while the school remained in full operation, ensuring minimal disruption to both staff and students. Throughout the project, our team adhered to all health and safety protocols and managed a variety of challenges to complete the job on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Project Scope and Objectives

  • Roofing System Replacement: The scope involved the complete re-roofing of 90% of the school building with a flat felt roofing system, including the removal of the existing materials and installation of the new system.
  • Timeline and Budget Compliance: The project had a tight timeline and was required to be completed without exceeding the allocated budget.
  • Operational School: The project needed to proceed while the school remained fully operational with students and staff on-site.
  • Safety and Compliance: All works needed to meet the necessary health and safety standards, including the Safe2Torch policies and building regulations, with the final roofing system signed off by the client.

Key Challenges

  1. Logistical Management The logistics of managing such a large-scale roofing project in a live school environment were complex. Materials had to be delivered on schedule without disrupting the daily school routine. Our team worked closely with the school’s administration to coordinate deliveries, ensuring minimal disruption to classes and activities. Special care was taken to avoid peak hours and to deliver materials during designated times to avoid interfering with the school’s operations.
  2. Access Issues Given the nature of the school’s location and existing infrastructure, accessing some areas of the building presented significant challenges. We overcame this by using specialised equipment such as high-reach cranes and scaffolding that were precisely placed to access all roofing sections without compromising the structural integrity of the school. This careful planning ensured that we were able to access even the most difficult-to-reach areas.
  3. Live School Setting and Safeguarding Concerns Having a live school environment created unique challenges when it came to safeguarding students and staff. We implemented comprehensive safety measures, including restricted access areas, regular safety briefings, and clear signage throughout the site. Additionally, we worked with the school to ensure that students were kept at a safe distance from the construction zones, and that teachers and staff were fully briefed on safety protocols.
  4. Safe2Torch Compliance A critical aspect of this project was ensuring that all works were carried out in compliance with the Safe2Torch policy. This included using flame-free techniques where necessary and ensuring that all materials were suitable for torch-free application in line with fire safety regulations. Our team followed these procedures diligently, ensuring no incidents occurred during the roofing work.

Project Execution

The project was divided into phases to ensure it was carried out efficiently while respecting the live school environment.

  • Phase 1 – Planning and Preparation: The initial phase involved extensive planning, including risk assessments, site surveys, and coordination with the school to ensure we adhered to safeguarding protocols. Access routes and delivery times were finalised in collaboration with the school.
  • Phase 2 – Removal and Installation: The old roofing materials were safely removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. The new flat felt roofing system was installed by our experienced roofing team, chosen for its durability and weather-resistant properties. We ensured the system provided both functional and aesthetic benefits, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the school.
  • Phase 3 – Quality Control and Compliance: Upon completion of the installation, our team conducted thorough inspections to ensure the new roof met all building regulations and quality standards. We also coordinated with local authorities and building inspectors to ensure all documentation was completed and approved, including issuing the necessary building regulation certificates.

Results and Successes

  • On-Time Completion: Despite the challenges posed by working in a live school environment, the roofing project was completed on schedule, with all deadlines met.
  • On-Budget: Through effective planning and careful management of resources, the project was delivered without exceeding the agreed-upon budget.
  • Zero Health and Safety Incidents: One of the most significant achievements of this project was the successful completion of the work with no health and safety incidents. This was made possible by our strict adherence to safety protocols, comprehensive risk assessments, and continuous staff training.
  • Quality Assurance: The completed flat felt roofing system was signed off by the client, and all works were certified to meet building regulations. Single-point guarantees were issued, ensuring long-term protection for the school.

Client Feedback

The client was extremely satisfied with the project’s outcome, highlighting the professionalism of our team and the seamless execution despite the operational constraints. The school’s administration noted the importance of clear communication and the minimal disruption caused during the work, which allowed the students and staff to continue their daily activities without concern.

Conclusion

The re-roofing project at Hillside School in Stoke demonstrates our capability to manage complex, high-stakes projects in live environments. By overcoming challenges related to access, logistical coordination, and safeguarding, we successfully completed the project on time and within budget while maintaining the safety and well-being of all involved. The project’s success highlights our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, and we are proud to have contributed to enhancing the infrastructure of Hillside School for years to come.