• South & Queens Tower Blocks – Birmingham

  • Roof Refurbishments – Alumasc Caltec UV System

Rio were engaged in a critical roofing renovation project in collaboration with Wates and Birmingham City Council to upgrade the roofing systems at Queens Tower and South Tower, two residential buildings located in Nechells, Birmingham. The project involved the complete removal of the old asphalt and fibreboard system, followed by the installation of a new, high-performance insulated roofing system.

Given the nature of the buildings as residential towers, it was imperative that the building remained watertight at all times during the work, which involved stripping back the old roof system down to the concrete deck and replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient PU liquid fibreglass reinforced roofing system.

Scope of Work

The project encompassed the following phases:

  1. Removal of Existing Roof System:
    • The first step was the careful removal of the old asphalt and fibreboard roofing system. Our team worked efficiently to strip the materials down to the concrete deck while ensuring that no water ingress occurred into the building during the process.
    • As the buildings were residential, it was essential to maintain a secure and watertight structure throughout the work, so this phase was carried out with precise planning and rapid execution.
  2. Installation of Insulated Roofing System:
    • After the removal of the old roof, we installed a new, high-performance insulated roofing system that complied with the required specifications. The new system was designed to enhance energy efficiency, provide long-lasting durability, and improve the overall comfort of the building’s residents.
    • The roofing system was finished with a PU liquid fibreglass reinforced solution, offering superior waterproofing, increased resistance to wear and tear, and excellent thermal insulation properties.
  3. Seamless Integration with Building Upgrade:
    • The roof renovation was part of a larger effort to upgrade the whole building, which included various other improvements to enhance the safety and sustainability of the towers. Our team coordinated closely with Wates and the project stakeholders to ensure that the roofing work aligned with the overall building renovation strategy.
    • This included careful attention to the aesthetics and structural integrity of the buildings, ensuring the roofing system integrated seamlessly with the rest of the upgrades.
  4. Maintaining Watertight Conditions:
    • As the building remained occupied throughout the renovation, it was critical to ensure that the structure stayed watertight every day, even as the old roof was being removed and the new roof installed. Our team worked methodically to complete sections of the roof in stages, ensuring that temporary weatherproofing measures were put in place overnight or during adverse weather conditions, to prevent any water ingress into the building.
    • This aspect of the project required close coordination with the residents and a high level of skill and care to ensure the building remained dry and habitable.

Challenges and Solutions

The project presented several key challenges, including the need to work in a live residential environment and the imperative to keep the building watertight at all times. The primary challenges included:

  • Minimizing Disruption to Residents: The work had to be completed without disturbing the residents of both Queens Tower and South Tower. Our team managed this challenge by working with the building management and residents to schedule work during non-intrusive hours, ensuring any noisy or disruptive activities were minimized.
  • Maintaining Watertight Conditions During Roof Removal: The most significant challenge was ensuring that the building remained watertight while the old roof was being removed. To manage this, we implemented a detailed daily process to install temporary weatherproofing measures. We also staged the roofing work to avoid large sections of the roof being exposed at any given time.
  • Complex Logistics in a High-Rise Setting: Working on high-rise residential buildings posed logistical challenges, especially regarding material transportation and access to the roof. We utilized hoists and cranes to transport materials safely to the roof, minimizing disruption to residents and ensuring a smooth workflow.

To overcome these challenges, we implemented the following solutions:

  • Efficient Staging and Temporary Weatherproofing: By installing temporary waterproofing during the day and night, we were able to safely remove the old roof without compromising the building’s protection from the elements. The work was divided into manageable sections, ensuring that each part of the roof was quickly completed before moving to the next area.
  • Close Collaboration with Stakeholders: Regular communication with Wates, Birmingham City Council, and the residents helped ensure that everyone involved was informed of the project’s progress and any changes to the schedule or access requirements.
  • Careful Health and Safety Measures: Working at height and on a live building required rigorous health and safety protocols, including the use of harnesses, scaffolding, and fall protection systems to keep workers safe throughout the project.

Outcome

The roofing project was completed successfully, with both Queens Tower and South Tower now featuring modern, energy-efficient, and highly durable roofing systems. The new PU liquid fibreglass reinforced roofing system not only provides superior protection against water ingress but also enhances the building’s insulation, contributing to reduced energy costs and improved comfort for the residents.

Despite the challenges posed by working on live, occupied residential buildings, the project was delivered on time and with minimal disruption. The careful planning, coordinated efforts, and strict attention to detail ensured that both buildings remained watertight throughout the renovation process, with no reported issues of water damage.

Conclusion

This roofing renovation project at Queens Tower and South Tower was an example of successful collaboration between Rio, Wates, and Birmingham City Council. By maintaining watertight conditions throughout the work and ensuring minimal disruption to residents, we were able to deliver a high-quality roofing solution that meets the building’s long-term needs.

The new insulated roofing system ensures that both towers are now more energy-efficient, durable, and weather-resistant, contributing to a safer, more comfortable living environment for the residents.

We are proud to have played a key role in the successful upgrade of Queens Tower and South Tower and look forward to further collaboration on similar projects in the future.