Project Address: Caxton Way, Thetford IP24 3SQ
Principal Contractor: Cambridge Roofers Ltd
Manufacturer: Fix-R Liquid
Start date: 20th August 2020
Proposed completion: 24th August 2020
Key Facts:
- Roof area: 200sqm
- Liquid Install and gutter clean
- Refurbishment work
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Cambridge Roofers Ltd were awarded the role of principal contractor in August 2020.
The building manager had reported water ingress entering through the pitch roof skylights causing damage and distribution to plant and staff below. The gutters were also blocked with debris from seagulls nesting causing water to back up under the roof sheet. The roof had been installed over 40 years ago but recently started to fail in multiple areas.
Cambridge Roofers were called in to inspect the roof area and decide on a plan to fix the leaks but also minimize disruption to the offices and production line below while they remained open. They needed a mid- term solution but with works completed in a short timeframe and within budget.
We were informed that previous roofing companies had removed the old existing carbon fibre roof lights and replaced with new, this causing huge financial costs and disruption below. After viewing the skylights it was evident that the seal between the bottom roof sheet and the skylight had failed leaving a bridging gap between the pair allowing water to drive up and inside the building below.
We decided that the fastest and most economical way would be to use a cherry picker to give us good access to the roof area and minimize disruption as we had to work set hours each day to allow the site to carry on with its operations. We started by setting up a mobile man-safe system on the roof so we could gain access safely to each area, being an Asbestos roof we used crawling boards and 18mm ply to cover the area we need to work in to give us a safe platform of work and to minimize any risks falling through. We started by removing any moss and debris from the roof gutter and then around the roof light area, we then installed a Liquid-Fix R tape to bridge the gap between the roof sheet and skylight. Once installed we then installed a Liquid Fix-R coating system covering the tape installed and sealing 100mm either side to form a watertight seal. We carried this process out to 35no skylights picked out by the site manager. Once these works were complete, we then cleaned and removed all debris from the gutter allowing water to drain down the outlets and not back up under the roof sheets. Once completed we was able to offer the client a 5-year Guarantee which they required. Whilst carrying out these works, we had to be mindful of the workforce below and plan our work and our deliveries to site ensuring everyone was safe. In under 5 days, we oversaw the safe roofing works, still allowing the office staff and workers full access. Brake down of the roof below:
- Use a cherry picker to gain access and move plant and materials to roof level safely.
- Install of a mobile man-safe to have safe access of work on a fragile roof.
- Removal of all debris from gutter and around roof lights.
- Install of Liquid Fix-R system to 35no roof lights.
- Roof survey.
Cambridge Roofers Ltd assigned 2-3 operatives, DBS Checked, plant approved and qualified installers to carry out this work within 5 days to minimize disruption, also the site was managed by our operations manager Sean Audley and site manager Mark Shanks working closely with the building manager. This Refurb project was delivered and handed over after 3 days allowing normality back to office and anyone that used it.
Overview of Roof
Roof area before work started.
Gutters cleaned out to give safe access and stop water ingress into the factory below.
Pictures showing the build up around vents and roof lights causing water ingress.
Liquid install and roof clean.
