Loreto Grammar School

Client: Loreto Grammar School
Location: Altrincham, Cheshire

Loreto Grammar School’s management team were looking to completely re-roof the science block on their much valued and loved school building in Altrincham. Situated on the outskirts of the busy Cheshire town, Loreto Grammar provides a first class educational facility to girls, and the centuries-old school building, which is steeped in history, is an important feature that needs to be carefully maintained.

One of the many challenges that the design team faced was the fact that the school needed to be completely functional during the construction phase of the works. As well as the need for a new roof to provide a long term weathering solution, it was also necessary to upgrade the structure to current building control measures, in particular meeting compliance with part ‘L’ of the building regulations.

The existing roof coverings were in a severe state of deterioration and needed to be completely stripped and removed. The science block below was in use throughout the works and the area around the site compound was adjacent to foot traffic and a major thoroughfare for the school. Additionally the main entrance to the car park was in constant use providing logistical problems for Alpha’s deliveries, storing and access/egress to the roof for site operatives and materials.

Clearly keeping the building watertight throughout the works was a major priority as well as ensuring the safety of all the staff, pupils and visitors.

Alpha’s design and logistics team had some serious issues to contend with and a lot of discussions and negotiations were needed to install safe systems of work and to programme the scheme to ensure the roof would be renewed with minimum disruption, and with the safety and welfare of everyone concerned at the forefront of all activity.

The works commenced with the scaffold being erected over several weekends, and deliveries scheduled for early mornings. The stripping began and the team participated in anticipation to see if the weeks of planning, discussions and meetings would come to fruition.

Alpha’s site team toiled in very difficult conditions to carefully remove the existing coverings and install an insulated built up system that would provide a 20 year insurance backed warranty. In conjunction with the installation of the new roof the rooflights were renewed and new air-conditioning units were installed, greatly enhancing the learning environment below.

This challenging scheme was completed earlier than programmed and having had no incidents or problems reported throughout, the school felt totally justified in the appointment of Alpha Roofing. The Loreto team were so impressed with the Alpha team that further phases of works were negotiated and a strong working partnership has flourished.

The finished roof offers a true reflection of Loreto’s standing in education circles and was another successful project in the portfolio of Alpha Roofing.