Project – Safestore Manchester

Project Description

Client: Safestore Manchester
Location: Stockport

Located on a major artery into Stockport’s bustling town centre, Safestore’s Stockport storage facility is positioned to provide storage for individuals and businesses throughout the Stockport area. After years of feeling the effects of the elements and ongoing degradation it was established that this antiquated building was in need of a new roof. As a result of problems with the existing roof coverings the top floor of the unit had been rendered unusable due to the volume of water ingress and the number of different areas experiencing leaks.

Safestore, in conjunction with their appointed surveyors, sought a solution that was cost effective, guaranteed and could be installed with minimum disruption.

Alpha Roofing accepted the challenge and worked alongside the site team and surveyors to come up with a solution that would satisfy the agendas of all concerned parties.

The Challenge

As well as the challenges of working on a very high building on a busy live facility in a bustling town centre environment, there was a further challenge that only became apparent once a site visit was undertaken…..nearly 100 tonnes of stones and ballast on the roof!

All of these elements had to be considered when putting together not only the specification for the works but also the methodology and systems of works. Getting the ballast off such a high building was a major issue, along with ensuring the successful installation of a long term solution. Given that the space at ground level was very limited and the site was extremely busy, the design team had their work cut out to come up with solutions to all of the potential issues.

The Actions and Solutions

Before the project could fully commence a huge access tower was installed, a demolition contractor was appointed, crane lifts were organised and deliveries were scheduled. Once this was all in place the project was live and work began on delivering Safestore a fully planned-out and considered solution to their roofing problems.

The client’s site team were briefed on site conditions, and communication links had to be frequent and effective to ensure everyone was aware of the day to day activity. The eight week project consisted of installing nearly 1500 sq. metres of new built up felt coverings, whilst removing tonnes of stone.

The project was successfully completed, giving the client a long term solution and facilitating the reopening of the top floor, maximising the income potential of the site.

The Result

The scheme was completed without incident, minimising disruption to the client and the client’s customers, and has enabled the client to continue to provide storage solutions to his customers for years to come.

The systems of work employed by Alpha Roofing and the effective site management had ensured the new roof was installed to high standards exceeding the client’s, and the client’s appointed surveyors’, expectations.

On completion of the works a 20 year insurance backed warranty was provided giving the client further piece of mind and justifying his decision to utilise the professional services offered by Alpha Roofing Systems.

The project was successfully completed, giving the client a long term solution and facilitating the reopening of the top floor, maximising the income potential of the site.