BACKGROUND
Inspire Contract Services was appointed as Principal Contractor for the roof refurbishment of Fairholme Primary School in Feltham. The multi-faceted project commenced during the summer holidays of 2024 and was completed over a 16-week programme.
The existing roof coverings contained asbestos, so initially these needed to be carefully stripped and responsibly disposed of in accordance with all relevant regulations. The new Bauder Total Roofing BUFR System was then installed across multiple roofs. The pitched roof areas featured upgraded 130mm flatboard insulation for improved energy efficiency, while the lower and small corridor roofs featured tapered insulation to improve drainage and thermal performance.
As part of the works, small dome rooflights were upgraded to Bauder Euroglaze polycarbonate domes, and a large structural rooflight was replaced with a new Bauder continuous barrel vault system, significantly improving both aesthetics and natural lighting within the building.
Due to the presence of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) in the existing felt, the project included strict health and safety protocols. All operatives were UKATA Category B trained, and asbestos removal was carried out under controlled conditions by a licensed contractor.
THE WORKS
This project required the removal of existing asbestos roofing and the installation of a new built-up felt roofing system. Works took place as follows:
- Existing asbestos roofs were carefully stripped and responsibly disposed of.
- A new Bauder Total Roof BUFR System was then installed across a number of roof areas.
- 130mm flatboard insulation was installed to the pitched roof, with tapered insulation used in the lower roof and corridor roof areas.
- Small dome rooflights were replaced with new Bauder euroglaze polycarbonate dome rooflights, providing improved aesthetics and lighting.
- Large scaffold crash deck was installed prior to removal of the large barrel vault rooflight and replacement with new Bauder continuous barrel vault rooflight.
- New internal fire door was installed and the external canopy was replaced with a single skin Filon rooflight.
- Low-level windows to small corridor roof were replaced with new Upvc windows.
- New cable trays were installed to support services.
THE RESULT
Safe and considerate working practices were of paramount importance throughout the duration of this project. Weekly air monitoring was conducted whilst the asbestos works were carried out and all stripping works took place during the school’s summer break while pupils and staff were off site. In addition, a large internal scaffold crash deck was installed to facilitate the safe removal and replacement of the barrel vault rooflight.
The specification also called for a number of other improvements to be made in other areas of the school. For example, a new internal fire door was installed and a low level external canopy adjacent to the roof area was replaced with a single-skin Filon rooflight. Elsewhere, low-level UPVC windows along the corridor roof area which were affected by the increased insulation height were replaced, with internal making-good works carried out to a high standard. Finally, new cable trays were installed across key roof areas to support existing and future services.
Inspire managed all aspects of the project as Principal Contractor, including scaffolding, site set-up, subcontractor coordination, and health and safety compliance. The project was delivered on time, within budget, and with no disruption to term-time activities. Overall, this scheme is another clear example of Inspire’s ability to manage complex, safety-critical roofing projects in educational settings with professionalism and precision.
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