While much of the UK’s stock of school and academy buildings is ageing, fortunately, some well-informed educational establishments are now able to deal with the problems caused by leaking roofing systems.
To address building dilapidation issues, academies and sixth form colleges can apply to the government’s Condition Improvement Fund, (CIF). The objective of CIF is to address significant condition need, keeping buildings safe and in good working order. Priority is usually given to projects such as roof, window and central heating replacements.
The CIF process follows an annual bidding round whereby academies apply for extra capital funding. It’s a resource you can turn to when your school roof has reached the end of its useful life. But resources are tight as an increasing amount of schools enter the bidding process.
One clear example of roof disrepair was at Honiton Community College in Devon which also offers sixth form facilities. It converted to academy status in 2011 and was successful in securing £1m of CIF Funding from the DFE for a major refurbishment of the science block.
Approved works comprised a new roof, windows, internal and external doors, new flooring, and decoration throughout. Installation of new mechanical services and new laboratory fixtures and fittings completed the project.
Refurbishments to the college were undertaken by award-winning main contractor, Mercury Construction of Plymouth. Work started in mid-May 2018 and was completed by the October half term.
Roofing contractors, RC Roofing of Exeter, who are members of AccuRoof’s registered contractor group, won the contract to undertake the 800m2 roof. Completed over a two-month period, the bonded warm roof construction to both flat roof and pitched (pyramid) roof areas was waterproofed using IKO’s bonded Armourplan PSG membrane system.
The roof build-up also comprised a new timber deck, IKO metal lined AVCL and 130 mm of Enertherm insulation. Decorative standing seam profiles were then applied to the steeper sloping areas to enhance the appearance in terms of heightened visibility.
RC Roofing ensured that the metal lined AVCL was progressed and completed as early as possible in the programme to ensure an early watertight date was achieved. It was important to both protect the new decking and protect internal works, which in turn allowed the subsequent insulation and membrane works to be undertaken with no risk of water ingress.
On completion and inspection, a 20-year system warranty was issued as all the components had been purchased using SIG Roofing through the local depot in Exeter. Only installers who receive Armourplan product-specific training are permitted to install the full roof build up.
How AccuRoofcan support your CIF application for free
Roofing experts, AccuRoof, have been involved in many school roof projects using a free-to-access ten-step process:
- No obligation pre-inspection will quickly determine any issues on your roof. All surveys are undertaken with minimal disruption to the school day.
- Fully experienced Technical Managers will undertake a comprehensive roof survey and recommendations to include condition reports, specifications, photographic evidence internally and externally), appropriate drawings and
initial costings. - These are forwarded to the educational surveyors, who consult with the school to discuss the process and construct the CIF proposal to apply for funding.
- Surveyors and AccuRoof will continue to consult with the school, compile the comprehensive funding proposal and help the school make the submission for funding.
- AccuRoof provide detailed design drawings and produce specifications including for parapets, upstands, apertures, etc.
- Choosing the right system for the right solution, AccuRoof offer independent advice and will only specify the correct product for each application. We have access to a full portfolio of roofing products with excellent pedigrees and registered contractors to install them properly.
- Should the bids be successful, the surveyors will then place the works out to tender to our network of registered installers.
- Once tenders are received; they will be fully evaluated, and discussions will be held with the school to agree on the winning contractor. This could include meeting/interviews with the contractor and the school to ensure all parties work well together and understand how the works will progress.
- AccuRoof conducts inspections throughout the project and carries out a final inspection at completion.
- On satisfactory completion of final inspection and hand-over of the roof, AccuRoof will issue the relevant warranties to the school for your records and provide advice and assistance
on maintenance.
Why is the Service Free?
If we’ve carried out a pre-inspection and are satisfied, we can help you, AccuRoof provides our service to schools for free. This is because we are confident in ensuring funding for the project. It also allows us to manage the roof design process, the on-site process, and the product selection. This means that we can provide our customers with genuine, quality guarantees. We take the risk, so you don’t have to.
