The challenge

• An aged estate with a high volume of flat roofs all exhibiting different condition.
• Determining the work required and accurate and clear funding required.
• Producing a clear and accurate business case to support funding application.
• Ensuring effective and efficient procurement and best value for our client.
• Undertaking large scale roof replacement works within a live clinical setting.
• Ensuring compliant and safe management of works at all times.
• Working to a tight programme / deadline.
• Delivering work to an accurately controlled budget.

The solution

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Wirral estate is made up of a number of adjoining buildings, which are all over 30 years old and predominantly have flat roofs. Due to the age of the buildings a number of roofs are experiencing leaks and required replacement.

The initial challenge was to assess each roof to determine its condition, this information provided the detail to create a staggered replacement programme and an accurate value of work required.

PropCare led a detailed condition survey of over 40 roofs across the estate to determine their condition against CIBSE guidance. To ensure accurate condition data, PropCare identified specialist experts to work with in accordance with NHS procurement requirements. PropCare then reviewed the condition survey data to produce a five-year roof replacement plan based on condition.

On successfully completing the above PropCare produced a capital business case for our client to detail the work required within an accurate and clear funding application.

Once funding was achieved, PropCare led a detailed procurement process which ensured best value, followed by leading the mobilisation and delivery of the replacement of 12 roofs.

PropCare carefully appraised each roof area to determine the most efficient route to improve the waterproofing; ensured the materials used provided de-carbonisation upgrades to align with Trust net zero objectives; ensured fire compliance was adhered; whilst also ensuring the product installed would deliver the necessary quality and longevity for effective estate asset management with a life expectancy of at least 40 years- one of the longest available in the UK.

PropCare oversaw all aspects of the project, from preparation through to removal leading to replacement.

PropCare ensured the preparation phase went smoothly, overseeing removal of in-use and redundant plant, cabling, external guttering and roof lights; clearing internal gutters, repairing rotten cills and raising these to achieve the compliant 150mm height above the new roof covering. Redundant chases and penetrations were also made good. The roofs were prepared and built up for the new TA-30 system, insulating every roof to achieve a compliant 0.18W/m2K U value, tapering of insulation boards where required created the necessary falls to avoid future ponding.

PropCare oversaw all aspects of the replacement programme, ensuring works were completed to specification; Parapets were overlaid with insulation to mitigate cold bridge voids. All existing lead detailing work was removed and replaced with ParaFlash lead-free flashing, new roof lights were installed and finally all the existing plant re-instated.

The outcome

PropCare completed the project within the required timeframe and to budget, whilst ensuring compliant and safe management within a live clinical setting at all times.

The completed roof replacements ensure a first-class environment is provided to patients, visitors and staff at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Wirral.

In undertaking the work PropCare has supported the Trust in achieving elements of its de-carbonisation Green Plan targets through the standard of materials procured and installed whilst also providing a platform for introducing additional future green measures such as solar panels.

The new roofs are constructed to optimise their longevity without the risk of issues likely to accelerate their deterioration to support the delivery of clinical services for years to come.