Dixons Croxteth Academy, Liverpool

Project description

Dixons Academies Trust is a well-established multi-academy trust that aims to challenge educational and social disadvantage in Yorkshire and the North West.

The trust transforms schools into safe and high-performing learning environments, enabling students from all backgrounds to realise their potential and maximise their opportunities after school.

Alpha Roofing Systems was brought in to refurbish two roof areas at Dixons Croxteth Academy in Liverpool after the existing waterproofing failed.

A number of complex challenges arose from the start; after stripping back the aged and failed single ply system, Alpha identified a water-saturated bituminous roof beneath, which also overlaid the original asphalt waterproofing.

The excess weight imposed on the roof from the multiple, heavily saturated waterproofing systems led to cracking and depressions in the deck, as well as rusting of reinforcement within the structure.

This meant that, before installation work could even begin, many hours of labour were required to remove the top two waterproofing layers to expose the original asphalt. What’s more, this work had to be undertaken both during term time and a period of heavy rainfall.

Solution and installation

After close consultation with their IKO business manager, Mark Taylor, the Alpha team selected the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 waterproofing system for this project.

To adhere to Department of Education requirements, a 35-year durability statement was necessary, so the long-lasting, durable finish offered by the IKO ULTRA Prevent system was ideal.

Challenges continued to come thick and fast throughout the project; after stripping the roof back to the asphalt waterproofing, a large expansion joint was found near the clerestory window. Tapered designs were subsequently adjusted to accommodate.

30 tonnes of waste material – primarily due to the uplift of the previous failed waterproofing systems – also had to be removed from the roof over the course of a week.

Furthermore, complex design variables meant that Alpha could not fully determine the existing roof falls until the roof had been sufficiently exposed. Working closely with the IKO technical team, design information and solutions were identified to keep the project on track.

To complicate matters further, Alpha was also required to carry out this extensive work during active teaching time. This presented not only additional health & safety considerations but also the need to minimise disruption.

With a stringent construction phase plan and regular active monitoring, the project was completed with a zero incident/accident rate and excellent feedback from the client on Alpha’s approach to safety.

Despite a number of hurdles and complexities to overcome, Alpha Roofing Systems delivered the project ahead of time and within budget, providing a low maintenance, long-lasting roof for Dixons Croxteth Academy and a satisfying outcome for all involved.