RAAC Roof Removal At St Teresa’s RC Primary School

The Brief

All the affected buildings were single-storey structures featuring masonry walls with steel roof beams supporting RAAC panels. Following the identification of safety concerns, the brief called for the safe removal of the RAAC panels, replacement of the roof structure with a compliant, insulated roof system in line with Building Regulations, and upgrades to fire detection and means of escape provisions. The works needed to be delivered quickly and safely, with minimal disruption. For this RAAC project the team agreed with the Planning Authority that the work could be carried out under a Lawful Development Certificate which was issued by Darlington BC.

The Solution

To deliver this, the interior spaces were stripped back to the plaster walls to allow for the installation of a crash deck and a fully scaffolded temporary roof, providing protection to both the workforce and the building during the work. Once the RAAC panels were safely removed, a new steel deck was installed, followed by a fully insulated roof system compliant with current Building Regulations. Fire detection systems and means of escape were upgraded to meet the latest standards. In agreement with the Planning Authority, the project were delivered under a Lawful Development Certificate issued by Darlington Borough Council. As a result, BHCET became one of the first education trusts in the UK to successfully remove all RAAC roof panels from their estate, achieving this within just six months of the government’s directive to close affected school buildings. This swift action helped ensure minimal disruption to the education of the children in their care.