The Links Primary School

The existing flat roof had reached the end of its serviceable life and was suffering from standing water and water ingress in multiple areas. While the timber deck was suitable for retention, the roof coverings required a full strip and replacement. The works were carefully planned to take place over the summer holiday period to minimise disruption to the school.

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Key Project Drivers

Several critical factors influenced the design and delivery of the project:

• Elimination of standing water across the roof area
• Achievement of a thermal performance of 0.18 W/m²K
• Compliance with BS 6229, particularly where minimal upstand heights existed
• Delivery within a tight programme aligned to the school summer holidays
• Provision of a durable solution supported by a 25-year warranty

To meet these requirements, Axter developed a bespoke tapered insulation design. This not only improved drainage falls but also enabled compliant upstands to be formed around windows and abutments where height constraints were present. In some locations, the thermal design required adjustment, including the formation of localised gutters, to maintain regulatory compliance.

Project Challenges

The project presented several logistical and technical challenges:

• Weather exposure: Located in the Northeast of England, the programme was vulnerable to changing weather conditions, making it essential that the roof remained watertight throughout the works.
• Fragile rooflights: Existing rooflights were identified during the initial survey as fragile and in need of replacement, requiring coordination and safe removal.
• Safety considerations: A lack of existing edge protection necessitated the installation of scaffold systems to ensure safe working conditions throughout the refurbishment.

Early identification of these risks allowed the project team to put appropriate mitigation measures in place before work commenced on site.

Axter's Solutions

Axter specified the Force Warm Roof System, providing a robust and long-lasting solution aligned with Spark Education Trust’s requirement for 25-year warranted systems across their school portfolio.

The system was selected for its proven performance, durability, and suitability for refurbishment projects where thermal enhancement and improved drainage are key objectives. Axter provided full design support, ensuring that the new roof build-up addressed the causes of previous failures and delivered long-term resilience.

Project Execution

Close collaboration between Axter, the installing contractor, and the client was central to the success of the project.

• Materials were ordered in advance to ensure availability and maintain programme certainty within the restricted holiday window.
• Regular pre-start and progress meetings with the Quality Assurance and Technical Sales team from Axter ensured clear communication and alignment between all parties.

This ensured that, despite the strict timelines in place to deliver the project before the re-opening of the school, works were completed with no disruption to the school or it's pupils.

Leveraging the LHC Framework to Unlock Funding and Deliver Value

A key enabler for the Spark Education Trust to successfully deliver the Links Primary School refurbishment was the involvement of the LHC (Public Sector Procurement Group) framework, a fully compliant public sector procurement route designed to support the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of schools and other public buildings. LHC frameworks provide pre‑tendered procurement solutions that streamline contract award, ensure value for money and allow public bodies to call off works from pre‑approved suppliers without repeating a full tender process.

Axter’s appointment to the LHC framework played a pivotal role in facilitating this route for the Trust. Through our framework position, we were able to introduce LHC directly to the client and the Trust’s professional team early in the planning phase, raising awareness of how the framework could be utilised as a procurement and funding mechanism. This introduction helped Spark Education Trust to consider and adopt LHC’s framework approach as part of their procurement strategy for the project.

Collaboration and Stakeholders

The project benefited from strong collaboration between key stakeholders:

• Spark Education Trust, as client, setting clear performance and warranty requirements
• M&J Roofing, as an Axter-accredited installer, delivers the works on site
• DfE / NPA, whose funding support enabled the inclusion of tapered insulation and new rooflights that may otherwise have been unaffordable

This collaborative approach helped ensure the project was delivered efficiently, safely, and to the required quality standards.

Performance and Environmental Impact

Following completion, the refurbished roof has significantly improved the thermal performance of the building envelope. Achieving a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K will support reduced heat loss and contribute to lower energy consumption and running costs for the school.

By extending the lifespan of the roof and enhancing its thermal efficiency, the project supports Spark Education Trust’s long-term sustainability and asset management objectives.

Axter’s Role

Axter was involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial site surveys and condition assessments through to system design, technical support during installation, and final sign-off. This end-to-end involvement ensured the delivered solution met performance, compliance, and warranty requirements, providing the client with confidence in the long-term integrity of the roof.