Residential Roof Removal & Re-Shaping

At Stronghold Hire, every project comes with its own unique challenges, and this recent scaffold and shrink wrap installation in Vaucluse was no exception.

The project involved providing a fully engineered scaffold structure complete with a weatherproof shrink wrap roof enclosure to allow a major renovation of an existing residence. The scope of works included the complete removal and re-shaping of the roof, installation of new wall cladding, replacement windows, and extensive external upgrades.

With the home already fully completed internally, there was absolutely no tolerance for water ingress. Protecting the property from Sydney’s unpredictable weather was critical from day one.

Trying a New Scaffold System

Due to an exceptionally busy period across our business, we made the decision to cross-hire scaffold material for this project. This also gave us the opportunity to work with the AT-PAC scaffold system for the first time.

We were impressed by the versatility and quality of the system. Fortunately, several members of our scaffold team had previous experience working with AT-PAC equipment, allowing us to maintain productivity and ensure the scaffold was erected safely and efficiently. As with all projects of this size and complexity, the scaffold was constructed to an engineered design, ensuring the structure could safely support both the working platforms and the substantial wind loads associated with a shrink wrap enclosure.

Engineering Around Anchor Challenges

One of the biggest challenges on this project was finding suitable tie locations. The existing structure only provided brickwork for approximately the first three metres of height. Above this level, traditional anchor locations became extremely limited.

Working closely with the project team during the tender stage, a solution was developed whereby scaffold ties would be connected into the roof truss structure. We also identified that sections of the roof framing would be progressively removed and replaced during construction.

To accommodate this, our proposal included planned return visits throughout the project to relocate and reconfigure ties as various sections of the roof structure were demolished and rebuilt. Factoring this into the planning stage ensured the scaffold could remain compliant and stable throughout all stages of the works.

Weather Delays Continue to Mount

While the scaffold installation itself progressed well, the weather had other ideas. Persistent wind and rain repeatedly delayed the installation of the shrink wrap roof. Like many construction projects across Sydney over the past year, this job found itself at the mercy of the forecast. As the delays continued to build, a decision was eventually made to push forward and install the shrink wrap despite conditions being less than ideal. The project needed to get moving, and everyone involved understood the importance of getting the property protected as quickly as possible.

The enclosure was successfully completed, however we did experience a small amount of water tracking through several roof weld lines during periods of particularly heavy rain. Would we have preferred to install the wrap in perfect conditions? Absolutely. But construction doesn’t always allow for perfect conditions.

Finding Solutions When Problems Arise

At Stronghold Hire, we believe being honest about challenges is just as important as celebrating successes. The reality is that when shrink wrap is installed during adverse weather conditions, there is an increased risk of minor imperfections in weld quality. In this case, some isolated drip lines developed during heavy rainfall events. Fortunately, this is not something we haven’t encountered before.

Our solution was straightforward and effective. Internal zinc collection gutters were installed beneath the affected weld lines. Any moisture that managed to penetrate the enclosure during severe weather was captured and directed away from the building. While this wasn’t the outcome we would have ideally chosen, it ensured the interior of the property remained protected and allowed the roofing contractor to continue progressing works without significant interruption.

Construction projects are rarely about avoiding every problem. More often, they are about identifying problems early and implementing practical solutions. That’s exactly what happened here.

Tight Access and Material Handling

Like many properties in Vaucluse, access presented its own set of logistical challenges. Street access was limited and the available area inside the property for unloading scaffold materials was restricted by established landscaping and large perimeter hedges.

Fortunately, our truck-mounted HIAB crane with a 10-metre reach proved invaluable. The crane allowed us to safely lift materials over obstacles and place them directly into the property, significantly reducing manual handling requirements. Deliveries were carefully staged throughout the project, ensuring materials were installed and utilised before subsequent loads arrived. This minimised storage requirements and helped maintain a tidy and efficient worksite.

Communication is Key

One aspect that contributed significantly to the success of this project was the client’s understanding of the challenges involved.
Potential weather delays, anchor relocation requirements and access constraints were all discussed during the tender stage. By setting realistic expectations from the outset, everyone involved was able to work collaboratively when unforeseen issues arose. The result was a successful scaffold and weather protection solution that allowed major roof alterations to proceed while protecting a completed home below.

Need a Full Weather Protection Solution?

Stronghold Hire provides engineered scaffold, shrink wrap weather protection, temporary roof systems, edge protection and access solutions throughout Sydney. Whether your project involves a roof replacement, remedial works, façade upgrades or a complete weatherproof enclosure, our team can design and install a solution tailored to your site’s specific requirements.

Contact Stronghold Hire today to discuss your next project.