Warehouse Roof Collapse Hull Roof & Building Inspection

Overview

Mason Clark Associates (MCA) were appointed by PBS Construction (NE) Ltd to undertake inspections to a Grade II listed warehouse, formerly a goods station for the North Eastern Railway Company.

The warehouse had suffered a roof collapse following storm damage in December 2021.

Challenges and Solutions

This project involved remedial work to severe storm damage and presented several challenges. Major considerations included the age of the building and safety concerns following the extensive partial collapse to the warehouse roof. Our team overcame these challenges through detailed inspections and careful planning:

• Listed Building Consent: The methodology for the repairs was significantly impacted due to the Grade II listed status of the Building. MCA managed the submission of the Listed Building Consent application, liaising regularly with the local authority to explore how the reconstruction work could be undertaken, allowing for the necessary repairs to be carried out without compromising its historic and architectural value.
• Safety Measures: Following our initial inspections to evaluate the damage, a number of safety concerns were raised, the conclusion being that this part of the building was unsafe to enter. A planned approach was developed using temporary propping to enable safe access, while remote 3D scanning was used to overcome the inability to see some of the out of reach parts, followed by a MEWP inspection and measuring of each truss.
• Specification of Materials: Due to the listed status of the building, there were various stipulations as to what materials were appropriate for use. The works incorporated the use of new common rafters, purlins and new trusses, as most of the existing roof timbers were incapable of salvage, while a replacement FSC certified softwood was specified for the main trusses.

MCA's Contribution

Our contributions included the following services:

• Specific Defect Inspection: a site visit was essential to identify the specific defects following the storm damage, whilst also highlighting any immediate safety concerns.
• Structural Appraisal Report: following our inspection, a detailed report was compiled which advised on the structural significance of the identified defects.
• Investigation & Design Services: to determine the best alternative materials, where the original materials could not be replaced. Undertaking 3D laser scanning to assist with providing essential drawings and design for all aspects of the new roof.
• Site visits: our engineers attended site on a regular basis, working closely with the Client and Conservation Officer to give advice as queries arose, and where necessary amending drawings and designs to prevent delays with the works programme.

Results

This heritage-conscious reconstruction has been recognised and rewarded with the ‘Good Mark’ certificate from the Hull Civic Society, for its sympathetic repairs of the roof on their Grade II listed Warehouse.