At McNeil Engineering, we pride ourselves on meeting project deadlines. When we meet with clients, part of our process is to lay out realistic timeframes for a project’s completion. With our decades of experience, we know how easily project schedules and delays can happen, so we always set realistic expectations during the planning process and leave time in the schedule for unexpected delays. This process has served us well and helped us meet project deadlines for major projects and be transparent with our clients about the time required to complete a project.
But sometimes, project deadlines are not flexible, and we must work within a tighter timeframe to meet a client’s needs. One of our most recent projects, a new roof for Holt Elementary School in the Davis School district in Utah, was such a project.
Meeting the school’s needs
To replace the aging asphalt roof would require a complete overhaul of the existing roof structure. However, the school still needed to remain operational, so the timeline was very tight. We could only work from when school ended in May until school started again in August. To complete this project, our team had to prepare a rigorous plan to guide the roofing process and ensure that the contractor was able to complete the work on time for students returning to school. How did we do it? Here’s some insight into our process.
Initial assessment
Before work started, our roofing consultation team assessed the existing roof structure. We checked for aging materials and structural vulnerabilities. This initial assessment helped us determine the project’s scope and the repairs’ extent. In this case, the aging asphalt roof needed to be replaced.
Our next step was carefully preparing a design that would suit the school’s needs. We determined that a durable, energy-efficient 80-mill PVC membrane roof would be the best solution in this case. This design would ensure long-term durability and improve insulation and drainage to keep the roof in good shape for years. Using precise measurements and records from our initial assessment, we prepared this design for client approval.
The shift from an asphalt roof to a PVC membrane was a deliberate choice for long-term durability, energy efficiency and drainage. PVC is a synthetic resin that’s resistant to chemicals, grease, and fire. It’s also UV-resistant and holds up in strong winds. As a roofing material, it provides excellent building insulation and creates a watertight seal that protects the building from water damage. It’s also low-maintenance and easy to install, which helped with the project’s tight timeframe.
Choosing the right partners
Our next step on this project was to oversee the contractor bidding process. Since the timeframe was tight, we had to choose an experienced contractor who could meet the project’s needs on time and within budget. We put out bid requests and received several competitive bids from reputable contractors known for quality work. Working with the school district, we guided the process of selecting the right partner for the project.
At this point, no work had actually been started on the roof. All of the initial planning, design, and bid processes were completed before work was due to start. By staging the initial phases of this project during the school year, we maximized our construction time starting in May and had a plan, contractor, and supplies in place for work when school ended.
Monitoring the work
Once school was out, work on the roof began. Our contractor team was extremely thorough, and we monitored their work with regular site inspections to ensure quality work was done and to help the team adhere to the schedule. It was a tough job that required the entire team to do their best work in a tight timeframe, but when August came, the new roof was fully installed just in time for school to start.
Our time working on the Holt Elementary School roof project was a delight. We learned a lot, and as a team, we tested our skills for working quickly. We don’t often have such tight deadlines on our projects, but it’s nice to know that when we do come up against them, our team has the skills to deliver!
So, if you’re looking for a partner to oversee the installation or repair of our roof, contact our roofing consultation team. They have extensive experience in roofing projects, from large-scale commercial roofs to residential ones. With our help, you’ll get the oversight and technical expertise you need to ensure your project is done well, on time, and within your budget. Reach out for a consultation with our roofing team today!
