HOWELLS SUPPLIES ROOFLIGHTS FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
Larger, heavier glass is becoming more common. Tracey Jackson, business development manager for Howells Patent Glazing explains the steps the business has taken to ensure a safe and precise installation, every time.
In recent years we’ve seen a surge in oversized glazing with designers and homeowners seeking to blur the boundaries between inside and out and boost natural light levels in extensions and conversions. This has also led to increased demand for higher-performance glass such as triple glazing and laminated glass which can weigh significantly more than standard glazed units.
As a business supplying and installing bespoke glazed aluminium roof products, we’re having to hire cranes more frequently as products exceed manual handling guidance.
While we are well-accustomed to using mini cranes and suction lifters for large-format glazing in domestic jobs, we’re also using larger, mobile cranes more regularly, as demand for even bigger glazed apertures grows. With this experience, we have developed a crane assessment method which other rooflight installers may benefit from. Here are some of the factors we consider.
Site Suitability
First up, ground conditions. Is there a stable, level and hard surface for splayed supports, and/or will we need mats and/or hard core down first? A mobile crane requires road or hardstanding access, especially if lifting glass units over a house or onto a roof. If it’s located on a road then a permit is required. Is there adequate space for safe operation? The exclusion zone depends on the crane type, load and any site specific risks.
Crane specification
Working with our design manager and technical team, and crane providers we specify the height and reach needed. The glass weight is critical – the heavier the glass, the bigger the crane. We must also factor in the personnel required for a safe and compliant lift.
Tip: visit site early in the process – it’s time well spent and use the Google Earth measuring tool.
Weather conditions
Typically, you need to give 24-hours’ notice (with some companies requiring up to three days’ notice) to cancel a crane. This is largely determined by the weather. For accuracy, we use a trusted weather app developed specifically for outdoor activities. It is unsafe to use a crane in wind speeds greater than 20mph. Plus, rain can render the vacuum suckers unsafe and unusable.
Where are materials being lifted from?
Restricted space and security risks onsite can also impact the lift process. Lifting from a standard ground storage stillage is fine, however, if we need to lift the elements to the roof, then a crane-able stillage is required. This must be ordered in advance and brought to site, with the necessary Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) certification provided to the main contractor. At this point, we must also check the roof or scaffolding load capacity, it must be capable of supporting the stillage weight (circa 200kg) + material weight.
Once all site, equipment, weather and certificate checks are complete then work can be scheduled.
Do you need help with a supersized rooflight enquiry, then get in touch and benefit from Howells’ 50+ years’ manufacturing experience and installation expertise.
