Roof Glazing Replacement at Chester Railway Station
Project Overview
As part of a significant station upgrade, Chester Railway Station required the replacement of its roof glazing system. This case study highlights the successful installation of patent glazing in two key areas of the station – the high-level glazing within the station and the external low-level canopy glazing. The project encompassed the use of traditional aluminium patent glazing bars with wings and 6.8mm clear laminated Class A safety glass, ensuring both functionality and safety.
Scope of Work
The project’s primary objective was to replace the existing glazing with new patent glazing across a total area of 5,000m². The work was divided into two distinct areas:
- High-Level Glazing within the Station: In this section, traditional aluminium patent glazing bars with wings were used to support and secure the new glazing. The choice of materials and techniques aimed to maintain the station’s historical aesthetic while improving its functionality.
- External Low-Level Canopy Glazing: The external canopy glazing was similarly updated with traditional aluminium patent glazing bars with wings. The glazing panels were single glazed with 6.8mm clear laminated Class A safety glass, ensuring safety compliance.
Challenges and Solutions
- Operational Continuity: A significant challenge was to ensure the station’s operational status during functioning hours. To address this, all works were scheduled during engineering hours, allowing the station to remain fully operational during regular service hours. This meant that work had to be completed efficiently and with minimal disruption to daily operations.
- Low-Level Canopy Installation: Installing the low-level canopy glazing posed a unique challenge. Scaffolding had to be removed at the end of each shift, which required a customised solution. Collaborating closely with scaffolding specialists, a bespoke scaffolding solution was devised to facilitate the safe and efficient removal and reinstallation of scaffolding components as required.
Project Outcome
The roof glazing replacement project at Chester Railway Station was executed successfully, improving both the station’s aesthetics and its operational functionality. The installation of 5,000m² of patent glazing, along with the use of traditional aluminium patent glazing bars with wings and 6.8mm clear laminated Class A safety glass, ensured a durable and safe glazing system.
By conducting all works during engineering hours, the station maintained its operational status, minimising disruptions to daily activities. The collaborative approach with scaffolding specialists resulted in a tailored solution that enabled the efficient installation and removal of scaffolding for the low-level canopy area.
This case study exemplifies an effective approach to roof glazing replacement, balancing the need for aesthetics and safety with the requirement for uninterrupted station operations, ultimately ensuring that Chester Railway Station continues to serve as a vital transportation hub for years to come.
Testimonial ~ Phil Haydon, Construction Manager at Galliford Try
“Standard Patent Glazing has once again demonstrated their expertise in delivering large-scale roof glazing projects. We entrusted them with the roof glazing replacement at Chester Railway Station, and they successfully executed this significant project. The challenges included the need to maintain the station’s operational continuity and historical aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality.
Standard Patent Glazing’s approach yielded a robust and secure glazing system that enhanced both the station’s appearance and operational functionality. Their meticulous scheduling of works during engineering hours allowed the station to remain fully operational during regular service hours, minimising disruptions. Furthermore, their collaborative problem-solving with scaffolding specialists resulted in a tailored solution that facilitated efficient installation and removal of patent glazing, particularly for the low-level canopy area. We are pleased with the successful delivery of this project and the expertise demonstrated by Standard Patent Glazing throughout the process.”
