Can we refurbish the roof while the building stays open?

Often some or all of a commercial building can stay in use during roof refurbishment, but the decision depends on the survey, the work and what happens beneath it. Get an agreed plan for which areas can operate, which must close temporarily and what would cause the team to pause.

Start with how the site actually runs

Map shift changes, loading windows, emergency routes, customer entrances and any processes that cannot tolerate water, dust or interruption. Record areas with sensitive stock or equipment. Give the contractor a nominated operations contact and a way to agree changes with affected tenants.

Agree what happens in each phase

1. Define the area. Identify the work zone above, what is directly below and where the team can set up without interfering with normal access.
2. Agree the restriction. Specify whether the area stays open, needs segregating or requires a short closure. Agree who can reopen it and on what basis.
3. Plan the handover between phases. Ask what will be protected at the end of each shift, who communicates programme changes and what the plan is if weather delays the next stage.
4. Check critical operations. Confirm any effect on ventilation, rooftop plant, deliveries and emergency arrangements with those responsible for the building.

What phasing looks like in practice

In a published case study from Horsham, Maguire Brothers describes sequencing works at an occupied manufacturing plant and using weekend or out-of-hours periods around the site's operations. The procurement lesson is to identify the work that needs a special window early, so bidders can price it and the operations team can plan around it.

What to ask for before work starts

Ask for a marked-up phase plan, agreed working hours, emergency contacts and a list of decisions the site team will escalate. Where fragile roof surfaces, rooflights or asbestos may be involved, share available records with the competent project team and agree the implications for occupation before works are programmed.

References. HSE guidance on roof work and Maguire Brothers’ Horsham manufacturing plant case study.