RAAC removal: what it involves, and what to price first

What RAAC removal involves

1. Make safe. Areas at risk are propped or closed off under the advice of a structural engineer.
2. Decant. The people who use the space move out, often into temporary accommodation, for the length of the works.
3. Strip out. Roof coverings, insulation, ceilings and services are removed so the planks can be taken out.
4. Remove the planks. The RAAC is cut out and taken away, usually with cranage and the roof open to the weather.
5. Build the new structure. A new deck is designed and built, then waterproofed, insulated and finished, and services are reinstated.
6. Move back in. Only once the new roof is complete.

When removal is the right answer

Some planks are beyond strengthening, and some buildings are being rebuilt for other reasons. A survey and assessment tells you which planks those are, so removal can be limited to the planks that need it rather than the whole roof.

The alternative: keep the planks and strengthen them

Where the assessment shows planks can be kept, they can be strengthened in place with bespoke CFRP while the building stays open. No decant, no strip-out, no new roof. Across the RAAC tenders we cost, a bespoke CFRP scheme engineered for that exact roof frequently comes in at well below 15 per cent of the cost of full replacement. On one tender, a roof costed at around £40 million to replace was priced for strengthening at under £4 million.

That is why we recommend pricing strengthening before committing to removal. If removal is still the right route, you will know it is for the right reasons.

RAAC removal in schools

For schools, removal usually means moving classes into temporary classrooms for the works. Strengthening is planned around the school year, with work in holidays and out of hours, so classrooms stay in use. RAAC in schools.