Rafferty Steeplejacks

Rafferty Steeplejacks Commended

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:50:25 +0000

Rafferty’s have successfully completed a full refurbishment of a 40m high brick chimney at Aizlewood’s Mill, in Sheffield. A brief description of the repair works included the following;

Installation of multi-lift scaffolding at the termination point of the stack complete with safety netting.
Man riding cradle access was installed to enable safe access to all elevations of the chimney below the termination point scaffolding.
Careful restoration of the chimneys decorative stone head.
Cutting out and replacing spalled bricks on all elevations.
Raking out and re-pointing mortar joints throughout the full height of the chimney on all elevations.
Repairs to existing steel retaining bands and corner angle irons.
Manufacture and installation of a stainless steel capping arrangement.
Modifications to the lightning protection system to comply with BS EN 62305:2006.

On completion of the works our customer was so pleased with the conduct of our company and the steeplejacks on site that they took the time to write a letter of gratitude to which all at Rafferty’s were very grateful to receive (please see copy below). Rafferty’s would like to take this opportunity to thank Catherine and everyone involved at Aizlewood’s Mill for their hospitality and kind words of appreciation for the service we provided.

The photographs below show the chimney repairs carried out.

Rafferty’s Trainee Steeplejack Achieves Top Awards

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:24:25 +0000

Last night saw the Steeplejack & Lightning Protection Training Group awards ceremony in which Peter Nuthall, one of Rafferty’s trainee steeplejacks, achieved two prestigious awards. Peter has been with the company for over three years and has attended the National Construction College at Bircham Newton to qualify as a steeplejack. Peter won the Bert Bird Award for best portfolio and the Barry Congreave Trophy for best overall achiever. The picture below shows Carl Woodroffe, Contracts Director of Rafferty’s, presenting the awards to Peter.

The directors of Rafferty’s are immensely proud of Peter’s achievements which are a testament to his character and work ethic. We would like to wish him all the very best in his chosen career and look forward to working with him in the future.

GMP Museum Contract Awarded

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:02:39 +0000

Rafferty Steeplejacks have been awarded a contract to carry out the complete refurbishment of a 27m high brick chimney at the Greater Manchester Police Museum in Central Manchester. The works will include the following;

Installation of safety fan deck scaffolding directly above roof level to protect members of the public in the event of falling debris.
Installation of multi-lift scaffolding throughout the full height of the chimney above roof level. The multi-lift scaffold arrangement will be fully enclosed using Monarflex sheeting.
Cutting out and replacing approximately 60 No. spalled bricks on all elevations.
Raking out and re-pointing of all mortar joints throughout the full height of the chimney on all elevations.
Repairs to the chimneys stone head and replacement of existing steel retaining band at the termination point.
Design & installation of a new lightning protection system to comply with BS EN 62305:2006.

ATLAS Registered Steeplejack Companies

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:08:09 +0000

In the current economic

Steeplejacks to Repair 19th Century Water Tower

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:35:59 +0000

A valued customer in Burton-On-Trent has awared Rafferty’s a contract to carry out maintenance repairs to a 19th Century water tower. The water tower was constructed in 1866 and stands approximately 34m high above ground level.

Rafferty’s were initially contracted to replace the Union Jack flag at the termination point of the tower and carry out an all elevation inspection of the structure using rope access techniques.

The inspection revealed defects that would be expected of a 145 year old structure. All defects were deteailed in a comprehensive report and photographic log for the clients consideration. A suitable repair method was then formulated by Rafferty’s who were then instructed to proceed with the restoration works which include the following;

Cutting out and replacing approximately 400 No. spalled bricks on all elevations.
Replacing a defective area of stonework with new which will be re-bed and doweled into position.
Removal of moss and vegetation from brickwork and mortar joints.
Raking out and re-pointing of perished mortar joints on all elevations.
Chasing out and sealing of various fractures on all elevations.
Modifications to the lightning protection system to comply with current standards.

Safe access to all elevations of the structure will be achieved by using suspended platforms which can be elevated to all levels of the tower. The duration of the contract is expected to be 5/6 weeks weather depending and will require a team of 3 steeplejack operatives.

Brick Chimney Repairs Underway

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:44:45 +0000

The external repairs on a 30m high brick chimney in Gloucestershire UK are well underway in preparation for the sites Christmas shutdown. A team of 3 steeplejack operatives are currently carrying out the work which includes the installation of specialised access scaffolding at the termination point, along with fracture repairs and re-painting of external steelwork. Internal maintenance repairs to the brick lining is planned for the Christmas shutdown and includes an internal washdown and partial demolition and re-building of the internal brick lining. Please click on the following photographs to enlarge.

Views of a Steeplejack

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:04:22 +0000

The views of different Cities seen by steeplejacks is spectacular. Rafferty’s are currently working on two 89m high steel chimneys in London UK. The following photograph was taken from the top of the chimney and shows a stunning view of the City of London and River Thames.

Steeplejacks Reserved For Christmas Shutdown

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:47:06 +0000

A valued customer based in Gloucestershire UK has awarded Rafferty’s a contract to carry out external and internal maintenance works on a 30m high brick chimney during the Christmas period.

The external maintenance work includes pointing of fractures and re-painting of external steelwork. The internal maintenance work includes a washdown and partial demolition and re-building of the internal refractory brick lining. The internal brick lining repairs are crucial to the sites production for the new year so a strict planning schedule has been implemented to ensure that the shutdown dates are achieved.

Finally, when you are enjoying the festivities this year please spare a thought for the steeplejacks working up high amongst the soot of the chimneys around the UK. For these hardy men it will definitely not be a white Christmas!

Northern Ireland Contract Complete

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:33:41 +0000

Rafferty’s have successfully completed structural repair works to a 73.2m high steel chimney in the Northern Ireland.

A re-design and feasibility study of the structure was initially carried out which revealed that structural modifications and repairs were required to ensure the structural integrity of the chimney. This involved installing stiffening steelwork between the 20m and 24m level along with removing the existing helical strake wind stabilers and replacing them with a liquid filled stabilising damper system.

A team of 3 steeplejacks and welder platers successfully completed the project to the complete satisfaction of the client and without any disruption to the operating conditions of the chimney.

The following photographs outline the works carried out.

London Contract Secured

Rafferty Steeplejacks — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Rafferty’s have secured a sizable contract to carry out maintenance works on 2 No. 89m high twin flue steel chimneys and 1 No. 33m high multi flue steel chimney for a valued customer in London, UK.

The maintenance works are planned to start at the end of September and will require a specialised team of steeplejack operatives for a duration of nearly 8 weeks.