De-vegetation and Brickwork Repairs at Eckersley Mill, Wigan

Client

Heaton Group

Duration

5 Days

Location

Wigan

Sector

Heritage

The brief

Orb Rope Access was tasked with the de-vegetation of a chimney stack situated on the new Eckersley Mill development in Wigan. The primary objective was to clear vegetation from the structure, but the scope quickly expanded as critical safety issues were discovered during the access phase. The client required a safe, efficient solution that could handle the challenging height and exposure of the chimney.

The building

The project focused on a prominent chimney stack within the historic Eckersley Mill complex, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment by the Heaton Group. Due to the significant height and the exposed nature of the structure, the chimney is subject to constant weathering. These conditions made traditional access methods difficult, highlighting the value of our specialist rope access techniques.

The work

Rigging the tower presented a significant challenge. However, thanks to our team’s extensive experience and precise planning, we were able to rig the tower safely and establish a secure system of work.

Upon accessing the top of the tower, our technicians discovered a serious issue that had not been visible from ground level. Many areas of brickwork were loose and imminent to failing. Before proceeding with the de-vegetation, our team immediately made these areas safe, preventing a potential falling object hazard.

For the repointing phase, we selected lime mortar rather than modern cement. Lime is far superior for this type of structure as it allows the building to breathe. It also flexes with the movements of the building, which prevents cracking and failing under the constant stress of the elements.

Benefits to the client

The project was completed successfully within the provided time frame. By using rope access, we were able to identify and rectify dangerous loose brickwork that ground based surveys had missed, significantly improving site safety. The client at the Heaton Group was delighted with the overall outcome of the works, ensuring the chimney is now safe and stable for the next phase of the development.

Heaton Group

What our clients say about us

Absolutely delighted with the outcome of the works, can't praise ORB highly enough for the all elements of the project, will certainly be using them again on any future projects.

The gutters on our building had not been cleaned for some years. In places they were choked with vegetation and this was causing water ingress into the building whenever we had heavy rain. Access, because of height was an issue. Orb Rope did a fantastic job and resolved the water ingress problem which had become a big concern. The technicians came when they said they would, carried out the work they said they would and left the area clean and tidy. The work was done promptly. We found the technicians knowledgeable and helpful. We would have no hesitation in recommending your company.

“Orb Rope Access have run several projects at Scarisbrick Hall. We have found them to be efficient, reliable and have completed their works on time and on budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending them. Well done Matt and team, keep up the good work.”

" I have worked with Matt and Orb since 2010, on many various tasks within the stadium and training ground, this includes floodlight painting and lamp changes, high level window cleaning, maintenance and repairs to various roofs to include tin, plastic and fiberglass roofs. The fitting of new high level signage and banners, and many other jobs. They helped to develop our rescue plan for our own engineers when working on the floodlights. They are always available when we have had storm damage, working well into the night to complete repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company for any type of rope work/high level maintenance, and have done on several occasions. "

"Orb Rope Access have completed numerous projects at St Johns for the past 5 years; Including the reseal of the famous St Johns Beacon! I find them professional, reliable, and very financially competitive. They are a highly recommended contractor of mine and a joy to work with."

"Orb Rope Access were introduced to us as we required a high-level structural inspection solution. Given the nature of the project we needed a service partner who could provide excellent levels of safety coupled with knowledge and capability in delivering the standards we required. Orb didn’t fail to impress, there attention to detail and professionalism throughout the process was second to none."

"I have had the pleasure of working with Orb rope access on a few roofing projects now, and have to say that despite the difficult nature of the work that they do in terms of access they also have an ability to transfer that expertise and attention to detail to the work carried out on site. Top work from a top company!"

"Inleaf specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of living walls throughout the UK. Living walls, by their nature, often require specialist access for installation and maintenance and so we commonly work with Orb Rope Access to provide specialist advice and assistance with projects that require abseiling access. Orb Rope Access have always been friendly, straightforward and professional to deal with. We've found them to be 100% reliable and excellent at working closely with our team when on site, either following specific instructions or using their own initiative when required."

This is the second time we have used Orb for high-level work. We are very satisfied with the job done. The team arrived on site at exactly on time, kept me informed of progress and provided photographs of the completed work for my records. I would have no hesitation in using the company for future work.

Here at Liverpool Cathedral , as you can guess there is a challenge to gain access to problems at height. We have used the services of ORB for several years now and they provide us with a professional and safe service which is beyond our means.

Before ORB came to us for roof work it was very difficult to find anyone who would go on the roof. Scaffolding is very expensive. The men who come to carry out the work are polite and a pleasure to deal with and St Oswald's are so grateful for their expertise.

"We instructed the team from Orb to carry out the removal of aluminum cladding, from booking the initial call through to carrying out the works, the process was smooth and efficient. The office staff where really nice and helpful and the team who carried out the works did so to the highest standard. I would not hesitate to refer the team at Orb to any of my professional contacts."

Bottle Oven De-vegetation at Gladstone Pottery Museum

High Risk Confined Space Rescue Support in Manchester

High-Rise Structural Inspection and Sampling at Boyswell House

View all >>

Get In Touch

At Orb Rope Access we are very proud to be an IRATA Member Company and hold Safe Contractor status. If you are looking for a trusted partner to assist with projects that require working at height or confined space, please get in touch for a no-obligation quote or by calling 0781 333 9064.