Designed, Fabricated & Installed by J Johnstone Engineering
J Johnstone Engineering recently completed the removal and replacement of a rooftop staircase at a second-floor property in Harrington, Workington. The new system features a double landing galvanised steel staircase, complete with two flights of steps and matching galvanised handrails — all supported on a felted flat roof, where no ground fixings were permitted.
With no external access for lifting gear, every component had to be carried manually through the house, so the entire system was fabricated in modular sections for safe, efficient installation.
📍 Project Overview
The client needed to replace a deteriorating access stair serving the upper rear level of their home. Working conditions were challenging:
- The structure sat on a second-floor flat felted roof with no anchoring allowed through the surface
- All steelwork had to be sized and carried through the interior of the building — no crane access or scaffold lifts were possible
Our team managed the safe removal of the old system and delivered a new staircase, engineered in-house using C-section mild steel channel, galvanised for long-term protection, and installed with precision.
🔧 Fabrication & Installation Highlights
- Framework built using mild steel C-section channel for strength and weight efficiency
- Two stair flights with a mid-landing, maximising safety in a tight footprint
- Slip-resistant tread plate steps
- All components hot-dip galvanised for corrosion resistance
- Handrails fabricated and matched to stair profile
- Modular build approach: each section designed for easy transport and site assembly
- Spread base plates used to sit securely on roof surface without breaching felt membrane
Every detail was considered — from fabrication to final bolt — to ensure a clean, safe, and long-lasting installation under complex conditions.
✅ The Result
The finished staircase offers secure, long-term rooftop access that complies with safety requirements and fits perfectly within the space. The C-section channel framework keeps the structure lightweight yet extremely strong, while the galvanised finish ensures resistance to the elements for years to come.
The client was highly satisfied with the final result and appreciated the careful planning and tidy execution of a difficult job.
💬 Need a Custom Staircase for a Difficult Location?
With over 45 years of experience, J Johnstone Engineering provides bespoke steel staircases, handrails, platforms, and access structures throughout Cumbria and the North West. Whether you’re working on a tight site, a roof, or a building with limited access — we build solutions that work.
📞 Get in touch today to arrange a site visit or receive a tailored quote.