Post-Roof Structural Installation of Air Makeup Unit

Project Overview

Solid Hook was contracted to complete the post-roof structural installation of a large air makeup unit at the Niagara WEGO Transit Service Facility. Due to a two-month manufacturing delay, the unit arrived after roof framing had already been completed, eliminating the originally planned installation sequence.

With the structural roof system in place, vertical clearance between the top of the unit and the underside of the framing was reduced to approximately 4 inches. This restricted height tolerance required a revised lift strategy and precise elevation control throughout final placement.

The operation began with controlled offloading from the delivery truck and staging on a rough gravel construction surface. In coordination with the site contractor, the ground was leveled to establish a stable working zone. Steel ground protection plates were installed to distribute load and stabilize lifting equipment prior to elevation.

Before final placement, the unit was repositioned closer to the installation area to minimize movement during the lift. Using multiple forklifts in synchronized configuration, the crew executed a controlled incremental elevation sequence. Structural height tolerances were verified prior to and during elevation to maintain safe clearance beneath the roof framing while positioning the unit between the roof structure and the first-floor level.

Through detailed lift planning, coordinated execution, and controlled height management, the air makeup unit was successfully staged, elevated, and positioned within the completed structure despite extremely tight vertical clearance.