Client

Chesterfield Borough Council

Value

£250k

Sectors & Services

Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Concrete Repair Coatings Cleaning & Preparation External Façade Refurbishment Projects

Over a two-year period, Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) delivered a series of structural surveys and remedial works across Chesterfield Council’s housing stock, encompassing low and medium rise residential blocks at Grangewood Estate, Medlock Way, Waverley Court, and Ashcroft Court. These occupied assets include concrete prefab houses, communal balconies, walkways, and stairwells that had developed defects through age and exposure.

The programme was initiated to establish accurate asset condition data and to address identified safety and durability issues. Working within live environments and, at times, under strict Covid-19 regulations, CRL provided a coordinated approach to investigation, repair, and refurbishment to support the Council’s ongoing asset management objectives.

Services undertaken

  • Concrete repairs

  • Application of anti-slip coatings to stairs and entrance halls

  • Application of decorative coatings to walls and soffits

  • Deck and balcony waterproofing

  • Structural drainage repairs

  • Crack injection

  • Mastic joint renewal

  • Structural strengthening works

  • Refurbishment of concrete lintels

  • External refurbishment

  • Removal of unsafe concrete roof to outbuilding

  • Tenant liaison during occupied works under Covid-19 restrictions

Tailored tools for every job

The works commenced with detailed structural and condition surveys undertaken by CRL Surveys. These included intrusive investigations to concrete prefab houses, balconies, and walkways, alongside targeted assessments of stairwells and communal areas. The surveys identified the causes and extent of defects within structural concrete elements, allowing repair strategies to be developed that were proportionate, technically robust, and aligned with the intended service life of the assets.

Remedial works varied across the estates but consistently focused on concrete repairs and refurbishment of shared access areas. Concrete stairwells typically required localised structural repairs followed by the application of anti-slip coatings to treads and landings, improving safety for residents. Decorative coatings were applied to walls and soffits within entrance halls, enhancing durability and appearance in high-traffic environments.

At several locations, CRL carried out full balcony and external walkway refurbishments to two and three storey blocks. These works included deck and balcony waterproofing, structural concrete repairs, and drainage interventions to address defects affecting long-term performance. Extensive refurbishment and replacement of balcony railings were also undertaken where deterioration or non-compliance was identified.

Works to single storey dwellings included structural strengthening, crack injection, mastic joint renewal, and refurbishment of concrete lintels, alongside general concrete repairs. On one scheme, a deteriorated concrete roof to a large outbuilding was removed due to its unsafe condition. Project scopes ranged from short-duration interventions of two to three days through to multi-week refurbishments exceeding £100k in value. Throughout, CRL’s capability in concrete repairs and structural repairs UK ensured consistent quality, effective tenant liaison, and safe delivery within occupied properties.

"Tenant Liaison was a key part to the success of these works, particularly as some of the works were carried out under strict Covid19 regulations but CRL managed to do it exceptionally"

Ben Hatfield | Site Manager | CRL

The combined survey and remedial programme delivered long-term benefits by addressing both the symptoms and causes of deterioration within Chesterfield Council’s housing stock. Waterproofing to balconies and walkways reduced moisture ingress, while crack injection, mastic joint renewal, and targeted concrete repairs reinstated structural continuity and durability. Anti-slip and decorative coatings improved safety and protected repaired substrates from ongoing wear.

Structural drainage repairs and strengthening works further enhanced resilience, reducing the likelihood of repeat defects and unplanned maintenance. By integrating intrusive surveys with tailored repair solutions, CRL supported informed asset management decisions and extended the service life of these residential buildings. The works reduced future maintenance demands, improved safety for tenants, and provided the Council with confidence that repairs were delivered to a consistent and technically sound standard.

Protection beyond the repair