Client
Renfrewshire Council
Value
£269k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment External Façade Refurbishment Projects
Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) was appointed to upgrade a residential block under the oversight of Renfrewshire Council, delivering a 16-week programme to improve structural and fire performance. The project involved the removal of existing aluminium panels from the balcony Kawneer window system and their replacement with laminated, foil-backed coloured glass panels supplied by Chromatics Glass.
The residential nature of the asset, with occupants remaining in place throughout, required precise planning and careful execution. The refurbishment was critical to improve building fire safety, thermal performance, and visual aesthetics while ensuring continued resident safety and comfort, reflecting CRL’s expertise in modernising older structures to meet current building standards.
Services undertaken
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Removal of existing aluminium panels from Kawneer window system
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Installation of new SFS framing
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Cladding with particle cement boards
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Installation of Rockwool insulation and fire barriers
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Fitting of laminated, foil-backed coloured glass panels
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Works executed from mast climbers
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Inspection and sign-off regime in coordination with Renfrewshire Council
CRL executed the works using mast climbers to access all balcony elevations safely and efficiently. Following removal of the original aluminium panels, new secondary framing systems (SFS) were installed. These were clad with particle cement boards to provide durable substrate support, and the voids were insulated with Rockwool insulation to improve thermal performance. Fire barriers were incorporated throughout, using Rockwool fire-resistant materials to comply with current building regulations and enhance occupant safety.
Installation of the Chromatics Glass laminated foil-backed panels involved precision alignment and secure fixing to the upgraded SFS framework. The panels were selected for their unbreakable properties and aesthetic finish, providing a contemporary upgrade while maintaining structural integrity. CRL maintained a rigorous inspection and sign-off regime in consultation with the Council’s designated Project Manager, ensuring that every stage met performance, safety, and quality standards. Works were carefully sequenced to minimise disruption to residents, demonstrating CRL’s capability in delivering structural repairs UK and complex façade upgrades in live-occupied buildings.
"The works were completed on time and to the satisfaction of the Council and all the residents who occupied their dwellings throughout the entire operation. We are proud that we had no complaints throughout the whole contract."
Murray Soutar | Regional Manager (Scotland & Ireland) | CRL
The refurbishment provides long-term resilience through the use of robust laminated glass panels, fire-rated SFS framing, and high-performance insulation materials. Particle cement board cladding and integrated Rockwool fire barriers ensure ongoing durability, improved thermal efficiency, and resistance to environmental exposure.
The system reduces future maintenance requirements and enhances fire safety compliance, while the laminated glass panels provide impact resistance, protecting residents and the building envelope. CRL’s holistic approach combines structural, thermal, and fire performance improvements in a coordinated programme, reflecting their expertise in asset management, sustainable refurbishment, and long-term risk mitigation for occupied residential buildings.
