Client
Renfrewshire Council
Value
£1,080 mil
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Condition Surveys Projects
During the summer of 2020, Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) Scotland was commissioned by Renfrewshire Council to carry out detailed condition surveys and cost analyses on all 14 of their high-rise residential accommodation blocks. These multi-storey structures form a critical component of the Council’s housing stock, providing homes for a significant number of residents.
The surveys were required to provide an accurate assessment of each block’s current condition, encompassing both structural and fabric elements, to inform a planned maintenance and refurbishment programme over the short, medium, and long term, spanning 5 to 20 years. The project was particularly significant as it enabled evidence-based asset management, supporting strategic investment decisions and compliance with modern building regulations.
Services undertaken
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Condition surveys of all external building fabric, including EWI and balconies
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Structural assessment of building frames via core sampling and analysis
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Roof inspections, both internal and external
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Assessment of double-glazed windows
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Survey of internal heating systems within selected properties
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Use of 70m and 90m MEWPs for high-level inspections
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Compliance with COVID-19 social distancing and safety measures
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Remote upload of survey reports to cloud platform for review
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Preparation of detailed cost analysis and maintenance prioritisation
CRL mobilised a multidisciplinary team including engineers, architects, heating specialists, surveyors, and sub-contractors to deliver the project. The scope included thorough inspection of the external building fabric, evaluating existing external wall insulation (EWI), double-glazed windows, balconies, and roof structures—both internally and externally. Structural integrity assessments were carried out using core sampling techniques to verify concrete quality and reinforcement conditions. The condition of internal heating systems was surveyed in selected properties, providing a complete understanding of the building’s operational infrastructure.
All external inspections were undertaken using 70m and 90m mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), which required meticulous planning and coordination due to the height and scale of the structures. The team also implemented robust COVID-19 mitigation measures, maintaining social distancing, minimising site contact, and using remote communication methods to ensure both safety and efficiency. Survey findings were collated and uploaded to a secure online cloud platform for remote review by the Council, avoiding unnecessary in-person meetings. Following data collection, CRL prepared a detailed cost analysis, prioritising required maintenance interventions to bring each building up to current regulatory and performance standards. The project highlighted CRL’s capability to deliver complex structural surveys under challenging conditions, demonstrating their expertise in concrete repairs, structural assessment, and long-term asset management planning across multi-storey residential assets in the UK.
"To their immense credit the site team carried out their individual aspects of the contract with great professionalism and tackled everything with a great attitude, which was greatly appreciated by the client and the CRL management team."
Murray Soutar | Regional Director (Scotland & Ireland) | CRL
The surveys and subsequent analysis provide Renfrewshire Council with a comprehensive strategy for the long-term maintenance and protection of their high-rise housing stock. By accurately identifying areas requiring attention such as concrete frame integrity, external insulation performance, roof condition, and heating infrastructure. CRL’s work enables preventative maintenance, reducing the risk of future structural deterioration.
The insights inform targeted interventions that protect building fabric from corrosion, moisture ingress, and thermal degradation. Utilising detailed survey data for planning ensures reduced maintenance costs, extended service life, and improved safety and comfort for residents. CRL’s systematic approach, combining advanced inspection techniques and integrated reporting, reinforces its position as a trusted partner in asset management, structural repairs UK, and high-rise residential refurbishment projects.
