During its lifetime, every concrete building will be subjected to premature deterioration caused by corrosion which has to be properly managed to maintain structural integrity, aesthetics and occupant safety.
When a 1970s block of flats at Totland Close in Farnborough began to show signs of concrete deterioration, it was quickly restored and made fit for the future with a total corrosion management system from Sika.
A complex of two interlinked four-storey residential blocks, 1-167 Totland Close is formed from brickwork with in-situ concrete floor slabs visible at first and third floor levels. With a number of reinforced concrete elements remaining uncoated and in as-cast condition – including a ring beam running around the entire top of the building – a repair, corrosion control and protection package was required to restore the concrete and prevent further deterioration.
Working for its housing association client First Wessex, Mulalley carried out a full refurbishment package while all 167 flats remained fully occupied. To repair cracking and spalling to many of the concrete elements including the slab edge, above windows and on the building’s corners, chartered surveyors Lawson Queay specified a full Sika solution.
With a comprehensive range of total corrosion management products and systems – all fully compliant with BS EN 1504 for repair and protection of reinforced concrete – Sika fitted the bill. The company’s concrete repair mortars, corrosion inhibitors, fairing coat and anti-carbonation coating provided a remedial solution whilst controlling corrosion or moisture build-up in the future.
Sika Monotop – a cementitious two-component system consisting of polymer modified mortars – was used to make primary repairs to the concrete frame of each block prior to cladding. With a good track record and complying with the requirements of BS EN 1504-3, the system provides long term durability to prevent future damage to the buildings’ concrete structure.
Sika Ferrogard 903+ was then spray-applied to the refurbished external elements. Easy to apply and cost-effective, Sika Ferrogard 903 inhibits corrosion by delaying its start and dramatically slowing its rate, extending the maintenance and service life cycle of reinforced concrete. Used in conjunction with Sika Ferrogard 903+, the application of the vapour phase corrosion inhibitor Sika Margel VPI 580 ensured the contractor could apply the total corrosion management system to both the exposed concrete areas and those that were already coated.
Any minor undulations in the structural concrete were restored using a levelling coat of Sika MonoTop 620. As a finishing top coat, Sika MonoTop 620 helped to restore the impaired concrete and provide a continuously, smooth surface for the application of the SikaGard 675W GB ElastoColor protective coating.
Following the successful repair, corrosion control and protection package, this ageing complex of tower blocks will provide am attractive and structurally sound home for its occupants. A complete solution from Sika has given the client and residents peace of mind that their new-look properties will provide high quality, attractive and safe homes for many more years to come.
