External Fire Escape Stair Refurbishment

Reading, Berkshire, March 2026

Commercial & Industrial

Project overview

Concrete Repair Solutions were appointed to undertake refurbishment works to an external reinforced concrete fire escape stair serving a multi-storey commercial office building in Reading, Berkshire.

The structure comprised a spiral reinforced concrete stair supported by a central column, with cantilevered concrete treads and an elevated landing protected by a steel balustrade system. Areas of concrete deterioration, coating breakdown and corrosion to exposed metalwork had developed due to prolonged weather exposure.

The scope included localised concrete repairs, refurbishment of the metal handrail system, installation of new deck waterproofing membranes and application of anti-carbonation protective coatings to all exposed concrete elements.

What we did

Removed defective and delaminated concrete to stair treads and landing

Cleaned and prepared exposed reinforcement

Applied corrosion inhibiting primer and bonding bridge within repair areas

Reinstated repairs using polymer-modified concrete repair mortar

Installed new deck waterproof membrane to landing area

Applied anti-carbonation coating system to exposed concrete surfaces

Mechanically prepared and refurbished steel balustrades and handrails

Applied anti-slip safety markings to stair treads

Technical overview

The fire escape comprised a cast in-situ reinforced concrete spiral stair system with cantilevered treads radiating from a central reinforced concrete column, terminating at an elevated landing.

Weather exposure had resulted in localised concrete spalling to tread edges and underside soffits. Existing coatings had deteriorated, and minor corrosion was present to the steel balustrade system.

Defective concrete was removed to expose sound substrate. Reinforcement was prepared and treated prior to reinstatement using compatible external-grade repair mortars.

A waterproof membrane system was installed to the landing to prevent water ingress and protect repaired concrete. An anti-carbonation coating was applied across all exposed concrete surfaces to enhance durability and reduce future carbonation-induced corrosion risk.

Steel handrails and balustrades were prepared and recoated to improve corrosion resistance and overall finish.

Anti-slip tread markings were installed to enhance user safety and visual clarity.

Project challenges

Working within a live commercial office environment
Maintaining emergency egress compliance during works
Managing repairs to exposed cantilevered stair elements
Achieving a uniform finish across concrete and steel components

The outcome

The completed works reinstated the integrity and durability of the external fire escape structure.

Protective coatings and waterproofing systems now provide enhanced resistance to environmental exposure, while refurbished steelwork and anti-slip treatments improve safety and appearance.

The stair system has been restored to provide safe, durable and compliant emergency access for the building.

Services demonstrated

Concrete repair and reinstatement
Reinforcement corrosion protection
Anti-carbonation coating systems
Deck waterproof membrane installation
Steel handrail refurbishment
External access structure remediation
Commercial building refurbishment support

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