Project Case Study
Project Title: Reading, Berkshire – External Fire Escape Stair Refurbishment
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Sector: Commercial / Office
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
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
