Saint-Gobain Weber high performance technical mortars have been specified for the repair of a number of concrete balconies with metal railings featured on apartment buildings in Northwood, Middlesex in the London borough of Hillingdon. The metal railings of the Middlesex apartment buildings have rusted at the base over time. This rust has led to spalling taking place on the surrounding concrete.

The high performance mortar has been specified for the repair of the concrete in these areas in order to improve the attractiveness of the balconies as well as reduce any potential safety risks for the residents of the apartments. Saint-Gobain Weber offered technical advice on the project through specialist team member Barry Ephgrave. The main contractor for this repair work was Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited. The team from Alfred Bagnall got to work cutting away the spalled concrete and the carried out work to repair the metal barriers before reinstating the concrete.

The contractor for this repair work used the webercem concrete repair system from Saint-Gobain Weber. This solution has multiple components and is compliant with the BS EN 1504, making it suitable for concrete patch repairs. The solution includes the webercem HB40 which has been developed to be used for high-build repair and levelling. The associated webercem bondcoat bonding slurry was also used and finished with a coat of webercote smooth. The bondcoat is a cementitious bonding aid that delivers a high initial grab which can be used to improve the build of the repair mortar as well as increasing the bond to the concrete.

The new life expectancy of these balconies after the repair work has been carried out is 15 years. This means that for the next 15 years, residents are assured that the building will continue to look as tidy, safe and secure as they are now.