Overview of the Stubbings Industrialised House

The Stubbings Industrialised House, a product of the 1960s, represents a unique chapter in the history of British housing. Designed by L J Multon & Partners and manufactured by G Stubbings Ltd, these properties were part of a broader movement towards system-built homes aimed at addressing post-war housing shortages. With only 76 units constructed, these homes are relatively rare, making them a point of interest for both home buyers and property investors.

Typical Locations and Identification Characteristics

Stubbings Industrialised Houses are typically found in suburban areas, often in semi-detached or terraced configurations. These two-storey homes are easily identifiable by their shallow pitch gable roofs covered with concrete tiles. The external front and rear walls are notable for their mosaic-faced panels or brick infill with asbestos cement sheets up to the first-floor level. Above this, you will find horizontal vinyl-finished aluminium weatherboarding or vertical timber boarding. The gable walls are usually constructed of brick.

Key Identification Features:

• Two-storey semi-detached or terraced houses
• Shallow pitch gable roof with concrete tiles
• Mosaic-faced panels or brick infill with asbestos cement sheets on the first floor
• Horizontal vinyl-finished aluminium weatherboarding or vertical timber boarding above the first floor
• Brick gable walls

Construction Details

Understanding the construction details of Stubbings Industrialised Houses is crucial for both buyers and surveyors. These homes were built using a variety of materials and techniques that were innovative at the time but may present certain challenges today.

Substructure

The substructure consists of a concrete raft foundation with a damp-proof course (DPC). This type of foundation was chosen for its ability to provide a stable base on various soil types.

External Walls

The external walls are a complex assembly of materials:
– Front and Rear Walls: These are constructed using mosaic-faced eaves height precast concrete (PC) sandwich panels with 1/2″ polystyrene insulation. These panels are tied to crosswalls with galvanised rolled steel angles (RSA) and to the ground floor slab with mild steel (MS) anchor rings set in grouted pockets.
– First Floor Level: The first floor features storey-height timber frame panels clad with asbestos cement sheets and lined with plywood. Additional insulation is provided by 1″ polystyrene with a vapour control layer beneath window panels.
– Spandrel Panels: Precast reinforced concrete (PRC) spandrel panels are used up to the first-floor window sill level, clad with stoved vinyl-finished horizontal aluminium weatherboarding on timber battens, with glass fibre insulation between the battens.
– Gable Walls: These are clad with brick, featuring a cavity and 1/2″ polystyrene insulation. Storey-height PC panels are used, with wall ties and MS bars grouted into rebates over vertical junctions between panels.

Internal Walls and Partitions

• Separating Walls: Storey-height 7″ PC panels are used for separating walls.
• Partitions: Loadbearing partitions are made of PC panels, while non-loadbearing partitions are constructed from honeycomb plasterboard.

Floors

• Ground Floor: The ground floor is made of concrete.
• First Floor: Timber joists are tied to panels with galvanised RSA and seated on shoulders formed in spandrel panels.

Ceilings and Roof

• Ceilings: Plasterboard is used for ceilings.
• Roof: The roof structure consists of timber trussed rafters covered with concrete tiles.

Typical Hazards and Risks

While the Stubbings Industrialised House was a marvel of its time, it comes with its own set of hazards and risks that potential buyers and investors should be aware of.

Asbestos

One of the most significant risks is the presence of asbestos cement sheets in the construction. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials during the 1960s for its fire-resistant properties. However, it is now known to be a serious health hazard if disturbed. Proper asbestos surveys and removal by licensed professionals are essential.

Structural Integrity

The use of precast concrete panels and timber frames can pose structural challenges over time. Issues such as corrosion of steel reinforcements, timber decay, and settlement of the concrete raft foundation can affect the structural integrity of the property.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

The insulation materials used, such as polystyrene and glass fibre, may not meet modern energy efficiency standards. Upgrading the insulation can be a costly but necessary investment to improve the property’s energy performance.

Damp and Moisture

The presence of a damp-proof course (DPC) is beneficial, but over time, issues such as rising damp and condensation can occur, particularly if the DPC has been compromised or if there are gaps in the insulation.

Defective Premises Act and Classification

The Stubbings Industrialised House is not classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, this does not mean that the property is free from defects. It is crucial to conduct a thorough survey to identify any potential issues that may require attention.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

When inspecting a Stubbings Industrialised House, surveyors should pay close attention to several key areas to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

External Inspection

• Roof: Check for any missing or damaged concrete tiles and inspect the condition of the timber trussed rafters.
• Walls: Look for signs of cracking, particularly around the mosaic-faced panels and brick infill. Inspect the condition of the asbestos cement sheets and the aluminium weatherboarding or timber boarding.
• Gable Walls: Examine the brickwork for any signs of deterioration or movement.

Internal Inspection

• Floors: Assess the condition of the concrete ground floor and the timber joists on the first floor. Look for any signs of settlement or movement.
• Walls and Partitions: Check for any signs of cracking or movement in the PC panels and honeycomb plasterboard partitions.
• Ceilings: Inspect the plasterboard ceilings for any signs of sagging or water damage.

Structural Elements

• Foundation: Examine the concrete raft foundation for any signs of settlement or cracking.
• Insulation: Check the condition of the polystyrene and glass fibre insulation, particularly in areas prone to moisture ingress.

Hazardous Materials

• Asbestos: Conduct a thorough asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials and ensure they are managed or removed safely.

Typical Defects and Maintenance

Understanding the typical defects associated with Stubbings Industrialised Houses can help in planning maintenance and repairs.

Common Defects

• Asbestos Degradation: Over time, asbestos cement sheets can degrade, releasing harmful fibres into the air.
• Corrosion of Steel Reinforcements: The steel reinforcements in the precast concrete panels can corrode, leading to structural weaknesses.
• Timber Decay: The timber elements, particularly in the roof and first-floor joists, can suffer from decay due to moisture ingress.
• Insulation Gaps: Gaps in the insulation can lead to cold bridging and condensation issues.

Maintenance Tips

• Asbestos Management: Regularly inspect and manage any asbestos-containing materials. If removal is necessary, hire licensed professionals.
• Structural Repairs: Address any signs of corrosion or decay in the steel reinforcements and timber elements promptly to prevent further damage.
• Insulation Upgrades: Consider upgrading the insulation to modern standards to improve energy efficiency and reduce the risk of condensation.
• Damp Proofing: Ensure the damp-proof course is intact and address any signs of rising damp or moisture ingress.

Conclusion

The Stubbings Industrialised House is a fascinating example of mid-20th-century British housing innovation. While these homes come with their own set of challenges, understanding their construction and potential issues can help buyers and investors make informed decisions. A thorough survey is essential to identify any defects and plan for necessary maintenance and repairs.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.

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