THE CHEECOL KEELAND - SYSTEM BUILT HOMES

CHEECOL KEELAND HOUSE: A DETAILED GUIDE FOR HOME BUYERS AND INVESTORS 🏠🔍
🔍 #PropertyInvestment #UKRealEstate #CheecolKeeland #HomeBuyingGuide #Flettons
Considering investing in a unique piece of UK property? The Cheecol Keeland house, a rare find, offers both opportunities and challenges. This comprehensive guide explores the history, construction, and potential pitfalls of these post-war homes, helping you make an informed decision.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND 📜
The Cheecol Keeland house emerged in 1948, during a critical post-WWII period. Built by Strongmans 1945 Ltd and designed by Cheecol Processes, these houses were part of a broader effort to address the urgent housing shortage. With only six ever constructed, they stand out as rare historical properties in today's market. Their use of prefabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) for rapid construction was innovative at the time.
KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES 🏘️
Identifying a Cheecol Keeland house is straightforward due to its distinctive characteristics:
2-Storey Semi-Detached: Designed for families needing ample living space.
Medium Pitch Hipped Roof: Equipped with durable concrete tiles.
Rendered External Walls: Smooth finish, providing a unique aesthetic.
Square Fronted Bay: Features a prominent two-storey bay window with a hipped roof.
Render Drip and PRC Canopy: Functional elements designed for weather protection and aesthetic appeal.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS AND POTENTIAL RISKS ⚙️
Understanding the construction of Cheecol Keeland houses is essential for evaluating their structural integrity and potential maintenance issues:
FOUNDATION AND EXTERNAL STRUCTURE
Substructure: Built on lightweight concrete strip footings with a damp-proof course to prevent moisture ingress.
External Walls: Constructed from PRC units reinforced with steel, providing both structural support and insulation.
INTERIOR AND FLOORS
Ground Floor: Features magnesite flooring on a concrete base, which is durable but vulnerable to moisture damage.
First Floor: Utilizes tongue and groove boarding on timber joists, ensuring a solid upper level.
ROOF
Timber Rafters and Concrete Tiles: A robust combination providing strong weather resistance and structural stability.
COMMON HAZARDS AND MAINTENANCE CONCERNS 🚨🔧
While Cheecol Keeland houses offer significant advantages, they come with potential risks that require careful attention:
Vertical Cracking: Often observed at PRC joints, possibly indicating structural movement.
Corrosion of Steel Reinforcement: Risk of rust within PRC components can compromise the structure.
Carbonation of Concrete: Reduces the strength of the concrete, leading to reinforcement issues.
Magnesite Flooring Problems: Susceptible to damage from moisture, necessitating regular checks and possible replacement.
Regular inspections and proactive repairs are crucial to maintaining the property’s condition and value.
INSPECTION GUIDE FOR SURVEYORS 🏠🔍
When inspecting a Cheecol Keeland house, focus on the following areas:
Roof: Check the condition of concrete tiles and the integrity of the roof structure.
Walls: Look for vertical cracks and potential render issues.
Floors: Assess the condition of magnesite and timber flooring for signs of wear or damage.
Structural Integrity: Non-destructive testing methods are used to evaluate the condition of steel reinforcement and concrete.
REMEDIAL ACTIONS FOR COMMON DEFECTS 🛠️
Addressing typical defects in Cheecol Keeland houses is essential to preserve their structural integrity and safety:
Repairing Cracks: Utilize concrete repair techniques such as epoxy injections or cementitious repair mortars.
Treating Corroded Steel: Clean and apply corrosion inhibitors to the steel, followed by concrete repair.
Managing Carbonation: Remove affected concrete and apply protective coatings to prevent further deterioration.
Replacing Damaged Flooring: Upgrade magnesite flooring with more durable materials to prevent moisture-related issues.
CONCLUSION: SECURING YOUR INVESTMENT 💼🏡
Investing in a Cheecol Keeland house means owning a unique piece of post-war architectural history. Understanding its distinctive construction, potential issues, and maintenance needs will help you make informed decisions and protect your investment.
At Flettons, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and integrity of your property investment. Contact us for a detailed inspection or get an instant quote using our quote calculator. Reach out at 0203 691 0451 to secure your peace of mind and protect your home today.
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