We recently carried out an inspection of a property in central Brighton which had cracks forming in its stone façade. This is not an unusual defect for a building of its age, built in the mid 1920’s. What is unusual is the formation of the cracks. These were very specific to a largely unheard of defect called ‘Regent Street Disease’. So called because it was a problem rife in Regent Street London. The cracks are a result of corrosion. The property was built with a steel frame and clad in stonework. Although a common construction method today, the façade material was built tightly up against the steel and therefore allowed any moisture absorbed by the porous external facing material to contact the metalwork and therefore begin corroding. In modern construction, a cavity is required between the two materials to ensure the metalwork does not become exposed.
Regent Street Disease
One of the main issues with ‘Regent Street Disease’ is the fact the true extent of the damage can go undiagnosed for some time. This is mostly due to little knowledge known about this type of construction being used in this era of building. The corrosion can expand by up to 10 times its volume and displace the masonry or stonework façade. Originally, the only method to deal with the problem, would be to dismantle the external element and treat the corrosion and rebuild the front façade. This is incredibly intrusive and disruptive and would be a very difficult approach, particularly for our site on the hight street in Brighton.
For our project, we have brought in expert engineers to help inspect, report and recommend the right treatment for the job. It is likely that ‘Cathodic Protection’ will be used. This involves an electrochemical technique used to control corrosion. This involves embedding a new more reactive metal component into the mortar and a DC power supply is used to reverse the direction of electric currents associated with the corrosion process. An unusual treatment for an unusual defect.
If you are concerned about Regent Street Disease, contact us now to arrange an inspection.
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