Fears that pieces of concrete may fall from Glasgow University library have prompted a mass installation of rainscreen cladding.

University refurbishment project

University bosses will spend £4 million on refurbishing the library’s six stairwells; adding a layer of wall cladding to prevent further damage to the building’s walls, whilst minimising the risk of debris falling.

An inspection of the facility in 2000 revealed that the walls of the library are structurally unsafe, reports The Glaswegian. It was discovered that a chemical reaction caused by the chloride additives used to make the concrete set quicker are responsible for the weakness.

Deterioration of the original concrete cladding panels

Glasgow University confirmed in a GLA.ac.uk statement:

“The reason for doing this work is that many of the original concrete cladding panels, installed between 1965-1968, have deteriorated over time.

“The existing structure will have some remedial repairs carried out and will then be overclad with an rain screen system. All the windows and roofs affected will also be replaced to provide a ‘total envelope solution’ that should extend the life of the building by another 50 years.”

Improving the aesthetics of the Univeristy

It added that as well as improving the aesthetic of the building, there will be a considerable improvement in insulation levels, which will result in “significant energy and carbon savings”. The new cladding could even reduce heating costs by as much as 50 per cent.

It is estimated that the work could take 15 months to complete.