Kevlar-Based Solutions for RAAC-Stricken Homes in Scotland

An ‘award-winning’ building material made from Kevlar could be used to save hundreds of Scottish homes blighted by crumbling concrete. 

Campaigner Wilson Chowdhry, who chairs the UK RAAC Campaign Group, says he will put forward his daughter’s RAAC-affected home in Aberdeen as a test case.

The ReGrid system, which has been developed by Windsor-based firm Structural Repairs, is a lightweight reinforcing mesh which consists of ‘high-strength’ carbon fibres interwoven with Kevlar threads. 

It can be directly applied to surfaces affected by reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC), the brittle building material linked to several collapses in recent years.

According to the company, installation would take around two days for a standard RAAC-affected home, and would not require residents to be relocated. 

It has already been used to repair RAAC-affected properties owned by National Rail. 

Chowdhry told The Herald: “We urge the Scottish Government and the UK Government to commission an urgent feasibility study into this product, and for local authorities nationwide to engage directly with Structural Repairs Ltd to fully understand the scope and potential of this innovative RAAC solution. 

“Time is running out for RAAC homeowners, who face mounting pressure from local authorities intent on pressing ahead with costly and highly disruptive remediation or demolition schemes — creating deep uncertainty and distress for affected families.”

In August 2024, Aberdeen City Council approved plans to demolish and rebuild more than 500 RAAC-blighted properties in the city’s Balganask neighbourhood.  

The project, which would result in the demolition of 366 council owned properties and 138 private homes, could cost as much as £150m. 

Meanwhile, in Clackmannanshire, three blocks of flats in the town of Tillicoultry have been empty since residents were evacuated in October 2023. 

Chowdhry has approached both local authorities with the ReGrid proposal. 

He told The Herald that the plan could prove to be a “game changer” for homeowners facing the threat of eviction from their homes. 

The veteran campaigner said:

“The ReGrid system offers a credible, non-intrusive, and far more affordable alternative to full roof replacements.

“Because ReGrid is only a fraction of the cost of conventional approaches, a national funding programme from the Scottish Government or UK Government becomes a realistic and achievable proposition — bringing hope to thousands of families who currently see no affordable path forward.

“We call on decision-makers to pause existing schemes, properly investigate this technology, and immediately begin a study of ReGrid — because every week of delay leaves more families trapped in limbo.”

Homeowners affected by RAAC have previously told The Herald of the mental anguish caused by the crisis. 

Lynn Winstanley, who lives in Balnagask, said earlier this year: “It’s been very stressful for everyone. We weren’t planning on selling our home, we would have picked a better economic state.

“People can’t afford to take a loss on their homes. It’s so difficult for everyone, especially those with young kids.”

Now, campaigners hope that the ReGrid solution could provide homeowners with a second chance at staying in their properties. 

In a letter to Aberdeen City Council, Chowdry wrote: “I would like to draw your attention to a potential solution that could significantly enhance Aberdeen City Council’s approach to RAAC remediation.

“This approach could serve both council-owned and privately-owned RAAC homes in Aberdeen more quickly, cost-effectively, and with far less disruption than current replacement-roof proposals. It may also ease the financial and logistical pressures facing adjoining private homeowners who are presently tied into council-led repair programmes.

“If agreeable, I can arrange an introduction with the developers, who have offered to carry out a site survey, structural scan, and pull test on my daughter Hannah’s RAAC-affected home in Aberdeen as a pilot demonstration. 

“Such a test case could provide valuable evidence in evaluating its suitability for use within the city.”

Roger Line, Structural Repair CEO, told The Herald: “We believe that with the right engineering expertise and proven reinforcement technology, many RAAC-affected structures can be made safe, serviceable, and sustainable for decades to come.”

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “Following consultation with the affected residents, the Council recently agreed to move forward with a plan for roof repairs at the three blocks of flats in Tillicoultry evacuated due to RAAC.

“Council officers are continuing to engage with everyone affected by the RAAC evacuations and we are committed to doing all we can to support residents through this ongoing process. 

“We have also reached out to Aberdeen City Council to find out more about the proposed use of this material.”

Aberdeen City Council has been approached for comment