Surveyors are working to determine if potentially dangerous concrete is present in some Renfrewshire Council buildings – with chiefs revealing none has been discovered so far.
The local authority confirmed last month that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was not found in its schools and early learning and childcare centres but checks are ongoing in other properties.
RAAC is a lightweight material which was used in the construction of some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s – mostly in flat roofing but also in some pitched roofs, floors and walls.
It is less durable than traditional concrete and can be susceptible to failure when exposed to moisture.
The local authority is understood to have conducted a “desktop analysis” of more than 7,000 of its properties, which were built between 1950 and 1989.
However, a far smaller number of buildings were identified as having the potential for RAAC to be present in them. These are now being checked.
Surveyors hope to have inspected all locations by the end of this month.
Gordon McNeil, the council’s director of environment, housing and infrastructure, told elected members on Tuesday: “While the likelihood of RAAC being identified in any domestic properties is low, as a precautionary measure we have conducted a desktop analysis of all our council properties and are now reviewing those which have been identified as having the potential for RAAC to have been used as part of their construction.
“This includes two houses, 44 flat blocks, nine shops or shop blocks and two office locations. These are currently being checked by our building surveyors.
“There has been no RAAC found in any of our council buildings or homes surveyed so far however we will continue to keep you updated.”
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP rep for Paisley Northwest, said: “It’s good that officers are looking into this but with all the publicity about RAAC it’s important to carry out this work as quickly as possible.”
A council spokesperson said: “We are currently reviewing all council houses identified as potentially having reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) as part of their construction and our building surveyors are working to complete this as quickly as possible.
“There has been no RAAC found in any of the properties surveyed so far.”
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