Specialists in renovation of non-traditional houses.

Blackburn Houses

Blackburn houses were first introduced as experimental temporary homes by Clydebank Town Council in Scotland after the end of the Second World War. These prefabricated houses (or "prefabs") were an effort to quickly replace the housing stock destroyed or badly damaged during the war and primarily after the Clydebank Blitz in 1941. By the end of 1948, 403 Blackburn homes had been constructed and their effectiveness was being realized as many other Scottish Councils followed example and built Blackburn Houses alongside the permanent housing stock being constructed. 

Designed with a 10 year 'life', most of the 3000+ Blackburn houses built are still standing and inhabited having stood the test of 50 years of Scottish weather. Blackburn houses however, are not invincible, the fabric corrodes allowing an ingress of water which in term attacks the steel structure. Repair of Blackburn houses is a specialist activity, the steel structure needs to be properly protected from water ingress and inherent damp,  lightweight products are necessary so as not to overload the weight bearing capacity of the structure, adequate ventilation is required to any new system and roofs need to be carefully replaced with durable light materials. Renovation of Blackburn Houses using normal modern building techniques is paramount to disaster because of the structural integrity, and is likely to end in disaster fairly quickly with more damage being done than if left alone.

If carried out properly, a well renovated Blackburn home is likely to last for many years with maintenance free living. This is good for the home owner, good for the Council and good for the 'mortgage' company.

Here we show some examples of Blackburn Houses that we have recently renovated:

Example of a roofing problem with a Blackburn House

Whatever your renovation requirements, on BISF homes, Blackburn houses, Riley homes, Park Homes or any other prefab structure, give us a call first.

 Find out what your house could look like.

To find out more please give us a call.