As my latest project develops, In surveying and the history of council house buildings, The Minox house, is a distinctive property type in the UK, it has a rich history and unique construction characteristics.

Manufactured by F J Minns & Co. Ltd and Minox Structures Ltd, these houses were primarily built in the 1960’s. They are typically found as two-storey detached and semi-detached houses, featuring a medium pitch gable roof covered with concrete tiles.

The front and rear external walls are made of eaves height plastics-faced central panels and asbestos cement infill panels, while the gable wall is constructed of brick or brick panels.

The Minox house emerged during a period of rapid post-war social housing reconstruction in the UK. The need for quick and efficient housing solutions led to the development of various system-built properties, contributing to the construction of these houses across the country. These houses were designed to provide durable housing solutions for local authorities.

Here are some Construction Details

  • Substructure: Concrete pads and pre-cast (PC) ground beams support a concrete slab foundation.
  • Frame: The frame consists of 30 double cold rolled steel channels (RSC), forming Z-section stanchions, and 8 double cold RSC forming I-section perimeter beams. The floor support beams and steel roof trusses complete the frame layout.
  • Protective Coating: The steel components are protected with two coats of stove enamel on phosphate.
  • External Walls: The front and rear walls are made of eaves height timber frame panels, clad centrally with eaves height plastics-faced PC panels and asbestos cement sheets. The gable wall is constructed of brick panels, lined with foil-backed plasterboard, and insulated with polyurethane foam.
  • Separating Wall: The separating wall features a foil-backed plasterboard cavity wall, filled with no-fines concrete, and brick or block in the roof space.
  • Partitions: Internal partitions are composite (sandwich) plasterboard.
  • Floors: The ground floor is concrete, while the first floor is chipboard.
  • Ceilings: Ceilings are made of plasterboard.
  • Roof: The roof comprises timber battens and concrete tiles.

Typical problem areas arise from this construction

While the Minox house was designed to be durable, several hazards and risks are associated with this property type:

  • Asbestos: The use of asbestos cement sheets in the external walls poses a significant health risk if disturbed. Asbestos fibres can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Structural Integrity: Over time, the steel frame may suffer from corrosion, especially if the protective coating is compromised. This can lead to structural weaknesses and potential safety hazards.

  • Insulation: The polyurethane foam insulation, while effective, can degrade over time, reducing its insulating properties and potentially leading to increased energy costs.
  • Substructure: The concrete slab foundation may be prone to cracking, especially if the ground beneath it shifts or settles. This can lead to uneven floors and potential structural issues.

The Defective Premises Act 1972 imposes a duty on builders, developers, and landlords to ensure that properties are constructed and maintained to a reasonable standard. While the Minox house was not specifically classed as defective under this Act, the presence of asbestos and potential structural issues means regular maintenance and to prevent further dilapidation a good survey will present any structural movement problems and address other factors that need to be looked at typical problems can be :

Stuctural Integrity

Damp and Moisture

Breakdown in the polyurethane foam insulation

Damage to the plastics-faced panels or asbestos cement.

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David Simmonds Building Solutions
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Email: dsbuildingsurveying@gmail.com

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