BISF Steel Construction

[Jupiter01]

We are looking to purchase a new home which has a BISF construction. I’ve not come across this before.
Specifically, the ceilings are artex and the walls are papered and painted. We want to get rid of all of that. I was wondering whether it would be easier to rip off the ceiling and wall boards (in this type of construction)?

In the past I have drylined walls and manage to get a nice finish before it was painted.

Also, how are these insulated and is that something I could address as part of this project?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bernardgreen]

https://nonstandardhouse.com/the-british-iron-steel-federation-bisf-house/


Wall Cavity
The cavity between the external cladding and internal lining of the external walls is 6 7/8in wide. Insulation is enclosed in a brown paper wrapping.

 

[bernardgreen]

https://nonstandardhouse.com/the-british-iron-steel-federation-bisf-house/


Wall Cavity
The cavity between the external cladding and internal lining of the external walls is 6 7/8in wide. Insulation is enclosed in a brown paper wrapping.

 

[bernardgreen]

In 1986 the Building Research Establishment produced a report on BISF houses. One concern was corrosion at joints in the steel frame.

"The British Iron & Steel Federation steel framed house"

Available from https://www.brebookshop.com/ to download for £15. Would be a good investment.

 

[Jupiter01]

https://nonstandardhouse.com/the-british-iron-steel-federation-bisf-house/


Wall Cavity
The cavity between the external cladding and internal lining of the external walls is 6 7/8in wide. Insulation is enclosed in a brown paper wrapping.

Would it be wise to top this up with new/additional insulation when I replace the plasterboards?

Do I use fibre insulation or the rigid stuff?

 

[^woody^]

Get advice and a survey from someone experienced with this construction - normally structural engineers, but building surveyors with suitable experience will do.

Lenders may be limited.

Check out insurance premiums first.

Insulation options are limited too.

 

[mikeey84]

As woody says, the risks of a poorly planned insulation job on these buildings are severe- if you get condensation or water ingress in the wrong bit, you may get severe structural issues.

I'd think very carefully about buying a steel framed house

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Corrosion at the bases of the columns is common. You need opening up works to see how the existing structure has faired.

Sometimes the engineer or surveyor will use an endoscope to get a good look inside. It's unlikely the vendor will allow anyone to do any opening up works to check though so finding out what level of corrosion there is may be difficult before you buy, unless access can be found for the endoscope without needing any invasive works to be carried out.

 

[Jupiter01]

As woody says, the risks of a poorly planned insulation job on these buildings are severe- if you get condensation or water ingress in the wrong bit, you may get severe structural issues.

I'd think very carefully about buying a steel framed house

Can I at the least put on new insulation backed plasterboards or does that present a risk too?
Have I also correctly understood that internally, it has the plasterboards screwed to a timber framework?

 

[mikeey84]

I'm not an expert on this type of construction, beyond the risks I outlined I'm afraid

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks for your tips and comments. I have noted these.
I am keen to hear from anyone that has worked on such a build and specifically, beefed up the insulation.

Also, any insight on my point on how plasterboards are fixed internally.

Thanks again.

 

[mikeey84]

https://nonstandardhouse.com/diy-bedroom-internal-bisf-insulation-project-by-member-ed/

This may help....

 

[Jupiter01]

That post suggests that he has used rigid insulation and rebuilt his timber studwork for the plasterboard to fix to. using 75mm insulation has left him with a reasonable gap for the cavity.