Case Study
NURSERY PORTACABIN
Refurbishment Of a Dilapidated Portacabin
Specialist surface preparation and with high quality
surface coatings carried out within a non-occupied
environment.
WALL
REPAIRS
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
MINIMUL DISRUPTION TO PUBLIC
HIGH PERFOMANCE SYSTEM
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Nursery Building Refurbishment & Protective Coating Project
Project Overview
SH Decorating Services were appointed to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment and protective coating project at a nursery facility involving a heavily weathered prefabricated building and adjoining metal portacabin structures.Years of exposure to the elements had resulted in significant timber deterioration, surface breakdown, and coating failure.
The objective was to restore the building envelope, improve weather resistance, and provide a durable textured finish capable of withstanding long-term exposure in a busy educational environment.
The project involved extensive timber replacement and repairs, specialist surface preparation, and the application of Sandtex Trade High Build Textured Decorative Coating to both timber-clad and metal surfaces.
Scope Of Works
The project consisted of two key phases:
Both elements required detailed preparation due to deteriorated coatings, rotten timber, and ongoing exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Timber Pre-Fabricated Cabin
Full preparation, timber renewal and application of a high build textured coating protection works to the timber pre-fab cabin.
Metal Portacabin
Full Preparation, industrial coating protection works, corrosion protection and application of a high build textured coating protection system.
Planning & Safety Management
Prior to commencement, a detailed project plan was developed to ensure all works were completed safely prior to commencement of works.
Pre-Start Planning Included
- Site surveys and condition inspections
- Site-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
- Daily housekeeping and dust control measures
- Access planning for elevated working areas
- Weather monitoring to ensure suitable application conditions
- Identification of exclusion zones and safe working areas
PPE Requirements
- Safety helmets
- Eye and hearing protection
- Protective gloves
- Respiratory protection during mechanical preparation
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety footwear
Phase 1 – TIMBER PRE-FABRICATED CABIN
Condition Survey
Initial inspections identified widespread deterioration to the prefabricated timber-clad structure including:
Rotten timber boarding
Splitting and warped sections
Failed joints and fixings
Areas of water ingress
Extensive coating breakdown
Timber Repair Works
All defective timber sections were carefully removed and disposed of.
New exterior-grade timber was installed to match the original construction, ensuring structural integrity and providing a sound substrate for the coating system.
Removal of rotten and damaged boards
Replacement with treated exterior timber
Re-fixing loose sections
Filling and making good minor defects Sanding and feathering repair areas
All loose and flaking coatings and unstable substrates were thoroughly removed to achieve a sound surface suitable before cleaning and treatment.
Cleaning & Degreasing
Once preparation was complete, all timber surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased using a diluted sugar soap solution by mixing in a bucket and applying with scrubbing brushes then rinsing do with low pressure hose pipes. This process ensured the removal of contaminants, oils, and residues Prior to primer application.
Priming
Once all repairs had fully dried and cured, a coat of Zinsser primer was applied to all newly installed timber sections to seal the substrate and promote optimum adhesion. This was followed by a coat of Sandtex White Masonry Paint across all repaired and existing surfaces, creating a uniform base colour and ensuring a consistent substrate for the subsequent high-build coating system. This preparation stage helped maximise coating performance, durability, and long-term weather resistance.
Protective Coating System
Once the primer had fully cured, the Sandtex High Build Textured Coating System was applied by trowel, working methodically in small sections to ensure consistent coverage. The coating was then rolled using the appropriate texturing roller to achieve a uniform decorative finish across all surfaces.
Timber Fascia Treatment
The fascia of the cabin incorporated timber timber fascia and skirting type boarding running around the entire building. These areas were prepared and coated using Sadolin's Ebony woodstain Extra. This ensured these timber elements were also protected against environmental exposure while maintaining a clean and consistent overall appearance.