Wimpey No-Fines is a construction method for building houses and other structures that was popular in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s. It was developed by the British construction company George Wimpey & Co. Ltd, and is characterised by the use of large, precast concrete blocks that contain no fine aggregates (hence the name “no fines”).
The Wimpey No-Fines method was used extensively in the post-World War II period to construct affordable, low-rise housing for the working classes. The homes were manufactured on site using specially designed moulds, the concrete for the entire outer structure was cast in one operation using reusable formwork, and were quick and easy to lay. The method was particularly popular in areas where traditional building materials like brick and stone were expensive or in short supply and did not require skilled bricklayers.
The construction method differs to pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC) as the concrete was poured on site.
While the Wimpey No-Fines method was initially seen as a cheap and effective way to build houses, there have been concerns over the long-term durability of the buildings. Issues with cracking and water penetration have been reported. A report commissioned by Parliament showed that the insulating properties of the no-fines walls were adjudged reasonable compared to single skin buildings of the same period. It concluded that the buildings were structurally sound.
An estimated 300,000 no-fines houses were built, typically in estates of a few hundred separate dwellings.
Wimpey No-Fines houses are classified as non-standard construction because they are built using non-traditional methods and materials (no-fines concrete), but they are not classed as defective under the Housing Defects Act.
Concrete house mortgages are available for these properties, but as they are non-standard construction it may take a bit longer to find a lender.
