Hindsight can prove a positive tool in learning lessons and the latest NHBC Foundation publication reviews some historic problems with house construction and looks at ways of overcoming similar issues in the future.
Although there has been a continuous cycle of innovation in construction practice, within the last 30 years a number of systemic building failures have come to light in various countries. Using examples to illustrate problems that have arisen with innovative forms of construction, the review identifies solutions as well as exploring some of the reasons for the problems and issues that have arisen as a result.
Construction problems reviewed include: the failure of rendered finishes; steel corrosion in Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete (PRC) dwellings; moisture originating during the construction phase; and rot in structural insulated panel (SIP) roof systems.
The publication details how historically there has been a continuous cycle of innovation in construction practice but, inevitably, unforeseen problems have arisen. As a result, in parallel with continuous innovation there has been continuous refinement in building regulations and an increase in overall knowledge of what constitutes good practice.
One case study looks at the pre-cast reinforced (PRC) houses that were built as part of a large programme of construction of non-traditional houses. Many of these dwellings suffered severe structural problems that Right-to-Buy purchasers could not have been aware of at the time of purchase. The publication highlights how construction issues do not only cause technical problems. The impact on homeowners can be devastating and remain long after the technical issues have been resolved.
NHBC was involved in resolving some of the construction issues surrounding PRC homes. This was done by establishing PRC Homes Ltd to license repair systems specifically developed for affected home types to assist private owners. For PRC houses repaired through the scheme, general ‘mortgageability’ on standard terms was reinstated and there was the additional benefit of a 10-year warranty.
Commenting on this latest publication, Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC’s Chief Executive, said: “Innovation is an important aspect of the house building industry and the Foundation’s latest publication emphasises that to develop and move forward it is important that we embrace new technologies and skills. Even in a depressed market the industry recognises that it must build to exacting standards and quality is imperative. Standards must be set and adhered to on an on-going basis to avoid future systemic building failures.” v Nick Raynsford, NHBC Foundation’s Chairman, said: “By learning from good practice, conducting research thoroughly and introducing new frameworks we can ensure that consumers do not suffer from new technologies. We hope that publications such as this one, our on-going research and capturing of good practice will avoid similar episodes in the future.”
The publication is available on-line at www.nhbcfoundation.org
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The NHBC Foundation was established by NHBC in partnership with the BRE Trust to facilitate research and development, technology and knowledge sharing, and the capture of industry best practice in the pursuit of improved building standards for the new-build housing sector.
NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers. NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80% of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 7 million homes to date.
The BRE Trust is a charity for research and education in the built environment. Its chief goal is to ensure earnings from the companies it owns deliver against its charitable education and research mission. BRE is one of the companies owned by The BRE Trust and it is commissioned to undertake projects by both public and private organisations.