NHBC Updates Technical Standards 12/07/05

NHBC continues to take the initiative in its latest update to the Technical Standards with the inclusion of two new chapters covering light steel framed housing and curtain walling and cladding.

These forms of construction are becoming increasingly popular and the new chapters outline best practice in choice of materials, design and construction.

They ensure builders have clear guidelines for methods which have traditionally been the preserve of commercial projects.

The first of the two new chapters deals with light steel framed housing and introduces the two-stage certification system for housing with a load-bearing steel frame.

Stage one assesses each proprietary system through the SCI (Steel Construction Institute). Stage two requires an NHBC Steel Frame Certifier to issue a "project certificate" to confirm that the system is being used appropriately. This is similar to the procedure in place for timber frame housing.

Light steel framing was used in over 4,000 homes during 2004, testament to its growing popularity in speeding up the construction process and its ability to provide a possible solution in creating affordable housing.

Currently light steel framing is used either in the superstructure or in the non-load bearing walls of many high-rise inner-city developments.

The second new chapter deals with curtain walling and cladding.

Many inner-city developments now feature curtain walling and cladding to create striking facades. NHBC's aim is to ensure these facades perform well in the long term and do not cause problems for homeowners. The new chapter establishes the benchmark for satisfactory construction through guidance on design and work on site.

The chapter covers the most common new types of external wall construction: curtain walling, rainscreen cladding, insulated render systems and brick slip cladding systems.

Neil Smith, Group Technical Manager for NHBC said: "The appendix, which details how to deal with interfaces, is perhaps the most valuable part of this chapter.

"The systems themselves may be fine but we know that interfaces between different systems are key areas of weakness.

"We teased out - together with our colleagues on the task group from the industry - which interfaces were of most concern. The guidance in the chapter addresses those concerns."

He continued: "Ensuring consumers' interests remain at the forefront is paramount for NHBC when considering all building techniques."

ENDS