Update on lightweight composite SIP brick slip lintels and arches

Further to our previous communication in December 2020 confirming the brick slip manufacturers who have entered into contract with BBA and KIWA, we can confirm that the majority have now completed performance testing to demonstrate their durability and design life. During the process we have learned that the material specification for these products is standardised and there is a track record of use, providing further confidence in their performance.

We are satisfied that the brick slip manufacturers have moved forward as planned and third-party certification bodies have confirmed that there are a number of manufacturers on target to have full certification as planned by 30 June 2021.

Original communication from 9 December 2020

Manufacturers who are under contract with BBA and KIWA will continue to be accepted up to 30 June 2021, after this date, full third-party certification is required.

We have agreed the following interim measures with industry to allow the continued use of lightweight brick feature arches ahead of third-party certification being achieved:

• manufacturers must have entered into a contract with a suitable third-party certification body and a statement of intent provided by the certification body by 31 December 2020.
• The statement of intent must include the following information:

That the third-party certification body is carrying out a full technical assessment of cement particle or fibre cement SIP products clad with adhesively fixed brick slips for use as a decorative brick slip clad arch over openings in low rise buildings.

The arch is to be supported by a load bearing steel lintel below.

That it is expected that any durability testing required for assessment will be completed by 31 March 2021 and certification issued by 30 June 2021 subject to the assessment process.

• We will not accept any composite light weight SIP lintel or arch from the 31 December 2020 unless the backing SIP is of cement particle or fibre cement material, and a Statement of Intent is provided by a suitable third-party approvals body that has agreed a testing regime with NHBC.
• We will not accept any composite light weight SIP lintel or arch from 31 March 2021 unless the third-party certification body provides an interim statement confirming that the product achieves a 60 year durability.
• We will not accept any composite light weight brick slip lintel after 30 June 2021 unless it is supported by full third-party certification.