Roof Renovation and Repair: A short guide to the Homeowner – How to Comply with the Requirements of the Building
Regulations
The Building Regulations – Approved Document L – in a nut shell.
In April 2006 the revised
Part L of the building regulations came into force with the objective of implementing the EU’s Energy Performance of
Building Directive.
This has the aim to reduce energy use in buildings. Part L of the building regulations is concerned with the Conservation
of Fuel and Power Buildings.
The key requirements:
The Objective of Part L of the Building Regulations 2006
is to reduce the energy use in buildings by at least 20% compared with 2002 regulations
The regulations come into effect
when 25% or more of a roof’s area is being refurbished. In simple terms it means that the whole of
that roof must be brought up to the thermal efficiency demanded by the current regulations.
A strip and re-roof or even
just the provision of a new layer of waterproofing, for example re-felting to upgrade the thermal performance of the roof.
This will, in
most refurbishment instances (unless the existing roof meets a minimum “U” value) require the provision of additional
thermal insulation to achieve an improved “U” value in accordance with the regulations. If such an upgrade is
not technically or functionally feasible or would not achieve a simple pay back of 15 years or less, the element should be
upgraded to the best standard that is technically and functionally feasible and which can be achieved within a simple payback
period no greater than 15 years.
How to comply:
Before work on a roof is carried out the Local Council i.e. the
Local Area Building Control must be informed of the intention to carry out work.
Details and extent of the proposed
work should be confirmed to the LABC within an application to repair/ renovate.
Work can begin prior to approval
in the case of emergency repairs.
The Building Control will inspect the work periodically to ensure compliance with
the building regulations and the drawings/ specifications supplied in the application. A Completion Certificate will be issued
at the end if the contract.
What happens if this process is not carried out?
There is a maximum fine of £5000
for each of non-compliance with the regulations and this would fall on the homeowner and/or the roofing contractor.
Roof work may
be halted if started without the LABC being informed and any work opened up for inspection.
If work is carried out without
a Building Control completion certificate then the homeowner will experience difficulties when coming to sell the
house.
The homeowner CANNOT opt out form having their insulation upgraded to Part L unless it can be proved
that the payback period (to the building) will be more than 15 years or the work is not technically feasible. Even then the
roof should be upgraded to the best standard that is technically feasible and will achieve a payback within 15 years.
What must a homeowner
do if considering refurbishment or repair to his/her roof?
Contact the NFRC (or access via the website) or obtain a list of
specialist contractors in the area.
Obtain a number of comparative quotations and specifications for the work.
With the chosen
roofing contractors ensure the Local Area Building Control is informed.
Remember the so called “roofer” with a van and a ladder can
cost the homeowner dearly if any work carried out is not with the approval of Building Control.
For advice and assistance contact
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Ltd.
NFRC Ltd
Roofing House
31 Worship Street
London EC2A 2DY
Tel: 0207 638 ROOF
