Following the recent release of NHBC Standards 2016, a misunderstanding within the construction industry has emerged relating to the acceptable forms of weathering materials.
The new-look Standards for the house building industry were published last month. Since then, it has been suggested among industry professionals that the updated edition explicitly tells housebuilders to use BSEN12588 Rolled Lead Sheet in any new home registered with NHBC.
However, the new Standards, available in full on the NHBC website, identify a range of suitable materials for flashings, as outlined in a table in clause 7.2.20.
In light of the misunderstanding, Midland Lead, leading UK manufacturer of machine cast lead, has drawn attention to the fact that the company’s lead is also acceptable under proprietary products.
Midland Lead Managing Director Boudewijn Tuinenburg comments: “While there have indeed been some changes in the new edition, such as a new design and enhanced guidance on a number of topics, NHBC’s acceptance of appropriate materials for weathering has not significantly changed, with our machine cast lead being covered under proprietary products.
“The authority has also contacted us regarding the misunderstanding and has reaffirmed that cast lead produced by Midland Lead Ltd is acceptable to NHBC when installed within the scope of the BBA certificate and to normal code of practices.”
Where no definitive standard exists or is referenced, NHBC requires alternative proprietary products to meet Technical Requirement R3, meaning it must have a valid third party technical accreditation from an appropriate approvals body.
For Midland Lead’s machine cast lead – which can never qualify for BSEN12588 as it is only applicable to lead manufactured through a milling process – this comes in the form of a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate; one of the UK’s leading notified bodies offering approval, certification and test services to manufacturers of products and systems supplying the construction industry.
“Our machine cast lead is made according to the same BS specification,” adds Boudewijn, “but instead of being manufactured through a milling process, it’s produced through a machine casting process – with the quality assurance of the BBA.”
For more than 80 years, the NHBC Standards have been the go-to source for trusted technical guidance for the house building sector, having been consistently developed, reviewed and revised.
The new 2016 edition of the Standards maintains this tradition by offering the most complete set of technical information yet, published in a user-friendly, up-to-date format and the inclusion of a new chapter on re-occurring basement issues. The Standards will support the industry in the delivery of high quality new homes as production levels continue to increase across the country.
The new Standards 2016 will become effective for every new home registered with NHBC where foundations begin on or after 1 January 2016.
