The
revision (from 2002) of Approved Document L of
the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel
and Power) actually first came into force in April 2006.
The idea behind the revision was to help implement
the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
/ EPBD of trying to reduce the energy used in
building (relative to the pre-revised directive)
by between 20% and 28%. It has since been revised again and new regulations have been in force since October 1st 2010
How does this relate to flat roof repair
and refurbishment?
The revision of the building regulations means
that when a flat roof is being refurbished, there
may need to be some work carried out on the insulation
of that roof. The U-Value of roof insulation is
a figure that represents how well it conducts
heat, and the revised regulations have a target
U-Value of 0.18 for existing buildings, and 0.13
for new builds.
This means that if your flat roof
insulation doesn't match up to or exceed this
U-Value figure, when your flat roof is repaired,
work will need to be carried out in the insulation
to make sure that it does comply. If there was
no insulation, it will have to be added, and again
should comply with the target U-Value figure.
Check your Quote for Insulation
There is
obviously going to be an extra cost implication
here. If your roofing contractor however doesn't
take into account the likely cost of insulation
work in the figure for your flat roof refurbishment
quote, you are not only receiving an essentially
inaccurately low quote, but there could be other
implications:
- The
roofing contractor may not be aware of the revised
Building Regulation, or worse..
- The
roofing contractor may not carry out the
extra insulation work.
- The insulation may be insufficient to meet the regulations, the specifics should be clearly listed in your quote.
- Make sure you're only being charged a 5% VAT rate on the insulation potion of your job.
What
happens if the necessary insulation work isn't
carried out?
You run the risk of your local building control department forcing you to comply after the event, which could involve unnecessary expense as you would be required to install the insulation irrespective of the fact you'd replaced your flat roof.
For
more details, enquiries about exemptions, and
for general help and information on this, contact
you Local authority Building Control Office (see
resources section at the foot of the page).
For
information about our services or to arrange for
a quote (which will take into account any necessary
extra insulation work), call us now on 0800
098 8271 or contact
us online.
Useful Resources
related to this subject:
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