Helping clients address their risk from defective RAAC roofing systems

A number of concerns have been raised in recent years in relation to defective Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof planks. Although not highly prevalent in residential properties, they have been found in flat roof structures of various heights, including offices and schools.

Issues with RAAC construction were originally highlighted following a sudden failure, causing collapse, of RAAC roof planks at a school in Kent. In May 2019, the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) raised a safety alert to the industry noting this as an area of concern. In 2021, SCOSS integrated with Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS) and is now operating under that name, continuing to raise awareness on the structural safety of RAAC construction.

Building Research Establishment (BRE) Information Paper IP10/96 highlights the concerns with RAAC roof planks and advises that such properties should be inspected and assessed by a Structural Engineer, with appropriate measures taken to remediate any defects and advise on long term regimes for inspections

Should you have RAAC within any of your assets, or are not sure, we recommend that if you have not done so already, you employ a competent Structural Engineer to inspect the property and advise you.

One of our CHIC suppliers, the Frankham Consultancy Group, offers specialist advice in this area, and the link below gives an insight into the issues and risks.

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If you need a review of your buildings and safety risk in relation to RAAC, please feel free to get in touch with one of our Member Services Team at enqiries@chicltd.co.uk to help you access CHIC’s new Consultancy Framework.