A ‘surge’ in the use of offsite manufacturing in the housebuilding industry has helped to shape a new set of standards from NHBC. The NHBC Standards 2019, which came into force on 1 January 2019, has taken account of advances in the offsite and light steel frame (LSF) sectors.
As a result, the Standards 2019 will introduce a major update to Chapter 6.10 on ‘Light Steel Framing’ – the first since it was published in 2005. NHBC said that given the increase of modular systems using LSF, its new set of standards added considerations to the stage one certification which should be considered in the manufacturer’s system manual. Meanwhile Chapter 6.2, which focuses on ‘External Timber-Framed Walls’ and Chapter 8.1 ‘Internal Services’ in relation to boiler flow rates, have also been updated, along with a number of additional minor changes on a range of issues. New additions in NHBC Standards 2019 include:
• Changes to Chapter 6.10 ‘Light steel framing’ to support advances in the use of this technology and define our guidance for structural frames and infill walls
• Chapter 6.2 ‘External timber framed walls’ – we now accept timber frame designs from manufacturers achieving Gold level status from the Structural Timber Association’s (STA) Assure Scheme without the need for further review or completing a HB2445 form.
Commenting on the new guidelines, which came into force for new homes where the foundations are begun on or after January 1 2019, NHBC Standards & Technical manager Paul Cribbens said: “NHBC’s dedicated team have spent the past year developing technical content and updates to form the new Standards, working with other partners and organisations from across the industry. The increased interest in MMC has contributed to these changes and we hope that these revisions will continue to help in raising standards of new home quality for the benefit of homeowners.”
For more information on NHBC Standards 2019 and changes including those related to offsite manufacture visit: https://bit.ly/2ABVKjs
