RPSA provides guidance on external cladding for high rises

Latest News Thu, Jun 29, 2017 3:02 PM

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) has issued guidance to its surveyor members to assist them when encountering properties that may have external cladding.

It will of course take quite some time for the public enquiry led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick to report on any impact that external cladding at Grenfell Tower may have had on the fire on June 14.

In the meanwhile, however, property surveyors must continue to go about their every-day business, and at a time like this they have a responsibility to offer a considered assessment of any risks that may be present as far as current knowledge exists when surveying a property, and at the same time avoid causing unnecessary disruption to the property market.

RPSA Chairman, Alan Milstein, says: “First of all, our Association offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of all those who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and its thoughts and sympathies are with the many people whose everyday lives have been affected by this terrible fire.

“We are very mindful that, at a time when there are few facts, but many opinions, some of which may not be based on broad knowledge, we need to give our members guidance as to how they should report on different property types. It would be too easy for Surveyors to blight any property that has any type of external cladding when the reality is that it may not be of the type that is currently of concern.”

Accordingly, RPSA has recommended that its members consider a range of factors including the property type, and the age and nature of building’ and where they have genuine concerns, take a cautious approach and recommend further investigations be conducted.

Guidance includes information about the types of claddings currently under investigation, and the advice that has been issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government to both private and social property owners.

Milstein goes on to say that: “The Council of RPSA are very aware that consumers and home buyers look to professional Surveyors to provide them with as much clarity as possible when making decisions and choices. In an environment which, unsurprisingly, includes a good deal of emotional reaction, we hope that we can assist Surveyors in achieving measured and reasonable comment that will prove of value.”

Featured News

Specification news
FMB calls for action on construction mental health on...

As World Mental Health Day highlights the importance of wellbeing across all...

Read More >>

Specification news
Research into the digitalisation of the construction...

Camrosh, have been commissioned by OPSS (the UK’s Office for Product Safety and...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Your Specialist Partner in Composite Steel Roof & Floor Decking Brochure

Your Specialist Part...
By RMD Profiles Ltd

Download Now >>

PVC-U System Fully Reversible Windows by Epwin Window Systems Brochure

PVC-U System Fully R...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Spectus Bevelled Windows and Doors Brochure

Spectus Bevelled Win...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Vertical Sliding Sash Window Brochure

Vertical Sliding Sas...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Two-Part Cill System Brochure

Two-Part Cill System
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

DUOFLEX
DUOFLEX

DUOFLEX is a high quality elastomeric bitumen, hot bonded to the substrate incorporating the fleece...

Read More >>

TECSOUND
TECSOUND

TECSOUND is a polymer based, bitumen-free, high-density synthetic membrane. The combination of its...

Read More >>

ISOLAIR MULTI
ISOLAIR MULTI

ISOLAIR MULTI is a natural and ecological vapour-permeable, windproof and water-repellent thermal...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management
Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management

In this video, we explore how blue roofs are transforming urban landscapes by helping to mitigate...

Watch Now >>

RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation
RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation

At RMD Profiles, we’re more than just metal decking. From supply-only solutions to full design and...

Watch Now >>

A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content
A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content

HIMACS has long been the solid surface material of choice for architects and designers looking for a...

Watch Now >>