2007 Building Regulations UpdateFor loft conversions the 2007 building regulations changes mainly involve fire safety and Approved Document B. FIRE REGULATIONS AND SAFETY Many of the changes to Approved Document B – Fire Safety, of the building regulations are aimed at non-domestic buildings such as warehouses and residential homes, though domestic loft conversions are also covered in depth. We are concerned primarily with Volume 1 of Approved Document B which covers ‘dwellinghouses.’ One of the main points of the new document is to introduce a new requirement of fire safety information and that “local authorities must consider whether it has been complied with when deciding whether to give a completion certificate.”
The main purpose of the provisions set out in the 2007 building regulations update for fire safety are to: To ensure that escape is possible in the event of fire and that a satisfactory fire alarm system is installed To prevent internal fire spread To ensure that external walls (and roofs) have sufficient resistance to stop the spread of fire Basically what the 2007 building regulations provisions are saying is that, in the event of fire, the householder cannot simply rely on the prompt attention of the emergency services and that provision must be made for escape and to limit the spread of any fire. In a nutshell when considering a building regulations application the local council will consider the probability of a fire occurring and its likely severity along with the ability of the new structure to resist the spread of fire and the danger posed to inhabitants (and neighbours) of the building.
One of the crucial tenets of the 2007 Building Regulations is that new structures within loft conversions must meet a specification of providing at least thirty minutes fire resistance. And, importantly, Volume 1 of Approved Document B sets some specific provisions for loft conversions. When developing a two-story property to include extra floors all floors, both old and new, must provide thirty minute fire resistance. However, if, as in 99% of loft conversions, only one extra story of less than 50 sq. meters containing no more than two rooms is being added than the existing first floor may be OK. The existing first floor will not need to be altered if meets a ‘modified thirty minute standard of fire resistance.’ In effect, the majority of modern(ish) homes will satisfy this criteria. Of course, the new floor in the loft conversion will still need to meet the full thirty minute specification. The stairway up to the loft conversion must also be protected from fire and the slightly ambiguous wording of the previous regulations has been changed to read, “a loft conversion to a two-story house will result in the need to protect the stairway (by providing fire-resisting doors and partitions) where previously no protection may have existed.” Stairways, therefore, no longer need to be enclosed or have self-closing doors. But, the fire doors and partitions which are installed must meet the thirty minute fire resistance specification. In fact, any new internal linings, for example on walls and floors, in a loft conversion must meet the thirty minute fire resistance rule. Sprinkler Systems Volume 1 of Approved Document B in the 2007 building regulations update includes guidance on the use of sprinkler systems. Sprinklers are becoming more popular in private housing whereas previously they were only really used in commercial premises. The installation of a sprinkler system in a loft conversion may, at the discretion of the local authority, allow some relaxation of the regulations regarding fire doors. However, it must be stressed that this guidance is exactly that. Guidance. There is no obligation on the local authorities building control department to accept a sprinkler system as being sufficient fire prevention so they must be consulted before finalising any plans involving sprinklers.
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