Reviewing the risk of fire in non-traditional new homes

Housebuilding has seen an increased number of non-traditional construction methods over recent years, from factory produced modular systems through to innovative site-built constructions. These changes have been driven by a number of factors including the shortage of skilled labour, a drive to improve quality and efficiency and also the rising challenge of achieving zero carbon homes. Earlier this year it was reported that Wales is to become the first country to make sprinklers in new build homes compulsory, however, to date, unlike their timber framed counterparts, there has been little solid research published on the fire risks of new build homes using these new construction methods.

Earlier this month, NHBC Foundation launched its own report - Fire performance of new residential buildings – to provide a balanced view of whether such methods and the use of thermal insulating products in particular, present a higher risk in the event of fire.

The NHBC Foundation report sought input from a 14-strong stakeholder steering group, including many in the design and construction industry and fire services and looks at real fires data across several sources from 1998 to 2010, case studies and the current regulatory framework and prescriptive guidance of the Building Regulations.

The new methods of construction examined in the report included:

· insulated concrete formwork

· light timber frame

· structural insulated panels

· engineered floor joists

· light steel framing

The report also explores the possibility of reducing fires during the construction phase. While fire safety on construction sites is generally a matter for the Health and Safety Executive; non-traditional construction methods do present differing risks that need to be addressed and the report suggests a move towards effective detection or suppression and preventative measures to reduce the severity of fire that does occur.

Considering fire claims data, initial findings do seem to indicate that certain forms of construction may contribute towards fire spread, leading to some increase in claims but further research of the data is required to draw any firm conclusions. Improved communication between Insurers, the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and the construction industry will also be required to improve collected data and the recording of non-traditional construction types.

The report does not conclude that non-traditional construction methods add to fire risk, but instead calls for care and attention in the design and construction of all domestic buildings. Regardless of construction type, the use of combustible materials either as principal framing elements or in the fabric of the building may provide a route for either internal fire spread through cavities or externally through the façade and will always remain a risk requiring satisfactory management when building new energy efficient homes.

Following the interest in the issues in this report, NHBC Foundation is also in the early planning stages of a follow-up research project Fires in cavities of residential buildings that we hope to share with you soon.