Brent Building Control Consultancy Services (BCCS) deals with the aftermath of the Tornado, which struck Kensal Rise on the 7^th December 2006.

Following damage caused to numerous properties within Kensal Rise, Brent Council’s Building Control Surveyors initially concentrated on dealing with Dangerous Structures.  Their role is now changing to one of inspection to ensure that the standards and requirements of the Building Regulations are met.

It is important that inspections are undertaken at appropriate stages to enable Building Control Surveyors are able to confirm works comply with Building Regulations.  Inspections may be booked by contacting BCCS on 020 8937 5499.  Same day inspections may be possible if booked before 10am.

BUILDING CONTROL CONSULTANCY SERVICES

BRENT HOUSE, 349 High Road,

Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 6BZ.

TEL: 020 8937 5499   FAX: 020 8937 5475

e.mail: bccs@brent.gov.uk

website: www.brent.gov.uk/bccs

Typical Compliance issues:

•         Connections between rafter and ceiling joists - Building Control to be shown representative          connections and re-spiked connections, as necessary;
•         Adequacy of roof structure to be checked, including rafter / purlin sizes and   provision of collar ties - Additional strengthening works may be required;
•         Breathable felt or ventilation - Correct drape required on felt - not to be pulled taught across rafters;
•         Insulation standards - correct levels of insulation to be seen; and
•         Completion inspection to be undertaken and Certificate obtained.

The following advice has been given locally:

Building Regulation Applications following tornado damage:       

Roofs

•          Rafters, purlins, wall plates and struts should be checked for damage, adequate bearing, connections and alignment.  Connections should be re-spiked where necessary and additional strengthening works may be required.
•          Flashings (code 4 lead) should be reinstated in maximum lengths of 1.5m.
•          Where necessary restraint straps should be introduced at 2.0m maximum centres e.g. gable walls to rafters.
•          Breathable felt underlay or ventilation to be provided.
•          Roofs should be adequately thermally insulated with mineral wool 100mm thick at the ceiling level between joists and 170mm thick laid transverse over.

Chimney Stacks:

•          Collapsed stacks should be rebuilt and relined.
•          Chimney pots and flaunching should be checked and repaired, as necessary.
•          All complete (unaffected) stacks should be cleaned and checked by a competent person (eg a CORGI, HETAS or OFTEC registered installer) before reuse.

Rebuilding walls and/or extensions:

•      Full compliance will be required with the Building Regulations including thermal insulation.  If proposing to rebuild using 215mm solid brickwork, it will be necessary to insulate and dry-line the walls.  Please refer to Building Control for further advice.

Informatives:

•          You may need to consider the requirements of The Party Wall Act 1996 if undertaking works to the Party Wall and agreement with neighbours obtained.
•          Electrics may have been affected by water ingress and damage to external fittings. If you are in any doubt you should have a qualified electrician inspect and test the system.
•          Flues to gas boilers may be clogged or blocked with debris. If your boiler is not operating properly, you should have it inspected and tested by a corgi gas fitted or suitably qualified person.
•          Cold water cisterns may be contaminated with small particles. Removed any items by hand and flush through contents by opening taps before reuse.
•          Many TV aerials have been displaced and should be renewed or refixed securely.
•          It is in your interests to ensure that inspections are undertaken and a satisfactory completion inspection made by Building Control.  Incomplete, unauthorised or contravening work will be recorded and may result in difficulties with search enquiries at a later date.  Remember - we are here to help.

INSULATION STANDARDS:

Open Loft Spaces:

If < 150mm mineral wool insulation between ceiling joists then UPGRADE to 250mm insulation quilt (100mm between joists and 150mm above ceiling joists).

Boarded out Loft Spaces:

Insulation to be placed at rafter level using 70mm “Celotex” (or similar) between rafters and 20mm “Celotex” (or similar) beneath rafters.

Previously Converted Loft:

If Ceiling Intact and rafters full of insulation then UPGRADE to 90mm “Celotex” (or similar) between rafters.

If ceiling has been lost then UPGRADE to 70mm “Celotex” (or similar) between rafters and 50mm “Celotex” (or similar) beneath joists.

Building Control Consultancy Services is extremely well placed to work in partnership with developers and owners undertaking regeneration, alteration or refurbishment work within the borough of Brent.  They adopt a professional and helpful approach to the regulatory process and will work as part of the design team, providing advice and guidance to ensure that developments comply with the Building Regulations.  

BCCS has received external recognition for the quality of its services, including accreditation under ISO9001 and ISO14001.  They are also three times award winners of the prestigious CharterMark award for service excellence.  You can therefore be confident in the service provided.  BCCS operate in a competitive environment and we are always looking to continuously improve the range and standard of services.  We work in conjunction with other local authorities plus external and internal partners to ensure that you receive a coordinated and consistent approach to your development.