A Burton manufacturer has warned that new energy-efficiency rules for housebuilding could lead to roof leaks, overheating and condensation unless government works more closely with the construction industry.
Russell Roof Tiles says manufacturers, roofers, developers and designers have not been sufficiently involved in preparations for the Future Homes Standard, which is set to take effect next March.
The regulations are intended to make new homes “zero-carbon ready”, with heat pumps replacing gas boilers, higher insulation and ventilation standards, and solar panels covering an area equivalent to 40 per cent of the ground floor.
But Mark Parsons, technical director at the Burton-on-Trent company, said there were significant unanswered questions about how the different technologies would work together.
“We are missing important industry alignment around the implementation of the Future Homes Standard,” he said.
“The building regulations seem to have been pushed through by policymakers without considering the opinions of roof tile manufacturers and roofers in the construction industry that will be implementing the changes.”
Parsons said the consequences of getting the technical details wrong could be considerable, particularly where solar technology is integrated into roofing systems.
“There are concerns as to whether there has been enough combined testing of roof build-up construction with the underlay and BIPV when it comes to roof design performance, safety and ventilation,” he said.
He added that insufficient consideration appeared to have been given to how components would perform together in the UK climate, potentially creating problems including leaks, excessive heat and condensation.
Questions also remain over who would be responsible if systems fail, and how integrated solar equipment would be maintained or replaced.
Russell Roof Tiles supports the move towards lower-carbon construction and is targeting net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.
However, it argues that closer collaboration is needed to ensure the new regulations deliver energy-efficient homes without creating costly problems for developers, homeowners and the wider construction supply chain.
