The NHBC, the UK’s leading provider of warranty and insurance for new build homes, have recently made updates to their technical guidance in their NHBC Standards 2023 Clause 9.2.5 “Ceramic wall tiling” guidelines.
The guidance advises that gypsum plasters should not be used where repeated or persistent wetting may occur and also that in wet areas e.g. showers, backing surfaces may require protection with a suitable tanking system such as our Elements range of waterproofing solutions.
These technical updates apply to all house builders and developers of new build homes in the UK and are applicable to every NHBC registered home whose foundations begin on or after 1st January 2024. Whilst this may not affect all tradespeople, we thought it pertinent to share the guidance as we believe this is the best practice approach for all bathroom renovations.
In order to remain compliant, only suitable NHBC accepted products which form a watertight covering for walls and floors should be used, such as Abacus Element Board, Wedi and tilebacker boards range products. Utilising these systems will meet the requirements detailed in the guidance notes, providing the ultimate build quality behind the tiles for any bathroom, shower enclosure, wet room and bathroom pods.
Utilising these systems not only makes your bathroom last longer, it reduces the build up of mould, making it a healthier option for any tiling project.
In order to understand how you need to remain fully compliant with the NHBC Standards 2023, read the full guide here.
What are NHBC Standards?
The NHBC Standards define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with us and provide guidance on how these can be achieved.
Our dedicated Standards team is committed to continuous improvement. They work with stakeholders across the industry to ensure that the NHBC Standards keep pace with regulatory change, reflect the latest consumer expectations and the industry’s needs. This means that the Standards are always relevant, providing additional support and guidance to help builders and developers to raise standards in house building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners.
Other changed in the NHBC Standards 2024?
These are the most significant changes:
- a new Chapter 4.6 on engineered fill covering NHBC guidance on meeting the Technical Requirements and recommendations for using engineered fill foundations to support residential developments, external works and infrastructure
- revisions to Chapter 6.1 including the provision of cavity trays to complicated junctions and additional insight on the design and specification of windposts
- updates to Chapter 6.3 on internal masonry walls and fire-stopping details
- improvements to Chapter 7.2 to provide more information on durability, ventilation strategies, integration of roof solar technologies and roof cassette systems
- a revision of Part 8 (Chapters 8.1 – 8.6) to improve the usability of the sections and improve guidance on heat pumps and solar photovoltaics, ensuring alignment with the Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition) and weephole locations in relation to gas meter boxes.
We’ve also made changes to:
- Chapter 3.3 – more information on durability of timber
- Chapter 5.1 – small changes to cover cold bridging and radon maps updates
- Chapter 5.2 – changes to contaminants and DPMs
- Chapter 5.4 – small changes for podiums
- Chapter 6.2 – changes relating to timber frame expansion and contraction and permissible gaps under openings
- Chapter 6.4 – timber and concrete upper floors – additional guidance on joist spacing and clearance
- Chapter 6.6 – updates to fire precautions, design of steps, guarding and balustrades, structural design
- Chapter 7.1 – additional guidance covering balcony drainage edge design and upstands to podium decks and flat roofs.
Source: https://www.nhbc.co.uk/builders/products-and-services/techzone/nhbc-standards
Bathrooms - Kitchens 