Overview of the Fairweather House

The Fairweather house, a notable example of system-built properties in the UK, was manufactured between 1963 and the 1970s. These properties were primarily constructed by H Fairweather & Co. and Fairweather Engineering & Design Ltd, with design contributions from Drury Design Service Ltd and Ronald Ward and Partners. The Fairweather house is also known by its alternative name, Drury, and is characterized by its unique construction features and materials.

Typical Locations and Numbers Built

Fairweather houses were predominantly built in urban and suburban areas across the UK. These properties were part of a broader initiative to address the post-war housing shortage, leading to the construction of numerous units during their peak production years. While exact numbers are not readily available, it is estimated that thousands of these homes were built during the 1960s and 1970s.

Identification Characteristics

Identifying a Fairweather house involves recognizing several distinct features:

• Structure: Typically, these are 2-storey terraced houses.
• Roof: Flat roofs covered with bituminous felt.
• External Walls: Front and rear external walls are clad with shiplap timber boarding.
• Flank Walls: Storey-height precast concrete (PC) panels.

These characteristics make the Fairweather house easily distinguishable from other system-built properties of the same era.

Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure details of Fairweather houses are not well-documented. However, it is assumed that they follow standard practices of the time, involving concrete foundations.

External Walls

The external walls of Fairweather houses are constructed using a combination of materials and techniques:

• Front and Rear Walls: These are made of storey-height timber frame panels overlaid with a breather membrane and clad with shiplap timber boarding. The internal side is lined with plasterboard, and glass fibre insulation is placed between the frame studs.
• Flank Walls: These consist of dense PC sandwich panels with a 3-inch outer leaf, 1-inch insulation, and a 5-inch inner leaf. The panels are bolted together and feature drained joints.

Separating Walls

The separating walls between properties are constructed using 7-inch storey-height PC panels, providing structural integrity and sound insulation.

Partitions

Internal partitions are made of 2-inch Stramit panels, a type of compressed strawboard, which was a common material used during the period for its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

Floors

• Ground Floor: The ground floor typically consists of chipboard laid on polystyrene insulation, which is then placed on a concrete base.
• First Floor: The first floor is constructed using chipboard on timber joists, providing a lightweight yet sturdy structure.

Ceilings

Ceilings in Fairweather houses are generally made of plasterboard, often finished with Artex, a textured coating popular in mid-20th century homes.

Roof

The roof structure comprises preformed timber panels, flaxboard, and bituminous felt, providing a flat roof design that was both economical and quick to construct.

Variants

Some Fairweather houses feature variations in their construction materials:

• External Wall Panels: In some cases, air-entrained Lytag concrete was used instead of traditional concrete.
• Partitions: Sand:Lytag concrete was sometimes used for internal partitions, offering a lightweight and durable alternative.

Typical Hazards and Risks

Structural Integrity

One of the primary concerns with Fairweather houses is the potential for structural degradation over time. The use of timber and concrete panels, while innovative, can lead to issues such as:

• Timber Decay: The timber frame and cladding are susceptible to rot and insect infestation, particularly if not properly maintained.
• Concrete Deterioration: The PC panels can suffer from spalling, cracking, and reinforcement corrosion, especially if exposed to moisture.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

The insulation materials used in Fairweather houses, such as glass fibre and polystyrene, may not meet modern energy efficiency standards. This can result in higher heating costs and reduced thermal comfort.

Roof Issues

Flat roofs covered with bituminous felt are prone to water ingress and leaks, particularly if the roofing material has aged or been damaged. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent significant water damage.

Asbestos

Given the era of construction, there is a possibility that asbestos-containing materials were used in some components, such as Artex ceilings. Asbestos poses serious health risks if disturbed, necessitating professional assessment and removal.

Defective Premises Act Considerations

The Fairweather house is not specifically listed as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, the potential for structural and material issues means that buyers and investors should exercise due diligence. A thorough survey by a qualified professional is essential to identify any defects and assess the overall condition of the property.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

When inspecting a Fairweather house, surveyors should focus on several key areas to ensure a comprehensive assessment:

External Inspection

• Roof: Check for signs of water ingress, damage to the bituminous felt, and overall condition of the flat roof.
• Walls: Inspect the shiplap timber boarding for signs of rot, warping, or insect damage. Examine the PC panels for cracks, spalling, and joint integrity.
• Windows and Doors: Assess the condition of window and door frames, particularly if they are original timber units.

Internal Inspection

• Walls and Partitions: Look for signs of structural movement, cracks, and dampness. Pay particular attention to the condition of Stramit panels.
• Floors: Check for unevenness, sagging, or signs of moisture damage in both ground and first floors.
• Ceilings: Inspect plasterboard and Artex finishes for cracks, staining, or potential asbestos content.
• Insulation: Evaluate the effectiveness of insulation materials and consider the need for upgrades to meet current energy efficiency standards.

Structural Elements

• Timber Frame: Assess the condition of the timber frame, looking for signs of decay, insect infestation, and structural integrity.
• Concrete Panels: Examine the PC panels for signs of deterioration, including spalling, cracking, and reinforcement corrosion.

Services

• Plumbing and Electrical: Ensure that plumbing and electrical systems are up to date and comply with current regulations. Look for signs of outdated or unsafe installations.

Typical Defects in Fairweather Houses

Timber Decay

Timber components, including the frame and cladding, are prone to decay if exposed to moisture. Regular maintenance and treatment are essential to prevent rot and insect damage.

Concrete Deterioration

PC panels can suffer from various forms of deterioration, including spalling, cracking, and reinforcement corrosion. These issues can compromise the structural integrity of the property and require professional repair.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

The original insulation materials used in Fairweather houses may not provide adequate thermal performance by modern standards. Upgrading insulation can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.

Roof Leaks

Flat roofs covered with bituminous felt are susceptible to leaks, particularly if the roofing material has aged or been damaged. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to prevent water ingress and associated damage.

Asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials, such as Artex ceilings, pose significant health risks if disturbed. Professional assessment and removal are necessary to ensure safety.

Maintenance and Repair Recommendations

Regular Inspections

Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify and address any issues promptly. This includes checking the condition of the roof, walls, floors, and insulation.

Timber Treatment

Treat timber components with appropriate preservatives to prevent rot and insect infestation. Replace any decayed or damaged timber promptly.

Concrete Repairs

Address any signs of concrete deterioration, such as spalling or cracking, through professional repair methods. This may involve patching, reinforcement, or replacement of affected panels.

Insulation Upgrades

Consider upgrading insulation materials to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort. This may involve adding or replacing insulation in walls, floors, and roofs.

Roof Maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain the flat roof to prevent leaks and water ingress. Replace damaged or aged bituminous felt as needed.

Asbestos Management

If asbestos-containing materials are present, engage a professional to assess and safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos to prevent health risks.

Conclusion

The Fairweather house represents a significant chapter in the history of UK housing, offering unique construction features and materials. While these properties have their challenges, including potential structural and material issues, they can be a viable investment with proper maintenance and care.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.

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