Historical Context and Background

The Howard Type A house, a unique and rare property type, was manufactured by John Howard & Co. Ltd. Designed by Phillip Powell and Eric Chick, these houses were constructed in 1945, immediately following World War II. Only two of these properties were ever built, making them a rare find in the UK property market. These houses are also known simply as “Howard” houses.

Typical Locations and Identification Characteristics

Given their limited production, Howard Type A houses are not widespread. They are typically found in areas where post-war housing was urgently needed. These properties are two-storey semi-detached houses, easily identifiable by their shallow pitch gable roofs covered with profiled asbestos cement sheets. The external walls feature clay tile-faced PC panels up to the ground floor window sill level, with flat asbestos cement sheets in horizontal bands above. Timber cover strips mask the corners, and there is a recess at the separating wall on both the front and rear elevations, infilled with a projecting single-storey storage area on both sides. The houses also have steel window frames, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure of the Howard Type A house consists of a concrete slab stepped around the perimeter with an extended apron. This design includes a damp-proof course (DPC) to prevent moisture from rising through the structure.

Frame

The frame is a complex assembly of various steel components, including:
– 2 RSA (Rolled Steel Angle) and 3 RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) stanchions
– 2 RSA frames and 3 RSJ single-storey stanchions
– 1 RSJ floor support beam
– 9 flitched and 2 PSC (Pre-Stressed Concrete) first-floor joists
– Braced RSA spandrel perimeter beams at the first floor and eaves level
– RSA cladding rails
– 7 RST (Rolled Steel Tee) roof trusses and RSA purlins

The protective coating for these steel components is not known, which could be a point of concern for potential buyers.

External Walls

The front and rear walls are constructed of clay-tile-faced PC panels up to the ground floor window sill level. Above this, the walls are timber-framed and clad with flat asbestos cement sheets in horizontal bands. The gable walls are clad throughout with these sheets. The cavity walls are timber-framed, overlaid with aluminium-coated bituminous paper, infilled with woodwool slabs, and lined with asbestos cement sheets.

Separating Wall

The separating wall between the semi-detached houses is a timber frame panel cavity wall, infilled with woodwool slabs and backed and lined with flat asbestos cement sheets.

Partitions

Internal partitions are made of timber framing, infilled with woodwool slabs, and lined with asbestos cement sheets.

Floors

The ground floor is concrete, while the first floor consists of tongue-and-groove (T&G) boarding on flitched joists.

Ceilings

The ground floor ceilings are made of laminated board, and the first-floor ceilings are fibreboard.

Roof

The roof is covered with profiled asbestos cement sheets, a common material in post-war construction but now known for its health risks.

Typical Hazards and Risks

Asbestos

One of the most significant hazards associated with Howard Type A houses is the extensive use of asbestos cement sheets in the construction. Asbestos is a known health risk, and any disturbance of these materials can release harmful fibres into the air. It is crucial to have a professional asbestos survey conducted before any renovation or demolition work.

Structural Integrity

The steel frame components, while robust, may suffer from corrosion over time, especially if the protective coating is inadequate or has deteriorated. This can compromise the structural integrity of the house.

Moisture and Damp

The concrete slab substructure and the use of woodwool slabs in the walls and partitions can be susceptible to moisture ingress. This can lead to damp issues, which can further exacerbate the risk of mould growth and structural damage.

Thermal Insulation

The construction materials used in Howard Type A houses, such as asbestos cement sheets and woodwool slabs, do not provide adequate thermal insulation by modern standards. This can result in higher energy costs for heating and cooling the property.

Defective Premises Act

The Howard Type A house is not specifically classed as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, the use of asbestos and potential structural issues mean that buyers should exercise caution and conduct thorough inspections before purchasing.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

External Inspection

1. Roof: Check the condition of the asbestos cement sheets. Look for signs of damage, wear, or potential asbestos exposure.
2. Walls: Inspect the clay tile-faced PC panels and asbestos cement sheets for any cracks, damage, or signs of moisture ingress.
3. Windows: Examine the steel window frames for rust and ensure they are properly sealed to prevent drafts and moisture ingress.
4. Recess Areas: Inspect the single-storey storage areas for structural integrity and any signs of damp or mould.

Internal Inspection

1. Walls and Partitions: Check for any signs of damp, mould, or structural damage. Pay particular attention to the woodwool slabs and asbestos cement sheets.
2. Floors: Inspect the concrete ground floor for cracks or signs of movement. Check the first-floor T&G boarding for any signs of wear or damage.
3. Ceilings: Look for any signs of sagging, damp, or damage to the laminated board and fibreboard ceilings.
4. Frame: If accessible, inspect the steel frame components for any signs of corrosion or damage.

Moisture and Damp

1. DPC: Ensure the damp-proof course is intact and functioning correctly.
2. Moisture Levels: Use a moisture meter to check for elevated moisture levels in the walls, floors, and ceilings.
3. Ventilation: Assess the ventilation in the property to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the risk of damp and mould.

Asbestos

1. Survey: Conduct a professional asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials and assess their condition.
2. Management Plan: If asbestos is present, develop a management plan to safely handle and, if necessary, remove the asbestos materials.

Typical Defects in Howard Type A Houses

Asbestos Degradation

Over time, asbestos cement sheets can degrade, leading to the release of harmful fibres. This is a significant health risk and requires careful management.

Corrosion of Steel Components

The steel frame components can suffer from corrosion, especially if the protective coating is inadequate or has deteriorated. This can compromise the structural integrity of the house.

Moisture Ingress and Damp

The concrete slab substructure and the use of woodwool slabs in the walls and partitions can be susceptible to moisture ingress. This can lead to damp issues, which can further exacerbate the risk of mould growth and structural damage.

Thermal Insulation

The construction materials used in Howard Type A houses, such as asbestos cement sheets and woodwool slabs, do not provide adequate thermal insulation by modern standards. This can result in higher energy costs for heating and cooling the property.

Structural Movement

The concrete slab substructure can be prone to movement, leading to cracks in the walls and floors. This can compromise the structural integrity of the house and require significant repairs.

Maintenance and Improvement Tips

Asbestos Management

If asbestos is present, it is crucial to manage it safely. This may involve encapsulating the asbestos materials to prevent fibre release or, in some cases, removing the asbestos entirely. Always use a professional asbestos removal service to handle this hazardous material.

Corrosion Prevention

To prevent corrosion of the steel frame components, ensure that any protective coatings are maintained and, if necessary, reapplied. Regular inspections can help identify any early signs of corrosion and address them before they become a significant issue.

Damp Proofing

Ensure that the damp-proof course is intact and functioning correctly. If damp issues are identified, consider installing additional damp-proofing measures, such as a damp-proof membrane or chemical damp-proof course.

Insulation Upgrades

To improve the thermal efficiency of the property, consider upgrading the insulation. This may involve adding insulation to the walls, floors, and roof. Modern insulation materials can significantly reduce energy costs and improve the comfort of the home.

Structural Repairs

If structural movement or damage is identified, it is crucial to address it promptly. This may involve underpinning the concrete slab substructure or repairing cracks in the walls and floors. Always use a professional structural engineer to assess and carry out any necessary repairs.

Conclusion

The Howard Type A house is a unique and rare property type with a rich history. While these houses have their charm and historical significance, they also come with several potential hazards and risks. Asbestos, corrosion, moisture ingress, and inadequate thermal insulation are all issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Thorough inspections and careful management of these risks are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of the property.

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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