Historical Context and Background

The Fairweather house, a notable example of system-built properties in the UK, was manufactured by H Fairweather & Co. and Fairweather Engineering & Design Ltd. Designed by Drury Design Service Ltd and Ronald Ward and Partners, these properties were constructed between 1963 and the 1970s. The Fairweather house, also known as the Drury, is a two-storey terraced house that has left a significant mark on the British housing landscape.

During the post-war period, there was a pressing need for rapid housing solutions to accommodate the growing population. System-built properties like the Fairweather house emerged as a response to this demand, offering a quick and efficient construction method. These houses were primarily built in urban areas, providing affordable housing options for many families.

Manufacturers and Designers

H Fairweather & Co.

H Fairweather & Co. played a pivotal role in the construction of the Fairweather house. Known for their expertise in engineering and design, the company was instrumental in developing innovative building techniques that allowed for the rapid assembly of these homes. Their collaboration with Fairweather Engineering & Design Ltd ensured that the properties were not only structurally sound but also aesthetically pleasing.

Drury Design Service Ltd and Ronald Ward and Partners

The design of the Fairweather house was a collaborative effort between Drury Design Service Ltd and Ronald Ward and Partners. These design firms brought their architectural expertise to the project, ensuring that the houses were functional, durable, and visually appealing. Their designs incorporated modernist elements, reflecting the architectural trends of the time.

Typical Characteristics of the Fairweather House

Identification Characteristics

The Fairweather house is easily identifiable by its distinct features:

• Two-storey terraced houses: These properties are typically arranged in rows, sharing walls with adjacent houses.
• Flat roof covered with bituminous felt: The flat roof design is a hallmark of the Fairweather house, providing a sleek and modern appearance.
• Front and rear external walls of shiplap timber boarding: The use of timber boarding gives the houses a rustic yet contemporary look.
• Flank wall of storey height PC panels: The flank walls are constructed using precast concrete (PC) panels, adding to the structural integrity of the houses.

Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure of the Fairweather house is not well-documented, but it is presumed to be a standard foundation suitable for the soil conditions of the construction sites.

External Walls

The front and rear walls are constructed using storey height timber frame panels overlaid with a breather membrane and clad with shiplap timber boarding. The walls are lined with plasterboard, and glass fibre insulation is placed between the frame studs. The flank walls are made 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, ensuring a robust and durable structure.

Separating Wall

The separating walls between the houses are constructed using 7-inch storey height PC panels, providing sound insulation and fire resistance.

Partitions

Internal partitions are made of 2-inch Stramit panels, a type of compressed strawboard that offers good thermal and acoustic insulation.

Ground Floor

The ground floor consists of chipboard on polystyrene insulation, laid over a concrete base. This construction method provides a stable and insulated floor surface.

First Floor

The first floor is constructed using chipboard on timber joists, offering a lightweight yet sturdy flooring solution.

Ceilings

Ceilings are typically made of plasterboard and finished with Artex, a textured coating that was popular during the construction period.

Roof

The roof is constructed using preformed timber panels, flaxboard, and bituminous felt. This combination provides a durable and weather-resistant roofing solution.

Typical Hazards and Risks

Structural Issues

One of the primary concerns with the Fairweather house is the potential for structural issues, particularly with the precast concrete panels. Over time, these panels can suffer from corrosion of the steel reinforcement, leading to cracking and spalling. It is essential to inspect the condition of the concrete panels regularly and address any signs of deterioration promptly.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

The original insulation materials used in the Fairweather house, such as glass fibre and polystyrene, may not meet modern energy efficiency standards. Upgrading the insulation can significantly improve the thermal performance of the house, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Roofing Concerns

The flat roof design, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to water pooling and leaks. Regular maintenance of the bituminous felt covering is crucial to prevent water ingress and potential damage to the interior of the house.

Asbestos

As with many properties built during this period, there is a possibility that asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction of the Fairweather house. Asbestos can pose serious health risks if disturbed, so it is essential to have a professional survey conducted to identify and safely remove any asbestos materials.

Defective Premises Act

The Fairweather house is not classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, it is important to note that any property, regardless of its classification, can develop defects over time. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the continued safety and habitability of the house.

Inspection Guide for Surveyors

When inspecting a Fairweather house, surveyors should pay close attention to the following areas:

External Walls

• Check for signs of timber decay: Inspect the shiplap timber boarding for any signs of rot or decay, particularly at the base of the walls where moisture can accumulate.
• Examine the condition of the breather membrane: Ensure that the breather membrane is intact and providing adequate protection against moisture ingress.
• Inspect the PC panels: Look for any signs of cracking, spalling, or corrosion of the steel reinforcement in the precast concrete panels.

Roof

• Check the condition of the bituminous felt: Look for any signs of wear, tear, or damage to the felt covering. Ensure that the roof is free from water pooling and that the drainage system is functioning correctly.
• Inspect the timber panels and flaxboard: Ensure that the timber panels and flaxboard are in good condition and free from rot or decay.

Internal Walls and Partitions

• Examine the Stramit panels: Check for any signs of damage or deterioration in the internal partitions. Ensure that the panels are providing adequate thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Inspect the separating walls: Look for any signs of cracking or movement in the PC panels used for the separating walls.

Floors

• Check the condition of the chipboard flooring: Ensure that the chipboard is free from damage and that the polystyrene insulation is providing adequate thermal performance.
• Inspect the timber joists: Look for any signs of rot or decay in the timber joists supporting the first floor.

Ceilings

• Examine the plasterboard and Artex: Check for any signs of cracking or damage to the plasterboard and ensure that the Artex finish is in good condition.

Typical Defects Common in the Fairweather House

Timber Decay

Timber decay is a common issue in the Fairweather house, particularly in the shiplap timber boarding used for the external walls. Regular maintenance and treatment of the timber can help prevent decay and extend the lifespan of the property.

Concrete Deterioration

The precast concrete panels used in the construction of the Fairweather house can suffer from deterioration over time, particularly due to corrosion of the steel reinforcement. Regular inspections and prompt repairs are essential to maintain the structural integrity of the house.

Roof Leaks

The flat roof design of the Fairweather house can be prone to leaks, particularly if the bituminous felt covering is not well-maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance of the roof are crucial to prevent water ingress and potential damage to the interior of the house.

Insulation Issues

The original insulation materials used in the Fairweather house may not meet modern energy efficiency standards. Upgrading the insulation can significantly improve the thermal performance of the house, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials may have been used in the construction of the Fairweather house. It is essential to have a professional survey conducted to identify and safely remove any asbestos materials to ensure the safety of the occupants.

Conclusion

The Fairweather house, with its distinctive design and construction, represents an important chapter in the history of British housing. While these properties offer many benefits, including affordability and rapid construction, they also come with their own set of challenges. Understanding the typical characteristics, potential hazards, and common defects of the Fairweather house is essential for home buyers and investors.

Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the continued safety and habitability of these properties. By addressing any issues promptly and upgrading insulation and other materials as needed, owners can enjoy the benefits of the Fairweather house for many years to come.

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.

---