How & Where Was RAAC used?

RAAC was used within buildings from the late 1950’s through until the early 1990’s, predominantly to form roofs, but occasionally to form walls or floors. RAAC was most commonly used in flat roofs, but it was also used in some floor and wall panel construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s.

What type of buildings was RAAC most commonly used in?

RAAC was used in a range of building types during the period of peak usage from 1950 -1990. This period was also a period where the use of asbestos was commonplace in construction. These buildings included both public and private sector, but RAAC is most common in schools, hospitals and public buildings.

The use of RAAC in residential buildings is thought to be limited to roof top plant rooms, and some wall panels.

There is also some evidence that it has been used in a limited number of buildings through the 1990’s and 2000’s. Since the early 1990’s new EuropeanStandards have been implemented to prevent under-design and to ensure long term durability.

Does RAAC pose a health risk?

The concerns about RAAC are solely linked to its durability and structural performance. There is no evidence to suggest it poses any other health risk. 

RAAC & Asbestos

Some reports have linked RAAC to asbestos. This is because some buildings built with RAAC were built at a time when asbestos was still legal to use, and common usage during the 1950 -1990’s was also a key period of usage for asbestos in construction. There is no link between RAAC and asbestos but many buildings which contain RAAC, will also contain asbestos.

Before any construction remediation of RAAC work takes place there are legal procedures to follow to manage any asbestos risk. 

Remediation of RAAC will take into account asbestos identification on the specific site in the location of the work, and careful management if it is present.

What Will the Report Contain?

This report will describe the work carried out and document the results to enable the presence of RAAC within the building to be determined.

The survey will aim to identify suspect material within the area identified, however the initial survey is non-intrusive and RAAC materials maybe present beyond fixtures, fittings or decoration. A follow up survey may be required to access these areas, even then RAAC material maybe hidden within the structure of the building.

After inspection and identification, the report may recommend that a condition or structural assessment is undertaken by a chartered structural engineer. The structural engineer can then advise on measures to manage the risk.  The remedial works advised will be risk-based for priority and what is most appropriate.  The use of the space beneath a roof will affect the risk assessment e.g. a classroom will be a higher risk than a storeroom or plant room.