Approved Document 7: Materials and workmanship – Building Regulations 2010 England
Approved Document 7 provides guidance on complying with Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010 in England. This document, specifically the 2013 edition incorporating 2018 amendments, was issued by HM Government to define the legal requirements for materials and workmanship in building projects. While primarily used in England, it also applies to excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009. It operates alongside other technical parts of the Building Regulations to ensure that work is carried out with adequate materials and in a workmanlike manner.
The document is divided into two primary sections: Section 1: Materials and Section 2: Workmanship. It establishes frameworks for assessing the fitness of products, including the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU-CPR) and the use of CE marking. The guidance covers a broad range of materials, including manufactured products, naturally occurring materials such as stone and timber, and backfilling for excavations. It also details the 2018 amendments regarding the use of non-combustible materials in the external walls of tall buildings, referencing the specific requirements of Regulation 7(2).
Professional users including architects, contractors, and building control bodies use this document to establish a presumption of compliance with the law. It outlines the roles of the British Standards Institution (BSI), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in certifying product performance and workmanship quality.
Regulation 7: Legal Requirements
Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010 mandates that all building work must be carried out with adequate and proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. To meet these functional requirements, materials must satisfy specific conditions:
- Appropriate Materials: Must be suitable for the circumstances in which they are used.
- Preparation: Materials must be adequately mixed or prepared before application.
- Performance: Materials must be applied, used, or fixed to perform the functions for which they were designed.
- Workmanlike Manner: The execution of the work must meet professional standards of adequacy.
Section 1: Establishing Fitness of Materials
The document describes several methods for assessing whether a material is fit for its intended purpose. The primary method for construction products on the EU market is the CE marking, which indicates a Declaration of Performance against harmonised European standards.
- British Standards: Use of products assessed against BSI specifications or the British versions of harmonised European standards.
- Independent Certification: Schemes accredited by UKAS or the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) that provide information on product performance.
- Tests and Calculations: Where no harmonised standard exists, data from accredited laboratories may demonstrate suitability.
- Past Experience: Evidence of successful use in existing buildings can indicate that a material is capable of performing its intended function.
Special Material Classifications
Specific rules apply to materials that may deteriorate quickly or change properties over time. Local authorities have the power under Section 19 of the Building Act 1984 to impose conditions on the use of short-lived materials.
- Short-lived materials: Unsuitable if they deteriorate rapidly relative to the expected life of the building, unless they are easily accessible for inspection and replacement.
- Susceptible materials: Materials that change properties in certain environmental conditions may be used if their residual properties can be estimated and remain adequate for the building's life.
- Tall Buildings: Under Regulation 7(2), combustible materials are restricted in the external walls of buildings over 18m in height.
Section 2: Adequacy of Workmanship
Workmanship adequacy can be established through adherence to recognized standards, management systems, or physical testing. The BS 8000 series is the primary reference for workmanship on building sites.
- Management Systems: Compliance with BS EN ISO 9000 or similar UKAS-accredited quality management schemes.
- Certification Schemes: Participation in competent person self-certification schemes for installers.
- Mandatory Testing: The Building Regulations require specific tests for sound insulation (Regulation 41), mechanical ventilation air flow rates (Regulation 42), and air pressure testing (Regulation 43).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height threshold for non-combustible material restrictions in external walls?
The Building Regulations restrict the use of combustible materials in the external walls of certain buildings that are over 18m in height, as detailed in Regulation 7(2).
Does a CE marking alone prove a material is suitable for building work?
No, the CE symbol by itself does not necessarily indicate suitability; the user must check the Declaration of Performance to ensure the declared characteristics meet the specific requirements of the project.
What powers do local authorities have regarding material samples?
Under Regulation 46, local authorities have the power to take samples of materials to establish whether they comply with the Building Regulations.
Which British Standard series covers workmanship on building sites?
The BS 8000 series provides codes of practice for various types of work, such as masonry, glazing, and carpentry.
Are short-lived materials prohibited?
They are not strictly prohibited, but local authorities may impose conditions on their use, and they are generally only acceptable if they are accessible for maintenance and replacement.
What happens if building work does not comply with Regulation 7?
The building owner may be served with an enforcement notice if the materials or workmanship do not meet the standards required by the Building Regulations.
