Roofing & Solar PV Feature
PV technology is proven in the market, is readily available, and has become much more affordable in recent times – reducing by 90% over the past decade
seamless part of the overall roof. Tis type of solar panel can also be installed at the same time as the rest of the roof tiles, without a specialist contractor and best of all has a payback period of less than six years.
ROLE OF VENTILATION While sustainability is now a primary specification consideration for social housing providers, there also remains other obligations that underpin holistic efforts to drive improvement to tenant comfort and future proof housing stock in general terms. Tese include revisions to important standards such as BS 5250 regarding the
management of moisture in buildings which can contribute to housing fabric issues if leſt unchecked. Alterations to the standard in 2021 took a fresh look at the role of roof space underlay. Te new standard outline specification must provide minimum levels of
ventilation to the roof void, in combination with a vapour permeable underlay and air open roof covering to ensure there is minimal risk of condensation within the roof build up. As such, local authority specifiers should ensure they include some form of
supplementary low- and high-level ventilation in accordance with BS 5250 to prevent the risk of condensation build up and potential damage.
EFFECTIVE TIMING Finally, local authority investment decisions also need to be smartly timed. Undertaking retrofit or refurbishment programmes during the summer months can have a direct and positive impact, especially if introducing renewable systems such as solar PV.
Solutions installed ahead of the winter months – which inevitably lead to
higher energy consumption (and bills), as well as building fabric stresses – can help provide access to more sustainable, as well as better ventilated roofing spaces, both of which deliver practical cost and comfort advantages for tenants.
SINGLE SOURCE STRATEGY For ultimate peace of mind as tenant sentiment and the regulatory landscape alters, local authorities should consider specifying a fully tested complete roof system. As an example, an entire roofing solution from Marley includes JB Red battens, underlay, tiles or slates, fixings, accessories, Roof Defence fire barrier and optional sustainable energy generation via integrated solar PV and Arcbox safety enclosures, and is also backed by a 15 year warranty.
Stuart Nicholson is roof systems director at Marley
Structural Elements; Groundworks
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMOctober/November 2023 | 29
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