What is RAAC Roofing and Why Could it Cost the Government in Excess of £635m?

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roofs have become a significant cause for concern in several NHS trusts and schools across the UK. As the structural integrity of these roofs deteriorates with age, buildings are faced with potential risks to patient and pupil safety and the need for urgent remediation.

Having completed some research around this issue, PKL wanted to shed some light on the importance of taking prompt action to ensure the safety and sustainability within schools and hospitals.

Professor Goodier leads a major national research project on RAAC funded by the NHS (Expert explainer: What is Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and why are people concerned | News and events | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk)), and has commented: “The Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) report issued in May 2019 highlighted the significant risk of failure of these planks. In September 2022, the Office of Government Property sent a ‘Safety Briefing Notice’ to all Property Leaders, regarding the dangers of RAAC, stating that ‘RAAC is now life-expired and liable to collapse”.

“NHS England/Improvement is at the forefront of understanding and tackling the issue and have issued instructions requiring the removal of RAAC planks by 2030”.

RAAC has also been identified in dozens of NHS hospitals, and the government has pledged to remove it entirely from the NHS estate by 2035, allocating £635m to mitigate the risks.

In a recent Freedom of Information (FoI) investigation, five NHS trusts (NHS trusts need hundreds of millions to stop hospitals' roofs collapsing | New Civil Engineer) revealed they have applied for £331.9M in additional funding to address the RAAC roofing issues within the next three years.

RAAC roofing systems, initially adopted for their manufacturing efficiency, have now surpassed their 30-year lifespans in several hospitals and schools. As a result, many of these structures are experiencing cracks, leaks, and other damages that threaten their structural stability. To address the risks posed by aging RAAC roofs, NHS trusts have applied for substantial funding to undertake remediation efforts and prevent potential roof collapses.

RAAC roofs are prone to moisture ingress due to a high volume of air within the material. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to mold growth and weaken the roof's tensile strength, posing significant risks to patients, staff, and vital medical equipment. To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all within the premises, immediate roof replacement is crucial.

Modern roofing materials offer advanced energy-efficient features, which can significantly benefit facilities in terms of cost savings and sustainability. Energy-efficient roofing systems help reduce heating and cooling expenses, freeing up resources for additional needs. A roof replacement can also contribute to a facilities commitment to environmental responsibility, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable practices.

Buildings with RAAC roofing should carefully consider the benefits of timely roof replacement to ensure the safety, sustainability, and functionality of their facilities. An aging roof may compromise the integrity of the buildings structure and expose people to potential risks. By investing in a new roofing system, hospitals and schools can enhance their disaster preparedness, comply with updated building codes, and create a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible environment. Prioritising roof replacement demonstrates a commitment to providing the best possible care and ensuring the well-being of everyone within the premises.

Here at PKL we have been working with a number of hospitals and schools to ensure that there is minimal disruption to their catering operation by supplying a temporary kitchen facility whilst they replace their RAAC roofing.

If you have plans in the pipeline to replace your RAAC roof and would like to understand how PKL can help to ensure a smooth and undisrupted catering operation, get in touch with PKL today: postbox@pkl.co.uk / www.pkl.co.uk / 01242 663 000.