The BBA & LoftZone: Does loft flooring affect my new home warranty? Part 3

You might have heard that LoftZone is the UK’s only raised loft flooring system with a BBA certification. But what is the BBA & LoftZone and how does that help keep your NHBC warranty intact?

In this series of posts, we are also covering everything you need to know about loft boarding and your NHBC warranty & standards (part 1) as well as Building Regulations (part 2).

The BBA (British Board of Agrément)

The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is an independent, non-profit distributing organisation whose aim is to help businesses and organisations supply the construction industry with products, systems and installers of the highest quality.

Their technical teams are highly experienced, and their certification and inspection services are recognised by building control, local authorities, industry insurers and the key construction trade associations in the UK. 

The National Insulation Association has an explanatory article on the BBA, stating:

“The BBA places a strong emphasis on the accreditation of its own services and is monitored by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service). This accreditation is held for product testing, quality management systems certification, product conformity certification, and calibration.”

The BBA is designated by the government as a body to issue European Technical Approvals in the UK and also as the UK spokesbody in the co-ordinating European Organisation for Technical Approvals.

According to InsulationShop.co:

“Proper certification of any building product or procedure only guarantees you that you that the product has been exposed to a series of tests in regard to its characteristics, resistance, durability, effectiveness etc. So, if you want to make sure that the purchased material or implemented installation method will show results you are expecting, the British Board of Agremént can be of great assistance here.”

And the DesigningBuildings Wiki page describes the BBA as:

“The UKs major authority for providing reassurance to consumers, and achieve this through Agrément Certificates.”

The BBA & LoftZone

LoftZone has received a BBA certificate for their raised loft flooring product, StoreFloor, which finds it fit for its intended use (providing it is installed and used as it is meant to be).

The certification process covered the structural performance of the installed decking, the thermal insulation capability of the components and their effect on existing insulation, and the durability of the system compared with the other structural elements of the loft space.

According to the BBA, the StoreFloor system, if installed, used and maintained in accordance with the certificate, can satisfy or contribute to satisfying the relevant requirements of Building Regulations in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.

Homebase agrees:

“Transform your dreary attic into a safe, clean and storage area with StoreFloor by LoftZone. This is the only raised deck system approved for use in new-build houses.”

Conclusion

Now you know how the BBA & LoftZone help you protect your new build’s warranty. And if somebody asks you if loft flooring affects your new build’s warranty, you can reassure them: The NHBC warranty policy doesn’t prohibit (suitably installed) loft flooring for storage in any way. In certain cases, building regulations even require you to install loft boarding.

It’s also important to note that loft flooring for storage falls under permitted developments, so it doesn’t need planning permission. Also, no building warrant is needed.

So, when it comes to loft boarding in new build homes you have no reason to worry. To avoid any issues with your new build home or warranty, simply make sure to:

• Use a raised loft flooring system like LoftZone that meets NHBC standards and is BBA-certified.
• Choose competent contractors who are fully insured and whose work meets NHBC standards (like us!).

So, the next time somebody tells you that you can’t put flooring in your new loft for 10 years because it will affect your new build’s warranty, you have everything you need to counter this.