Updated on 17/04/25
When inspecting buildings which have been retrofitted, there are always challenges to determine how good the retrofit is, and whether it has created any unintended consequences and risks. At the time we are inspecting buildings, we very often do not know exactly what the form of the retrofit took, in terms of materials, construction detailing, whether the designers of the retrofit took a single retrofit measure approach or took a whole building approach.
As regards the latter, did anyone properly consider the impact that a retrofit measure has on the building and what impact retrofit measures have on each other? At Oxford’s 2024 International Building Pathology conference, our Director of Research and Learning, Chartered Building Surveyor, Professor John Edwards, explained these challenges.
Retrofitting Inspection and the Grenfell Inquiry
The publication of the Grenfell inquiry report, highlights issues which have been the subject of debate for a very long time. Some of the materials used at Grenfell, are commonly found in many retrofitted buildings, but perhaps in a different form. The inquiry has raised concerns about the certification of construction products and their installation into buildings.
The construction industry relies heavily on certifications, and that is especially the case in the retrofit of buildings. Furthermore, in England and Wales where we have ‘competent person’ schemes, it is possible for a retrofit installer, complying with the certified design and materials, to self-declare compliance with building regulations.
This is despite the fact that, sometimes, a fleeting glance at the construction details would reveal problems such as thermal bridging.
At the Environment Study Centre, we offer expert-led courses to give you confidence as a retrofit professional. This includes our 2-day course on energy efficiency in older and traditional buildings.
PIR Insulation and the Glasgow School of Art
When the Glasgow School of Art burnt down for the second time in 2018 (the original fire was in 2014) before completion of its £51 million restoration, the use of PIR insulation was heavily criticised, for fire safety reasons, as reported in the Architects Journal at the time, even though it received all the approvals necessary.
This again highlights the need for caution, but often retrofit standards are based on the minimum required to achieve approval at the lowest economic cost. When we inspect retrofitted buildings, we need to be conscious of this factor.
The video below shares how the Glasgow School of Art was known as Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece, and details the impact of the second fire on its community:
Navigating Standards for Retrofit Inspection
The specific standards to which a retrofit project adheres will influence the project and its quality. Some standards and guidance are very good, but others only dictate the absolute minimum. Sometimes, the competency requirements for those involved in projects are on the low side.
When conducting a retrofitting inspection on buildings which have been retrofitted some time ago, it might be difficult to understand what sets of standards or guidance were adhered to. However, this is something else that we need to be conscious of when we are inspecting buildings which have been retrofitted.
Pre-Inspection Analysis of Retrofits
The pre-inspection desktop analysis of a building, including the gathering of essential information on the changes which have taken place, is essential. However, experience suggests that the availability of sufficient detailed information may not always be forthcoming.
At the International Building Pathology Conference, Professor John Edwards shared: “If those inspecting buildings have an insufficient understanding of what retrofit entails, and that includes understanding what good looks like and what bad looks like, they will probably struggle with this.” He added: “In my presentation, I will try and address these issues and provide an introduction to this very difficult subject, but it’s also what we address in the courses we deliver.”
How We Can Help
Any search on social media will highlight numerous retrofit projects that have failed to deliver their objectives and have indeed led to problems in buildings. This affects all types of buildings, but in particular older ones.
In the Level 3 Award, 2-Day Course on retrofitting traditional buildings, we cover these issues. We’ll also include more helpful information for you as a retrofit professional in the eBook that is provided with the course.
To learn more about our courses and enrol, please contact us here.
