RESOURCE HUB HOME RESOURCE HUB MARKETING RESOURCES FREE SITE MARKETING MATERIALS LOGO DOWNLOAD GUIDE TO SERVICES BROCHURE GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COVER TECHNICAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION DEPTH CALCULATOR TECHNICAL MANUAL LABC TECHNICAL ROADSHOWS FIRE SAFETY RESOURCE SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE CHECKLISTS NEW HOMES BUYERS CHECKLIST SOCIAL HOUSING BUYERS CHECKLIST SELF-BUILD BUYERS CHECKLIST Or browse all Technical Resources below TECHNICAL MANUAL LABC Warranty Technical Manual Version 10 of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual is applicable to applicable sites registered from 11th June 2021 READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 1: Tolerances Section 1 of our technical manual summarises the LABC Warranty technical guidance on acceptable tolerances in brickwork. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 2: Basements Section 2 of our technical manual considers construction below ground floor level: basements. Find details on waterproofing systems and drainage. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Technical Manual Section 3: Foundations In Section 3 of our technical manual we provide technical guidance on different types of foundations and consider sites with trees and clay. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 4: Ground Floors Ground floor structures such as suspended beam and block and concrete floors are covered in Section 4 of the LABC Warranty technical manual. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 5: Drainage Download Section 5 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on foul drainage and storm drainage. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 6: External Walls Download and view Section 6 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on external wall construction. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 7: Internal Walls Internal walls made of masonry, timber and metal stud are covered in detail in Section 7 of the LABC Warranty technical manual. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 8: Windows and doors Download Section 8 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for warranty requirements and technical guidance on windows and doors. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 9: Stairs In section 9 of the LABC Warranty technical manual you will find our warranty requirements and technical guidance for timber stairs. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 10: Upper Floors Download and view Section 10 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on upper floor construction elements. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 11: Roofs Section 11 of our technical manual covers pitched, flat and green roofs, concrete, slate and plain titles, and metal deck roofing. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 12: Balconies and Terraces Balconies and terraces are the building parts covered in Section 12 of the LABC Warranty technical manual, available to download here. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 13: Chimneys and Flues Section 13 of our technical manual provides technical guidance on masonry chimneys and gas flues. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 14: Driveways and Paving Download and view Section 14 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on the construction of driveways and paving. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 15: Heating Services Heating services including gas boilers are covered in Section 15 of the LABC Warranty technical manual, available to download here. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 16: Ventilation Section 16 of our technical manual covers ventilation including extract fans, passive stack, continuous mechanical extract and continuous mechanical s… READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 17: Electrical Services Download and view Section 17 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on mains electrical services. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 18: Water Services Water services, cold water supply to plumbing, boilers and appliances is covered by Section 18 of the LABC Warranty technical manual. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 19: Outbuildings In section 19 of the LABC Warranty technical manual you will find our warranty requirements and technical guidance for outbuildings. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Section 20: Ground Conditions Download Section 20 of the LABC Warranty technical manual for technical guidance on assessing and working with ground conditions. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Appendix A: Finishes In Appendix A of the LABC Warranty technical manual we provide technical guidance on finishes, including plasterboard and ceramic tiling. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Appendix B: Coastal Locations In Appendix B of the LABC Warranty technical manual we consider warranty requirements for building in coastal locations. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Appendix C: Materials and MMC In Appendix C of the technical manual we cover materials handling and storage and considers modern methods of construction approaches. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Technical Manual Appendix D: Conversions and Refurbishments In Appendix D of our technical manual we provide guidance on how to meet our warranty requirements when converting or refurbishing existing buildings READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES New home built alongside or attached to an existing home This technical article is intended to clarify what LABC Warranty's requirements are for newly built "attached" dwellings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Render on Substrates This Resource Hub article provides additional guidance on the use of rendering on different substrates. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Insulated reveals to refurbished buildings This technical update provides additional guidance on insulated reveals to refurbished buildings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Wall tie replacement in existing buildings This technical update provides additional guidance on wall tie replacement in existing buildings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Acceptability of timber frame kits for use on our sites From September 1st 2021 LABC Warranty will only accept projects that have timber frame panels by an accredited manufacturer. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Cavity trays and reveal closers This technical update provides additional guidance on the use of cavity trays and reveal closers. READ MORE STRUCTURAL GUIDES Our Guide to Structural Lintels and Bearings In this practical guide we have outlined technical pointers to ensure your build doesn’t suffer from defects caused by failing lintels and bearings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES 8 Handy Hints for Installing Horizontal DPC Check out our 8 handy tips to help you get horizontal damp proof course right, first time. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Single glazed windows in conversion schemes This technical update provides guidance on risk managing single glazed windows in conversions schemes. READ MORE STRUCTURAL GUIDES Refurbishments & Alterations to Existing Structures Guide Download our Refurbishments Guide for guidance on how to stay warranty compliant when completing refurbs or alterations to existing structures. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES TRADA Span Tables This technical update provides additional guidance on the TRADA span tables. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Natural stone outer leaf in cavity construction This technical article provides additional guidance on the use of natural stone outer leaf in cavity construction. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Foundation Depth Calculator Check out our Foundation Depth Calculator to easily determine the exact foundation depth required when building near trees. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Comprehensive Structural Guide to Building on Filled Ground Download our Guide to Building on Filled Ground where we outline good practice in relation to building on fill which is acceptable to LABC Warranty. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Good Practice Structural Guide When Building Near Mining Download our Mining Guide for guidance on the requirements when building over, or in the vicinity of mine-workings, entries and features. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Good Practice Guide to Piling Find out about the structural design and installation of piled foundations with our Good Practice Guide to Piling. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Guide to Raft Foundations Learn about what LABC Warranty recognise as good practice in relation to the design and construction of Raft Foundations READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Guidance on Vibro Stone Columns Download our guide on Vibro Stone Columns and their associated foundations, and learn the recognised good practice for design and installation. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Our Guide to Solution Features in Soluble Rocks Find out what we consider good practice in relation to the design of foundations in soluble rocks with our Solution Features in Soluble Rocks Guide. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS 10 documents you need to have ready for pile foundations In this article we list the 10 crucial documents required for piling construction to help reduce any delays to your build. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Foundation excavation and construction checklist The following foundations checklist has been developed to support inspections and the risk management of LABC Warranty sites. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Foundation, trees and clay This technical update provides additional guidance on foundations, trees and clay. READ MORE FOUNDATIONS Heave: ground recovery following tree removal This technical update provides additional guidance on Heave: time taken for the ground to recover following tree / vegetation removal. READ MORE FIRE SAFETY RESOURCE External wall fire safety for relevant tall buildings Access our External Wall Fire Safety for Relevant Buildings: Elements Resource Tool READ MORE TECHNICAL EVENTS LABC Technical Roadshows Access a programme of technical events and seminars hosted by our partner organisation LABC. READ MORE CHECKLISTS Level Threshold Checklist Download our checklist on Level Thresholds to help you comply with the requirements for Building Regulations and LABC Warranty's Technical Manual. READ MORE CHECKLISTS Our Guide to Laying Bricks and Blocks Check out our Brick Layers Guide to help you build walls made to last that comply with Building Regulations and LABC Warranty's Technical Manual. READ MORE CHECKLISTS New Home Warranty Buyer Checklist Download our New Home Warranty Buyer checklist to help you choose the cover that is right for your development. READ MORE CHECKLISTS Planning Process Flowchart Download our Planning Process Flowchart which aims to help you successfully navigate through the planning process. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Technical Newsletters Download our latest technical newsletter update and get access to past copies too. READ MORE CHECKLISTS Canopy Roofs Checklist Discover when flashing and canopy trays are required, and the reasons why they are required with our easy to follow checklist on Canopy Roofs. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Acceptable Tolerances in Brickwork for warranty cover Section 1 of our Technical Manual summarises the LABC Warranty technical guidance on acceptable tolerances in brickwork. Download the chapter here. READ MORE TECHNICAL MANUAL Tolerances in Internal Walls, Ceilings, Junctions and Floors With the help of visuals and diagrams, learn more about the acceptable tolerances for key components to the interior structure of your construction. READ MORE CHECKLISTS Guide to installing windows and glazing in high-risk areas Extra care needs to be taken when installing glazing in higher-risk areas. Identifying those areas and taking measures to prevent injury are key. READ MORE STRUCTURAL GUIDES Our Structural Calculations Guide Read our guide to understand the recognised good practice in relation to the content and provision of structural calculations when requested. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Lift Pit Tanking Details This guidance provides a solution for structural waterproofing of lift pits, on sites where there are no other structural waterproofing requirements. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Podium Decks Guidance Technical guidance for the design, use of materials and workmanship for podium decks to meet the functional requirements for warranty. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Painting Over Intumescent Strips This Technical Update article provides additional guidance on painting over intumescent strips. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Acceptable Floor Levels in MMC Are you using modern methods of construction to build new homes? Check out our guidance on acceptable floor levels for MMC builds. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech Update: Mock Tudor Cladding Mock Tudor cladding is an attractive option for homes, but needs great care in its construction. In this blog we explain the pitfalls to be aware of. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Guidance for Magnesium Oxide Boards (MgO) Find out more about our updated position on the acceptability of MgO boards for use in conjunction with LABC Warranty projects. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Accounting for Movement in Concrete Bricks How do you account for movement in concrete bricks? This article provides comprehensive answers. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Building Control and Structural Warranty inspections Homes with LABC Warranty cover benefit from two expert pairs of eyes – Building Control and Warranty Surveyors. But how are the two different? READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Guidance on Insulating Timber-Frame Buidlings In this article we consider the installation of insulation in timber-frame structures with external brick cladding READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Generating Power at Home One great way to make new homes more energy efficient is for them to generate their own energy. But what are the requirements for gaining a warranty? READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Positioning of Electrical Sockets and Switches? Where should you position electrical sockets and switches? Read here for our warranty requirements. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Getting Staircases Right in Single Homes In this article we cover what you need to consider when installing stairs and staircases in private homes to ensure you get your warranty certificate READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Guide to Our Risk Management Site Inspections Want to find out what are we looking for on site? Check out this blog where we guide you through our risk management site inspections READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Lightweight Bricks Slip "Sip" Composite Lintels Find out more about our updated position on the use of lightweight bricks slip "sip" composite lintels READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: Laminated Glass What are the advantages and disadvantages of using laminated glass? Read our Tech Update to understand more. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Fibre reinforcement to concrete screeds This technical update provides additional guidance relating to fibre reinforcement in concrete. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Electrical consumer unit - position in new homes This technical update article provides additional guidance on electrical consumer units and their position in new homes. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Package sewerage treatment plants, septic Tanks and cesspools This knowledge management article provides additional guidance on the use of package sewerage treatment plants, septic tanks and cesspools. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Timber doors and window frames This LABC Warranty technical update provides additional guidance on the use of timber window and door frames. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Flashing systems, fake or alternative lead This technical update provides additional guidance on the use of flashing systems, ‘fake’ or ‘alternative lead’, regularly used on sites. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Radon Contamination Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive colourless and odourless gas which is formed in small quantities by radioactive decay wherever uranium and… READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Roof tiling and underlays, the new BS 5534 standards This technical update provides additional guidance on the 2014 and 2018 changes to BS 5534. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Bricks, rammed earth This technical update article provides additional guidance on the use of bricks, rammed earth. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Canopy Flashing and Weathering Details This technical update blog provides additional guidance on canopy flashings and weathering details. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Floor decks: timber fixing requirements in domestic locations This technical article provides additional guidance for timber fixing requirements in domestic locations. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Heating systems - zone control systems explained This technical update explains the requirements for a heating zone control system. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Thatched roofs in new builds and conversions This technical update provides additional guidance on the use of thatched roofs for detached dwellings for low rise new build and conversions. READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Cavity Trays – Major Projects Acceptance LABC Warranty will accept the use of non-combustible cavity tray products for on a project by project basis prior to provision of full third party cer… READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: contaminated plasterboard This technical article provides additional guidance on contaminated plasterboard, following concerns about products on the market. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Guidance on suspended ceilings This technical update provides additional guidance on suspended ceilings, in response to several instances of suspended ceiling failures. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Cavity separating walls and gable walls and the use of lateral restraint This technical update provides additional guidance on cavity separating walls and gable walls, and the use of lateral restraint. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Pyrite contamination This technical update provides additional guidance on pyrite contamination. Pyrite traces are found in sedimentary rock used to make backfill. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update - conservatories Where conservatories are constructed to a new build property, they may fall under cover of the warranty. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Drainage and sanitation This technical article provides additional guidance on drainage and sanitation. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update - Japanese knotweed This technical article provides additional guidance on Japanese knotweed, one of the most invasive plants in Britain. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update - lead neoprene joints This technical update provides additional guidance on lead neoprene joints that can be used to form gutter details. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Domestic shower and wet room construction This technical article provides additional guidance on showers and wet room construction for domestic properties. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Mortar bedded ridges and hips - mechanical fixing This technical article provides additional guidance on mortar bedded ridges and hips and the use of mechanical fixings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Technical update - floor levels Shrinkage, occasional poor workmanship and deflection can all cause problems with floor levels. This technical update outlines what to look for READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES The need for a credible basement waterproofing specialist Additional guidance on the need for a credible basement waterproof specialist - it is essential that the risk is managed by engaging appropriate speci… READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Blue roof guidance (and above-ground attenuation surfaces) A blue roof is a flat roof or deck designed to provide controlled attenuation and management of rainfall to the sewer or outfall system. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Technical update: piled walls This technical article covers contiguous and secant piled walls and looks at when they can be used in basements. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Guide to our site inspections As well as using a stage-based inspection process, LABC Warranty takes a risk management approach to surveying. Learn how this works in practice READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Fibre reinforcement in lieu of traditional steel reinforcement This technical update provides additional guidance relating to the use of fibre reinforcement in concrete, in lieu of traditional steel reinforcement.… READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update - using oak in construction This technical update outlines our approach to warranty cover for the use of oak in a range of construction environments. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: Concrete lintels faced with brick slips This update provides additional warranty guidance on the use of concrete lintels faced with bricks slips. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: Through timber construction This technical update provides additional guidance relating to the use of through timber construction. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: Decorative slip facings This technical update provides additional guidance on meeting our warranty requirements for the use of decorative slip facings. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: Architectural brick detailing Guidance on the use of architectural brick detailing and the effect it can have on the durability and service life of bricks. READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Major projects - on-site water testing for curtain walling and rainscreen cladding Information to assist in meeting warranty requirements where rainscreen cladding and or curtain walling is proposed on a project covered by our warran… READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: assessing plywood specification This technical document provides additional guidance relating to how plywood specifications can be assessed to meet the requirements of our Technical… READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Thermal bridging - what it is and how to prevent it This technical document provides additional guidance relating to what thermal bridging (often referred to as cold bridging) is and how to prevent it. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Specifying the use of timber externally This technical document provides additional guidance relating to how timber can be specified for use externally within a construction project. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: vapour control layers This technical document provides additional guidance relating to the use of vapour control layers (VCLs) in construction. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Minimum requirements for site investigations for self-build projects This technical document provides additional guidance relating to our minimum requirements for site investigations for self-build projects. READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Major Projects: pre-cast concrete panels Screening requirements for pre-cast concrete panelised construction manufacturers for use in major projects to be covered for warranty. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Technical update: substitute materials This update provides additional guidance relating to how the functional requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied where substitute materia… READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Major Projects: Zero falls flat roof policy This article outlines our requirements to accepting zero fall flat roofs where the project is managed by the LABC Warranty Major Projects team. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Ceramic floor tiling on domestic timber floors Technical guidance for adding ceramic tiling on timber floors. Note, ceramic floor tiling is not included under the warranty policy cover. READ MORE MAJOR PROJECTS Major Projects: below ground structural waterproofing risk assessment This update provides guidance on the requirements associated with the design and construction of basements and other below ground structures. READ MORE TECHNICAL UPDATES Tech update: timber resin repairs This update provides guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied with regards timber resin repairs. READ MORE Home News About Builders & Developers Self Build Housing Associations Homeowners Search Sitemap Careers Get In Touch Extranet Terms and Conditions Lender Approval Our insurers FAQS Privacy Policy MD Insurance Services Ltd. is the scheme administrator for LABC Warranty and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No: 3642459 Cookies Settings By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings