Guest Blog: LABC Warranty Requirements

3 October 2019

Generating power at home – LABC Warranty requires MCS certification for warranty approval. 

This year the Government announced its intention to end the use of fossil fuel-based heating systems in all new homes from 2025.

A consultation into Part L of the Building Regulations has been announced (October 1), including proposed options to increase the energy efficiency requirements for new homes in 2020. The Future Homes Standard will require new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.

So it is little wonder that we are seeing increasing numbers of projects featuring “microgeneration systems”, where some element of a new home or building is designed to generate clean energy.

What do these systems need to demonstrate to meet our warranty requirements? This article outlines our position.

LABC Warranty works in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) to provide structural warranties for developers, contractors, housing associations and self-builders. The partnership provides building control and warranties throughout England and Wales using the combined technical expertise of over 3,500 surveyors.

All LABC Warranty’s policies are underwritten by A-rated global insurers and their cover is accepted by all leading UK mortgage lenders. A range of policies are offered, but a typical new-build or self-build structural warranty policy covers the cost of repairing damage caused by major defects in design, workmanship for 10 years from the date of completion.

To be acceptable for LABC Warranty cover, any proposed microgeneration system must hold MCS accreditation and the installation must be carried out by an MCS certified Installer. In addition, any solar thermal product covered by CEN Solar Keymark needs to be installed by an MCS certified installer.

The following information must be provided for any microgeneration system covered by MCS to be acceptable for warranty:

  • The manufacturer’s design and specification for the system.
  • Either MCS or CEN Solar Keymark accreditation for the system.
  • If the system is fixed to the roof of the building, MCS accreditation for the pitched roof installation kit.
  • Evidence of the installer’s MCS accreditation.
  • A system commissioning certificate.
  • A copy of the manufacturer’s guarantee for the system.

LABC Warranty’s Technical Manual, which provides technical guidance on meeting warranty requirements, is endorsed by The Royal Institute of Architects and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Author: Phil Thomas, LABC Warranty