More than 100,000 homes could become ‘uninhabitable’ in high temperatures as the boom in office-to-home conversions has led to heat trap flats, a major insurer has warned.
More than 100,000 homes could become ‘uninhabitable’ in high temperatures due to the boom in office-to-home conversions, a major insurer has warned.
Zurich UK analysis of government planning data shows that 103,4211 former commercial buildings have been developed into homes over the past decade, but many of these are ill-equipped to cope with rising temperatures.
The research found that in just three years there has been a 58% increase in applications for commercial to residential conversions as companies reduce their office space.
As demand for housing increases, Britain is facing a growing crisis of converted homes that are not built to last in these fluctuating temperatures.
This year, Britain has already recorded its warmest May since 1922, with maximum temperatures forecast and yesterday the hottest June day on record, with a potential for this to be surpassed today.
Zurich warns that many commercial-to-residential conversions are at risk of overheating because office buildings are not designed for 24/7 living.
Some have weaker pipes and services, especially when they had to be retrofitted during renovations.
Poor airflow can also be a problem, with closed windows and limited ventilation allowing heat to be trapped indoors.
Some have large glass facades that enhance heat, have no external sun blinds and older buildings may be made of outdated materials.
Crucially, there is a regulatory gap as renovations typically fall outside the standards for new build homes when it comes to issues such as overheating.
Central urban locations, where offices are often located, tend to be hotter.
London is the British city least adapted to the hot weather due to poor ventilation of offices and homes, which leads to overheating.
Research by academics from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at LSE has found that half of all homes in Britain are at risk of overheating, which is expected to increase to 90% of all homes under a 2°C global warming scenario.
While building regulations now address the risk of overheating in new builds, existing buildings are excluded – despite Britain having one of the oldest and most inefficient building stocks in Europe.
Homes that cannot withstand heat waves also pose a significant health risk.
The Climate Change Committee estimates that heat-related deaths in Britain will increase by around 250% by 2050.
Megan Dunford, Zurich-based head of large and complex property claims, said: “These challenges extend well beyond isolated periods of warm weather.
“While global climate patterns such as El Niño may increase temperatures in the short term, the wider trends point to more long-term and persistent heat events in the UK.
“Commercial buildings are generally designed to different operational tolerances than residential buildings, and persistent temperature fluctuations can cause material stress on the building fabric.
“This increases the risk of thermal expansion and contraction, which can contribute to cracks, subsidence and ultimately water escape incidents.
“Over time, this not only undermines the safety and sustainability of buildings, but also exposes residents to higher maintenance costs and lower living standards.”