What is the difference between a RAAC inspection and a RAAC survey?

They overlap. An inspection is the on-site examination; a RAAC survey is the whole exercise, including inspection, identification, a condition assessment and a written report with recommendations. We deliver the full survey.

Is a RAAC inspection destructive?

Mostly no. Inspection is largely visual and measured, supported by scanning. Where the material is uncertain a small intrusive check confirms it, and any opening is kept to a minimum and made good afterwards.

How often should RAAC be inspected?

It depends on the risk: critical and high-risk elements frequently, medium-risk on a regular cycle and low-risk periodically, plus an extra inspection after any roof leak, alteration or change of use.

Can you inspect RAAC in an occupied building?

Yes. We use roof-void access and out-of-hours visits so the inspection proceeds safely without interrupting normal use.

RAAC Inspection

RAAC inspection is the on-site examination of a building to find reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and judge its condition. This guide explains what an inspection covers and how it relates to surveying, assessment and monitoring.

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What a RAAC inspection involves

A RAAC inspection is a visual and measured examination of roofs, soffits and voids, supported by scanning and, where needed, a small intrusive check. The inspector confirms whether RAAC is present, records its extent on a plan, and notes the condition of the panels, their bearings, deflection, cracking and any water damage.

Inspection, survey, assessment and monitoring

Inspection and survey: the on-site examination that finds and records RAAC
Identification: confirming the material is RAAC, not dense concrete
Condition assessment: grading how each panel is performing
Risk assessment: placing each element in a risk category
Monitoring: tracking change over time between inspections

In practice these overlap: a thorough RAAC survey includes inspection, identification and a condition assessment, and feeds a risk assessment, management plan and reinspection schedule.

How often RAAC should be inspected

After the first inspection, RAAC is reinspected at intervals matched to its risk: frequently for critical and high-risk elements, on a regular cycle for medium-risk, and periodically for low-risk, with an extra inspection after any roof leak, alteration or change of use. The Institution of Structural Engineers' guidance expects this periodic reinspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a RAAC inspection and a RAAC survey?: They overlap. An inspection is the on-site examination; a RAAC survey is the whole exercise, including inspection, identification, a condition assessment and a written report with recommendations. We deliver the full survey.
Is a RAAC inspection destructive?: Mostly no. Inspection is largely visual and measured, supported by scanning. Where the material is uncertain a small intrusive check confirms it, and any opening is kept to a minimum and made good afterwards.
How often should RAAC be inspected?: It depends on the risk: critical and high-risk elements frequently, medium-risk on a regular cycle and low-risk periodically, plus an extra inspection after any roof leak, alteration or change of use.
Can you inspect RAAC in an occupied building?: Yes. We use roof-void access and out-of-hours visits so the inspection proceeds safely without interrupting normal use.

Need advice on RAAC in your building?

Tell us the building, its age and roof construction, and we will advise on the right next step.