What is RAAC?
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a reinforced form of lightweight concrete used to form panels or planks. It has no coarse aggregate like common reinforced concrete. These were mainly used in flat roofs but also in some floor and wall panel construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s.
RAAC was used in a range of building types, both public and private sector, but is believed to be more common in schools, hospitals and public buildings. It has been discovered in court, theatres, sports halls, public toilets, and a range of non-domestic buildings.
RAAC came to public and media attention, when the Department of Education (DfE) advised schools to close buildings with RAAC until an assessment took place, just before the start of term. RAAC in domestic properties were highlighted as an area to review in 2023.
How will I know if my property is affected?
A number of stages were completed as part of Dundee City Council’s review including initial research into the age and building style of the city’s housing stock, expert structural inspections and development of an intervention strategy to remediate the affected properties should the RAAC show evidence of decline.
Hundreds of inspections were carried out to Council housing stock and RAAC was found in roofs in:
- 74 blocks of flats that are either council-owned or mixed tenure (blocks where flat ownership is both council and private).
- 171 cottages that are Council-owned.
RAAC is known to be, or strongly presumed to be, present in
- 121 cottages that were previously owned by the Council and are now privately owned.
- 7 blocks of flats which were previously owned by the Council and are now entirely privately owned
There are 5 developments in the city where RAAC has been confirmed to be present:
- Craigie Drive - Flats: Craigiebarn Road, Gardyne Place, Brington Place, Southampton Place, Belsize Road, Craigie Drive, Margaret Crescent.
- Craigiebank Circle - Flats: Carlochie Place, Greendykes Road
- Kirk Street - Flats: Atholl Street, Yeaman’s Lane, Kirk Street
- Menzieshill - Flats: Cart Place, Cottages: Cart Place, Charleston Drive, Dickson Avenue, Orrin Place
- Whitfield - Flats: Murrayfield Terrace, Cottages: Whitfield Gardens, Whitfield Avenue, Cottages: Murrayfield Gardens, Cottages: Whitfield Avenue, Whitfield Rise, Whitfield Terrace
Most of the buildings inspected do not present an immediate safety issue and as a result their roofs will be subject to further regular detailed inspections to monitor their condition. These inspections, typically annually, will require access within individual cottages and top floor flats. To assist with this process, please allow inspectors timely access to your property if asked to do so.
Letters to tenants have been sent out, most recently in summer 2025, to update on this situation.
As a Council tenant, you will not be liable for the cost of any remedial works required.
Will I be advised of the outcome of the inspection?
Yes, Dundee City Council has written directly to tenants to advise them of the outcome of the last assessment of RAAC panels within the property in summer 2025.
However, if you have recently had a survey undertaken by Dundee City Council's City Engineer Team then please contact us and we will advise you of the outcome of this latest inspection.
An officer is available to address any RAAC enquiries during the following days and times:
Monday 09:30 – 12:30
Wednesday 14:00 – 16:30
Friday 09:30 – 12:30
Please contact us on 07345 513247, or email raac.queries@dundeecity.gov.uk
I am concerned about the current condition of my property as I have had issues with dampness and/or water penetration. What should I do?
If you are a council tenant and have been advised by Dundee City Council that it is understood that your property had RAAC construction panels within the roofs at the time they were originally constructed, and you are concerned about dampness or water penetration then you should contact us as soon as possible by contacting the Repairs telephone number on 01382 434343.
What are the potential long-term options for my property?
Dundee City Council is currently undertaking pilot remediation across different property types. Once this is complete, the Council will then need to evaluate this programme of work to inform future considerations. The Council will contact you before any future works are carried out.
Did the council carry out adequate maintenance on the roof at my home?
Council properties have been maintained in accordance with our asset maintenance cycle at this time. RAAC was an accepted and widely used building material across Scotland.