Langley Further Demonstrates Commitment to Mitigating Fire Risk with a System Approach to Flat Roofing

Roofing

Langley Further Demonstrates Commitment to Mitigating Fire Risk with a System Approach to Flat Roofing

Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd, the leading roofing and waterproofing systems supplier, has invested further in British Board of Agrément (BBA) independent assessment - to continue to demonstrate its commitment to, and the importance of, mitigating fire risk in construction through a systemsbased approach to compliance.

Additional comprehensive, independent testing and assessment of its BBA certified systems further endorses the fire performance of Langley’s industry leading RBM range. It certifies that its TA-20, TA-25 and TA-30 Flat Roofing Systems meet Broof(t4), the highest fire testing classification under the European standard system. The BBA certificates further detail the performance with regard to specific factors such as durability, thermal performance, wind up-lift and resistance to mechanical damage.

The external fire performance of each Langley TA Flat Roofing System has been rigorously tested and certified with varying configurations of the system’s build-up. Langley’s TA Flat Roofing Systems have been thoroughly tested and certified with polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation thicknesses of 30mm to 250mm and Mineral Wool insulation thicknesses of 30mm to 150mm. They have additionally been tested on different roof deck types including cement board and wood particle board. This means that Langley’s TA Flat Roofing Systems can be used in a range of different configurations to best suit the requirements of the application whilst ensuring full compliance with Broof(t4) fire rating to BS EN 13501-5:2005.

Typically, systems are only tested in a limited number of configurations and details are given on the system suppliers’ BBA certification. The certificate then states that other specifications will require separate testing and assessment on a case by case basis. It cannot be automatically assumed that the system will still perform to that standard with a different combination of components.

The substitution of components within a system without the appropriate testing was among the key issues raised in the Hackitt Review of the Building Regulations. Langley continues to support the 100% Hackitt campaign, led by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and the BBA, that aims to ensure that all recommendations made in the review are fully implemented.

“Those responsible for the specification of the flat roof must ensure they carefully examine the information provided by system suppliers and that they fully understand the performance certification,” said Daren Fraser, Head of Technical at Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd.

“They should be extremely wary of systems that are only tested in very limited situations as any specification that deviates from the certified configuration risks non-compliance and potentially undermines the safety of the building in the event of a fire.”

Langley’s TA Flat Roofing Systems, also have LABC Assured status. This provides impartial and professional accreditation that the system complies with the building regulations, and is recognised by all local authorities across England, Wales and Scotland. The systems also carry an independently backed insurance guarantee for design, materials, workmanship and consequential damage. The high-quality systems also have a life expectancy of at least 40 years, certified by the BBA.

“Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd, understands

very well that third party assessment and certification of the performance of its products and systems is key to providing independent assurance to specifiers and to those in the wider marketplace. As the UK’s leading certification body for construction products, the BBA has recently assessed and verified a comprehensive suite of reaction to fire test results with respect to TA-20, TA-25 and TA30 Flat Roofing Systems. These reports, are fully documented within Certificate 12/4959, which eliminates any doubt or uncertainty of fire performance, which would arise had the reports not been made available and independently verified,” stated Dr Mike Wiseman, Construction Products Team Manager at the BBA.

Langley also offers learning and development opportunities on this subject. This includes its ‘Mitigating Fire Risk in Flat Roofing’ CPD seminar, available online. To book, visit: https://bit.ly/3hdN0TP

Langley has also produced a supporting whitepaper, ‘Broof(t4) Compliance: Fire Penetration Performance and Spread of Fire’ - supported by Zurich UK. This white paper helps specifiers understand the regulations and factors that need to be considered to ensure a fully compliant and safe flat roof specification. The whitepaper can be downloaded from https://www.langley.co.uk/ fire-compliance-whitepaper

IS YOUR FLAT ROOF ESTATE... AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY?

The Government’s response to the Naylor Review acknowledged the importance of the collection of data to support strategic estate planning and stated:

reducing backlog maintenance not only provides a safer and higher quality estate but reduces running costs in the longer term.

A roof is a significant ‘out-of-sight’ asset and when its condition is unknown, often issues can develop over time.

Easily accessible data is a crucial element in managing any estate. Without reliable data, any long-term strategic approach is unattainable and the management of the estate budget is rendered a purely reactive one. Langley provides a long-term approach by creating a full asset management plan for your flat roof estate by carrying out a comprehensive roof condition survey. The data gathered then supports preventative planning and cost-effective budget management, this is achieved by minimising the risk of sudden unexpected remedial expenditure. If work is required immediately, we are a trusted single-source of responsibility and handle every aspect of your project, from initial consultations and design, right through to final installation, after sales care and maintenance - for peace of mind.

We provide systems that are durable, guaranteed, safe and fully compliant with Building Regulations.

BOOK YOUR FREE ROOF CONDITION SURVEY TODAY

W: www.langley.co.uk E: enquiries@langley.co.uk T: 01327 704778

SUITABLE FOR ALL SECTORS DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER HERE

HOW TO ENSURE A ROBUST AND SAFE FLAT ROOF SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

The White Paper, supported by Zurich, covers: Regulations, Broof(t4) classification, fire performance materials, the risk of non-compliance and specifying the correct system.