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 systems-based 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. 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 TA-30 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 www.langley.co.uk/ fire-compliance-whitepaper

WHITE PAPER BROOF(t4) COMPLIANCE:

FIRE PENETRATION PERFORMANCE AND SPREAD OF FLAMEWHITE PAPER

BROOF(t4) COMPLIANCE:

FIRE PENETRATION PERFORMANCE AND SPREAD OF FLAME

SUPPORTED BY:

SUPPORTED BY:

SUPPORTED BY:

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.

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The Globe Theatre stands in the London Borough of Southwark, boasting an affluent history, with the current structure being the third to stand on the site.

Selecting suitable, sustainable methods

Originally constructed in 1599, the first structure was destroyed by fire in 1613. The second structure was built following the blaze but was subsequently demolished in 1644 after the closure of all theatres. This left the site empty until 1997, when the third, and current, Globe Theatre was constructed. The current structure is around 3,000ft in circumference and includes approximately 250 tonnes of lime mortar. It was built using traditional materials and techniques, notably featuring the first thatched roof in London since 1666.

A need for improvement

As part of general maintenance of the theatre, and to ensure the building was safe and could stand the test of time, an on-site survey of the lime plasterwork at The Globe was required. With around 2,000 individual lime panels, of various shapes and sizes, the job was a challenging one. Artisan Plastercraft, a plaster restoration and conservation specialist, was commissioned to conduct the inspections and make recommendations as to the remedial works needed. Artisan Plastercraft conducted a full survey of the building in August 2019, which involved inspecting each wall panel and assessing and documenting its condition. 135 defective panels were identified, which all needed to be removed and replaced.

Sustainably improving Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

“Sustainability, safety and strength were key for us when carrying out the remedial works at the Globe Theatre,” says Deborah McGhee, head of building operations at Shakespeare’s Globe.

“To us, it was important that traditional and sustainable building methods were used throughout the remedial works,” says Deborah.

“We had used Lime Green’s products previously, and continue to work closely with the company to ensure we have access to the highest quality and most suitable materials for any given job,” says Russell Brewis, head of marketing at Artisan Plastercraft.

Artisan Plastercraft provided a selection of materials for the team at the Globe Theatre to choose from, with Lime Green’s Ultra and Lux being selected for use.

The repair method required Artisan’s craftspeople to selectively remove the old, defective lime plaster and laths from panels, then apply lime plaster as a three-coat system over new, hand riven laths, with a Tallow lime wash to finish.

“After visiting Lime Green’s site and seeing how it operates, we were more than happy to use their materials for the remedial works. It is a very impressive facility,” says Deborah.

Phase one of the repair work began in March 2020, with work being carried out on the external and internal staircases and walkways of the North Tower and East Tower. Following this, phase two commenced in July 2020, with repairs being conducted on the building’s external sides.

Under ordinary circumstances, the Globe Theatre is incredibly busy, as it is open 364 days per year. This makes it difficult to carry out any construction work during the day. For lime plaster in particular, this was a challenge, as it needs the correct temperature and the right conditions to be applied effectively. COVID has laid the path to allow remedial work to be carried out more quickly and more in-depth analysis to be conducted, with the theatre being closed for a significant period of time.

The ideal solution

“We wanted to use a product which is traditional, yet environmentally friendly, and really stands the test of time. Lime Green Ultra achieves exactly that,” says Deborah.

The Globe Theatre’s location, on the bank of the Thames, means the building is subject to a lot of movement. Lime’s flexibility allows for this movement, and its rigidity provides protection against weathering.

“The finish looks great and it appears to be a really easy product to work with, seeing it being expertly applied by Artisan Plastercraft. We’re incredibly pleased with the results so far and would absolutely recommend Lime Green’s products to others,” concludes Deborah.

“Working with the Artisan team and Deborah at the Globe Theatre is a real pleasure. It’s great to be involved in a project with people who share the same beliefs as we do around the importance of sustainable, traditional building methods,” says Simon Ayres, co-founder and managing director at Lime Green Products Ltd.

“We were really happy with the workability of Lime Green’s products. The pre-mixed bags are quick and easy to work with,” says Russell. “Thanks to the durability and longevity of the products, a high level of insulation can be maintained for years to come.

For more information on the products used within this project, visit www.lime-green.co.uk or call 01952 728611. Additionally, visit www.artisanplastercraft.com or call 01959 571135.