ROOFING T
here is more choice than ever before for merchants’ customers who need to choose an EPDM waterproofing system for residential flat roofs. The number of manufacturers is on the rise, bringing new products to market, many of which are sold through the merchant industry. Not all EPDM roofing systems are the same, of course, so accreditation and thorough checking becomes even more important. Carl Bailey, regional technical manager for Elevetate, explains that. athough at first glance, they may all appear to deliver the same waterproofing benefits, a more thorough look could reveal otherwise. “Some products are offered without independent, third-party certification, meaning they may not perform as expected, creating significant risks for both installers and their clients,” he says.
Independent assurance The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is the most widely-recognised independent certification of construction products and systems in the UK. A trusted body, it delivers extensive research, auditing, inspections, and testing. Bailey says that a BBA Agrément certificate isn’t mandatory, but it is seen as a mark of excellence, providing assurance that a construction product is fit for purpose.
“The assessment of a product, such as an EPDM waterproofing system, is very thorough, involving an extensive review of the manufacturer’s own product information and testing data, factory visits, surveys with installers, and an analysis of any complaints or issues raised from within the market.,” he continues. “These assessments take place every three years to check the product is still fit for purpose and has been tested in line with any regulatory changes.” A BBA Agrément certificate will detail a wide range of information, including the factors which have been assessed to ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations. Bailey says that for an EPDM roofing system these include weathertightness, fire related properties, wind uplift, resistance to mechanical damage and durability, and that the certificate will also outline design considerations and installation guidance, and confirm whether the product meets relevant requirements set by the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
Avoiding pitfalls
“Selecting an EPDM roof system without the appropriate third-party accreditation poses various risks,2 he says. “Firstly, it is important for installers to recognise that an EPDM membrane alone is not a system. A range of carefully designed and curated components are required
32
GOING FLAT OUT FOR THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
BMJ finds out why it’s so important to know what you’re getting when selecting an EPDM roof system for residential flat roofs.
to install it successfully and for it function in the right way. Details of these components and a description of their correct application are all included within the scope of the Agrément certificate. Substituting any of the products described within the certificate with alternative brands will invalidate the approval and could risk the membrane not performing to the required standard.”
Bailey adds that installing an EPDM system which hasn’t been properly assessed or certified to UK standards will also lead to an uphill battle with Local Authority Building Control. For new build projects, non-compliance with the Building Regulations will not only mean severe delays, but at worst, the need for the membrane to be removed at an installer’s own cost. Another important consideration is that the BBA provides several certification services, including for international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. When a product displays the BBA logo, installers should therefore check the Agrément certificate number is displayed immediately below. This will confirm third-party approval of the specific construction product or system. Without this number, the logo could relate to products or systems which fall outside of the certificate.
If in doubt, Bailey says, the validity of a BBA Agrément certificate can be easily checked using a tool on the BBA’s website. Post Grenfell, new regulations are putting safety and quality under the microscope, this means that installers are advised to consider other factors which will ensure the best possible performance from the system installed.
“As well as opting for BBA-certified products, choosing well-established EPDM systems with strong reputations will reduce the risk of any issues further down the line. For example, RubberCover EPDM is a roofing system for residential flat roofs up to 150 sq m, built on a technology with a 40-year track record, providing installers with clear evidence of its reliability and durability,” he says. Bailey adds that experienced manufacturers will also be able to offer supplementary documentation providing additional data to help specifiers and installers make an informed choice. This would usually include technical literature, safety data sheets, application guidelines, installation videos. “At Elevate, we have recently brought all the RubberCover EPDM system documents into one place for installers via a new technical App making them easier and quicker to access. Elevate-approved training centres are also available in several locations to ensure installers have the correct application techniques to deliver a high quality roof.“
The bigger picture
The arrival of new products in the EPDM residential market presents both opportunities and challenges, Bailey says. “More innovation means more choice and while that can be positive, it is important for installers to look beyond packaging and marketing claims. Taking the time to check third-party accreditation and the proven expertise of the manufacturer will pay dividends and ensure a roof stands the test of time.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2023
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
