The Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017 underscored, in the most terrible of ways, the need for a sea-change in approaches to fireproofing in the UK construction industry. In response, the 2018 Hackett Review 'Building a Safer Future' was published, which aimed to set out what could be learned from the tragedy to ensure nothing like it happened again. Building regulation changes followed in 2019, including the key requirement that UK roofs meet BROOF(t4) standard (the highest achievable standard) of fireproofing.
This rating confirms:
- No penetration (by fire) of the roof system within 1 hour
- After the test flame is withdrawn, the material burns for less than 5 minutes
- Total flame spread across the roof surface (from test flame) is less than 0.38m
Meeting this standard allows a flat roofing system to be classed as 'low vulnerability', and so to be considered 'unrestricted' in terms of material use across the UK (i.e. it complies with Approved Document B of building regs).
For flat roofing, we use Polyroof Protec and Protec Evolve, (cold) liquid-applied waterproofing systems that meet the BROOF(t4) rating. Their 185 GRP System, Protec, Protec Evolve and Elastex Solo Liquid applied waterproofing membranes ALL meet this standard. Read more about Polyroof's programme of fire tests here>
Polyroof also offer non-combustible insulation options such as Rockwool (also called stone wool).
There is no doubt that the use of proper fire-resistant materials like this (BROOF(t4) standard fireproofing combined with class O. 1 or 2 insulation) could have prevented the tragedy of Grenfell. Factoring in their greater affordability compared to many less-modern methods, we are convinced that designers for high-rise and large facade buildings should be looking to these materials for resident safety.
Please note - even where polymer systems are not applied to a vertical facade (as wall cladding is), flat roofs are very often next to a large facade or lean-to roof, therefore these systems remain highly important possibilites for building fire safety into the design.
Please contact us on 01970 610047 for more information.