In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, stringent regulations have been put in place to ensure the safety of outdoor areas, particularly in relation to fire.
While the requirement for the use of non-combustible components on specified attachments such as balconies is clear and unequivocal, areas that fall in the category of flat roof systems represent a different challenge.
Unlike balconies, the requirements for roof systems leave room for interpretation that can potentially lead to the installation of non-compliant build-ups. To avoid falling on the wrong side of compliance, specifiers often resort to non-combustible options which can have a negative impact on their budget.
Image courtesy of the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association.
What is the difference between balconies, terraces and walkways?
To ensure compliance with safety regulations, it is crucial to understand which areas fall under specific regulations.
Two primary definitions that come into play are those of roof terraces and balconies, and the National House Building Council (NHBC) and BS 8579 offer a clear distinction between the two:
• Attached balconies are not over-habited or conditioned spaces and are typically bolted to, or cantilevered from, the external wall.
• Roof terraces are roofs with general pedestrian access, often utilised for amenity or maintenance activities.
Crucially, for the purposes of Approved Document B (Fire Safety), roof terraces are not deemed to be balconies – making the fire rating requirement different. Walkways can be either, dependent on their construction.
BROOF(t4) explained
As the highest fire performance rating for roofs and unrestricted in use, BROOF(t4) requires that the full build-up of a roof system is fire tested together without the ability to swap in different ‘similar’ products. In the case of a roof terrace, the full build-up includes components from the roof deck upwards including waterproofing and insulation, as well as the support system and surface finishes.
Importantly, there is no such thing as a standalone BROOF(t4) product.
Testing such systems requires time and investment, relying on the suppliers of different components to work together to provide ‘off the shelf’ options. The good news is that these options now exist and the range on offer will only increase.
How does BROOF(t4) save money?
The compliant alternative to BROOF(t4) is to use a fully non-combustible system on roof terraces, however this can add unnecessary cost as well as narrowing the choice of finish.
Non-combustible system decking systems will most likely contain metal components in the support structure, typically in the form of metal pedestals with a price tag double that of standard polypropylene pedestals. Finding a BROOF(t4) system that includes standard pedestals will require significantly less budget than a non-combustible system.
Zerodeck Porcelain on a standard Buzon pedestal from the BBA-certified PB range
Image © The Outdoor Deck Company
A Question of Finish
When it comes to the finish, it’s worth noting that just because a deck board is classified as non-combustible (whether it is aluminium or made of any other class A-rated material) it cannot be assumed to be BROOF(t4) ‘compliant’. Pairing a non-combustible finish with a cheaper sub-frame is not an option if it hasn’t been tested as part of the full system build up.
However, if you want to use the same finish across all areas, whether it be for aesthetics or economies of scale, there are products on the market that are both non-combustible and tested in BROOF(t4) systems. The finish will be the same, but the other system components will change according to the fire-rating requirements. One such product is Zerodeck Porcelain.
Multi-purpose & economical Zerodeck Porcelain
Zerodeck Porcelain is the newest addition to the non-combustible Zerodeck range from The Outdoor Deck Company. With an extremely competitive price point, it is suitable for use on balconies and other areas requiring maximum fire-safety. Alternatively, when used with the BBA-certified PB polypropylene pedestal range from Buzon and a wide choice of roofing systems from leading manufacturers, BROOF(t4) can be achieved.
• Class A fire-rated
• BROOF(t4) options available
• Slip Resistant (PTV >50 in wet)
• Resistant To fading, scratches & stains
• Clip-fixed for a natural solution to wind uplift
• Splinter-free
For more information on Zerodeck Porcelain or other fire-rated solutions for your buildings, visit
www.outdoordeck.co.uk or speak to one of our specialists on 020 8977 0820
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