Standards Development

Scope

This British Standard gives recommendations for the selection of reinforced bitumen membranes, their combination to form reinforced bitumen membrane roofing, and their application to flat and sloping roofs. It also gives recommendations for mechanically fastened single-layer reinforced bitumen membranes, torch-applied bitumen membranes, and self-adhesive reinforced bitumen membranes for roofing. The recommendations given for the design, construction and maintenance of new roofs are also applicable to the overlay of existing roofs, subject to confirmation of the suitability of the existing construction. This code of practice does not address or apply to roofs used for special purposes such as car park areas. This version is updated to include significant developments that has occurred throughout the industry in regards to cold applied bitumen membranes such as adhered and self-adhesive application and mechanically fastened applications. It also includes changes to adhere to the updates and revisions made to BS6229 as well as the development of new products for reduced thermal bridging increased off-site manufacture and extended durability that is not reflected in the current standard.

Purpose

This Standard uniquely provides overarching guidance on the selection of reinforced bitumen membranes, their combination to form reinforced bitumen roofing, and their application to flat and sloping roofs. Its criteria are referenced in the (subordinate) guidance of a wide range of organisations representing architecture, building insurance, flat roofing and waterproofing trade associations and third party product certification. It is currently the only such generic, independent guidance available to persons involved in the selection and installation of reinforced bitumen membranes.

Since the current version of the standard was issued significant development has occurred throughout the industry in regards to cold applied bitumen membranes such as adhered and self-adhesive application and mechanically fastened applications, to which are not currently highlighted effectively within the current standard. Also to highlight updates and revisions made to BS6229.

There has also been intensification of the secondary use of roofs for siting equipment for renewable energy capture and green roofing. The development of new products for reduced thermal bridging increased off-site manufacture and extended durability is not reflected in the current standard.