Fire resistance of the roofs: Broof classification for waterproof coatings

Fire safety in constructions: the regulatory framework

Among the Seven fundamental requirements provided for by the European Regulation, the safety in case of fire It plays a role of primary importance. The buildings must be designed for:

• maintain structural stability for a certain period of time in case of fire;
• limit the propagation of flames and fumes inside and outside the structure;
• allow the safe evacuation of the occupants;
• facilitate the intervention of the rescue teams.

In this context, one of the key aspects of fire prevention is the Classification of building materials Based on theirs Fire reactionaccording to the EN 13501-1 standard. This standard divides the materials into Euroclass (from A1, inconcreum, to F, unpublished performance), also considering the production of fumes (parameter “s”) and the drip of incandescent particles (parameter “D”).

Protection from external fire: the importance of the Broof classification

Covering, roofs and terraces represent the areas more vulnerable of a building in case of fire, since the flames tend to spread upwards and can be powered by the materials on the roof. In addition, the risk of trigger can derive from external sources, such as Tizzoni and debris transported by the wind or accidents related to photovoltaic systems. For this reason, the norm En 13501-5 defines the classifications related to External fire behavior of roofs and roofsbased on four test methodologies established by UNI ENV 1187: Test T1, Test T2, Test T3, T4 Test, which correspond to four different fire danger scenarios.

The external fire behavior of roofs and roofs does not depend only on the behavior of the combustion of the exposed surface, the roof itself, but also on the characteristics of different components of the roof, such as nature and thickness of insulating and waterproofing systems, antivamor barriers and related support elements, components fixing systems, gluing or mechanical fixing.

The maximum resistance level is identified by Broof certificationwhich guarantees the best protection against external fires. This performance is particularly relevant in community regulations, especially for roofs intended for the installation of photovoltaic systems.

Photovoltaic systems and fire risk: regulations and precautions

The installation of photovoltaic panels on building roofs does not automatically fall within the activities subject to fire prevention controls (Presidential Decree 151/2011). However, if the FV system is integrated into a building already subject to these checks, additional verification is required to evaluate the potential Fire risk aggravation.

In support of this analysis, the National Fire Brigade has published Two technical documents of reference:

• Guide for the installation of photovoltaic systems edition of the 2012 edition (Protocol n. 0001324 of 07/02/2012);
• Clarifications to the guide for the installation of photovoltaic systems edition of the 2012 edition (Protocol n. 0006334 of 04/05/2012).

According to these guidelines, the systems must be installed avoiding the propagation of flames From the photovoltaic generator to the coverage, for example by:

• the use of incombustible surfaces as support;
• the interposition of a stratum resistant to fire (Es30, Euroclasse A1);
• the verification of the reaction characteristics to the fire of the roof.

The covers classified Broof (T2, T3, T4) are considered adequate for the installation of FV panels in Class 2 or equivalent in terms of reaction to fire.

Waterproofing systems for Brooof proof

The covers without an fire certification adequate they can be brought to the Broof level through Innovative waterproofing systemstested by workshops accredited by the Ministry of the Interior or by entities recognized in the European Economic Area (See).

In this context, the waterproofing liquid membranes They represent an effective solution to redevelop existing covers without the need to dismantle the old waterproof layers. The advantages of these systems include:

• Direct application on pre-existing surfaces (bitumen-polymer membranes, synthetic mantles, various coatings);
• creation of a continuous and flexible layerwithout joints;
• Resistance to atmospheric agentsincluding hail (in accordance with EN 13583: 2012).

Icobit: cutting -edge solutions for safety and waterproofing

Icobit Italia It offers a range of liquid waterproofing systems capable of satisfying the highest safety and performance standards, including:

• Multipurpose icoper: continuous colorful membrane in aqueous emulsion;
• Keep Dry: innovative colorful color -performance colored polyolefinic dispersion.

Both systems, in accordance with EN13501-5 “Classification to the fire of products and construction elements – Part 5: classification based on the results of the exposure tests of the roofs to an external fire”are classified with the maximum performance B made with three different Fire Fire Screws (T1, T4, T4).

A further advantage is the versatility of application: ICOBIT products can be laid in roller, brush or spray Airless, with a daily yield of up to 1000 m² per team of two operators.

These systems are also compliant with UNI 11928-1: 2023 “Applied liquid products for waterproofing”, They resist UV rays and stagnation of water and are therefore ideal for direct waterproofing on new surfaces and/or for the recovery and restoration of existing supports avoiding complex and expensive interventions.

Thanks to these characteristics, the ICOBIT Liquide Membranes represent the Ideal solution to improve the safety of the coverswhile offering effective waterfall protection.