DIY Flat Roof - EPDM Membrane - Building Regs

beaker141

Does anyone have any experience of using this stuff.

I've submitted bregs for a summer house type thing at the bottom of the garden, its within 1m of the boundary and bregs have asked me about this stuff in relation to B4 - External Fire Spread.

I've found this BBA Cert for the stuff I want to use but I dont fully understand what its saying.

http://www.bbacerts.co.uk/PDF/2216PS1i7_web.pdf

The company I was going to buy it from, basically shrugged their shoulders when I called to ask and were not helpful. I've emailed the Firestone manufacturers - but you never know if and how long a reply will take.

Roof will be a cold roof, 47*195 wooden joists, 18mm ext ply, covered in fully bonded EPDM.

I picked it as it looks dead easy to DIY rather than paying a flat roofer to come and torch felt on, and I think it lookks a bit more modern.

Any factual guidance or experience welcommed !

travellerboy

It surprises me that Building Regs would apply to a garden building that is probably regarded as Non-habitable. The BBA certificate will satisfy BRegs for external fire spread if that is your concern.

I have had it on my garage for over 12yrs and still looks as good as new. When I laid the EPDM I ensured it involved no joints and used the plastic finishing edging, very easy job. I would not touch felt with a barge-pole, this material is flexible and free to move with the thermal variations of the building

sunshinetours

Its the fact that its within 1m of boundary I would guess as per OP. One stipulation we had with our cabin was it had to be not within that distance of any fence presumably as a fire break precaution, otherwise building regs would apply, plus if over a certain size in area and height

beaker141

Its 35m2 (limit is 30m2) and I'm putting a wc in so drainage involved. I've had a good reply from the suppliers which I'll post for future ref once Ive clarified a point.

iamcornholio

You need to buy the fire retardant grade (FR) of EPDM

The problem you may have with building control is that although this can be done DIY, the product should be installed by qualified trained persons to meet the BBA certification (number 4 on the certificate), so a BCO who is on the ball may not let you DIY. You will have to just ask him casually if you can DIY

beaker141

An email back form the technical department confirmed :-

"
We can confirm, when using 1.14mm RubberGard FR, fully adhered with Firestone Modular Water Based Bonding Adhesive to 12mm Plywood or OSB this achieves an EXT.F.AA rating."

traineepensioner

Hi beaker141,

I'm thinking of using this product to replace the felt on my garage roof. Could you please post & let us know how you get on.....including any top tips

Cheers