ROCKWOOL® supports contractors in managing flat roofs fire risk

New whitepaper from ROCKWOOL explores how to improve fire performance in the fifth façade.
ROCKWOOL Fire Risk Fifth Facade Whitepaper Page Spread

With roofs maintaining their prominent role in contemporary building design, ROCKWOOL has released a new whitepaper exploring how roofing contractors and specifiers can manage fire risk when planning and installing flat roofs. 

'Flat Roofs: Managing Fire Risk in the Fifth Façade’ will help you to understand:

  • Fifth façade and fire risk
  • The real cost of roof fires
  • Roofs and regulations

The ‘Flat Roofs: Managing fire risk in the fifth façade’ report addresses misconceptions around testing protocols and material fire classification ratings, plus examines the worrying rise in roof fires and the resulting social and economic impact. The whitepaper, which is available to download, outlines specification best practice for flat roof insulation and how to futureproof the complete building envelope in line with expected changes to Building Regulations.

 

Fifth façade and fire risk

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of the building envelope when it comes to fire risk. The whitepaper explores some of the most common causes of roof fires, including: arson, hot works, fire spread and plant failure.

“The role of the roof is an expanding one,” explains Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Flat Roofs, ROCKWOOL. “While previously their primary function was practical, now we’re seeing roof spaces used as an additional communal or leisure space, as well as to house solar PV, plant equipment and rainwater management systems. As the function of the roof has expanded, the focus on fire protection measures hasn’t increased.

“This report explores the risks of exposed flat roofs, delves into the effects of recent prominent fires, and then advises roofing contractors and specifiers on how to select materials that will help protect lives and the remaining building structure in case of fire. It’s an essential read for anyone involved in roofing specification.”

 

Download the Whitepaper

The whitepaper has been made available to download.

We supply a range of non-combustible flat roof insulation, browse the range on our website or in our product guide. Please contact your local branch for assistance.