Understanding the Building Safety Act and BROOF(t4) Compliance
Posted on 2nd April 2025
The construction industry in the UK is undergoing significant changes, driven by the Building Safety Act and updated fire safety regulations. For roofers, understanding these changes—particularly BROOF(t4) classifications—is critical for ensuring compliance and delivering safe, reliable roofing solutions. This blog post explores how Soprema’s systems can help roofers navigate these requirements.
The Building Safety Act: Who Is Responsible?
The Building Safety Act, introduced in 2022, aims to improve building safety standards across the UK. It establishes clear lines of accountability for building owners and developers, enforced by the Building Safety Regulator. For roofers, this means ensuring that all roofing systems meet stringent fire safety standards outlined in Approved Document B (Fire Safety).
Key responsibilities under the Act include:
Ensuring materials used in construction comply with fire safety regulations.
Registering higher-risk buildings with the Building Safety Regulator.
Demonstrating competency in managing building safety risks.
BROOF(t4): The Gold Standard for Fire Safety
BROOF(t4) is the highest classification for external fire performance of roofing systems, as defined by BS EN 13501-5. Achieving this rating means:
No fire penetration through the roof system within 60 minutes.
Flame spread is limited to less than 0.38 meters across the area of burning.
This classification ensures roofs are resistant to external fire exposure, reducing risks to occupants and neighbouring properties. Compliance with BROOF(t4) is essential for meeting Approved Document B requirements, making it a critical consideration for roofers.
Soprema’s BROOF(t4) Compliant Systems
Soprema offers over 200 roofing systems that meet BROOF(t4) standards, including bituminous, single-ply, structural, and liquid waterproofing solutions. These systems are designed to provide maximum fire resistance while adhering to updated building regulations67.
Benefits of Soprema’s BROOF(t4) systems include:
Installation flexibility: These systems can be used anywhere on a roof without restrictions on boundaries.
Enhanced safety: Prevents flame spread between buildings.
Comprehensive warranties: Soprema offers single-point warranties ranging from 15 to 40 years.
Two options from Soprema are:
SL500 System: A durable solution offering high fire performance and thermal insulation.
Versitex System: A versatile option suitable for various roofing applications while maintaining BROOF(t4) compliance.
Why Compliance Matters
Failing to adhere to fire safety regulations can lead to severe consequences under the Building Safety Act, including legal penalties for those responsible for non-compliant buildings. For roofers, using certified materials like Soprema’s BROOF(t4) systems ensures compliance and builds trust with clients.
Conclusion
Roofers play a vital role in ensuring building safety, particularly under the evolving landscape shaped by the Building Safety Act and updated fire regulations. Soprema’s BROOF(t4)-certified systems provide reliable solutions that meet these stringent requirements while delivering peace of mind.
All Soprema products, including SL500 and Versitex Systems are available from Roofbase. Visit your local Roofbase today to help stay compliant on your projects.
Tagged as: Flat Roofing, Industry News
Share this post:
