Materials with a non-combustible outer layer used as fire barriers for roofs

Abstract

Introduction. New advanced roll materials that can be used to create a fire barrier on roofs as a protective layer without compromising their fire safety characteristics are becoming available on the market. However, the use of these materials is restricted by current regulations. Therefore, clarifying the requirements for fire barriers and their protective layers should facilitate the use of lighter solutions for installing fire barriers.

Aim. To refine the requirements for fire barriers and their protective layers, which provide for modern lightweight solutions used for installing fire barriers on roofs.

Materials and methods. Field tests were conducted to study three samples of roofing systems, both currently in use and new systems.

Results. The parameters of heat flows recorded at the boundaries of fire barriers have been determined. The need to develop a standard testing method for fire barriers on roofs has also been identified. The obtained data indicate that certain combustible roofing materials can be used in the construction of the upper layer of fire barriers (above the waterproofing membrane) while a combustible lower layer (below the waterproofing membrane) cannot be used with a non-combustible upper layer.

Conclusions. The results of the study suggest requirements for modern materials used in the construction of protective layers for fire barriers on roofs, using the methodology developed in regulatory specifications, and expanding the scope of application for modern materials.