FAQ
if your query isn’t answered below, try the search facility or contact us
Acoustic insulation – what can you use and where is it placed?
section shows acoustic infill in a steel deck, with sound-absorbing mineral fibre insulation.
Bitumen – is it compatible with single ply?
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Many single ply products can be used in contact with bitumen. PVC should always
be isolated from it, either by a polymeric fleece, or a polymeric or glass
textile.
British Standards – is there one for single ply?
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There are two standards of direct relevance to single ply systems:
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Design of flat roofs: BS6229:2003 ‘Code of practice for flat roofs with
continuously supported coverings’ This is the head standard for all flat roofing and essential reading for
all aspects of overall design such as falls and drainage. All relevant parts
are also included in the 
SPRA Design Guide [274.28 KB]
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European Standard for products: BSEN13956:2005 ‘Plastic and rubber sheets for
roof waterproofing’. This standard sets out the rules for manufacturers to
ensure that they declare the product characteristics on a common basis of
European (EN) test methods. It does not set technical requirements. SPRA will
publish a guide to specification very soon. SPRA Design Guide [274.28 KB]Contractors – can SPRA contractors lay several different membranes?
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This depends on whether they have installers trained in the particular product.
Most companies can offer a range of product types.
Domestic work – can SPRA contractors help?
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Many of our contractor members carry out private residential work. If you can’t find
someone, contact the membrane manufacturer and ask for suitable registered contractors
in your area.
Inspections - Do SPRA membrane manufacturers inspect the job?
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Yes, SPRA membrane manufacturers must carry out a recorded inspection of all
work where a product warranty is to be offered. The report is passed to the registered
contractor with a copy held by the manufacturer. In the private residential
sector, the registered contractor must self-certify completion to the
manufacturer, who carries out random quality checks. Insurance for residential single ply roofs – where can I get
it?
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For further information on brokers offering insurance for single ply, contact us.
Membranes – are any products manufactured in the UK
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Yes, but very
few. Some PVC, FPO and EPDM is produced in the UK.
Testing – can you test a finished single ply roof?
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Yes, a range of techniques are available. SPRA advises care over the selection
of method and service provider. See the SPRA guide. [173.56 KB] Thermal insulation – where is it placed?
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In warm roof systems, the insulation must be placed above the deck and beneath the waterproofing. In the inverted roof,
the insulation is placed above
the
waterproofing and held in place by heavy ballast. See what is single ply? for more
information.
Thermal insulation – what is available?
- There’s a huge range of thermal insulation available for single ply roofs.
Products must have sufficient resistance to compression and delamination to
withstand loads; they must provide the required thermal resistance for the
thickness available in the design. Visit downloads to see the SPRA Quality schemes for each
type or browse the Design Guide [274.28 KB] for background information on types.
Design Guide [274.28 KB] for background information on types.Training – how can I get trained in single ply?
- All training in the reputable part of the
market is the responsibility of membrane manufacturers. There is no
college-based training. Individuals should either contact a local registered
contractor for one of the manufacturers or the manufacturer themselves. A new
Specialist Apprenticeship Programme will be available in 2011.
