Roof Fire Testing Services
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+44 (0)808 234 1667Warringtonfire helps roofing manufacturers demonstrate compliance with external fire performance requirements through accredited roof fire testing, classification and technical support. From CEN/TS 1187 testing to EN 13501-5 classification and EXAP assessments, our specialists are here to help you achieve compliance efficiently and bring products to market with confidence.
What is Roof Fire Testing at Warringtonfire?
Roof fire testing evaluates how a roof covering system performs when exposed to fire originating outside a building. The testing assesses factors such as flame spread across the roof surface and fire penetration through the roof construction.
At Warringtonfire, we provide accredited testing to CEN/TS 1187 and support classification to EN 13501-5, helping manufacturers demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements and access target markets with confidence.
What Can Warringtonfire Offer You for Roof Fire Testing?
Testing is performed on complete roof covering systems configured as intended for end use. These may include:
Roof Covering Systems
- Single-ply membranes
- Multi-layer membrane systems
- Waterproofing systems
- Built-up roofing systems
- Bitumen-based systems
- Roof tiles
Roof Construction Components
- Insulation products
- Vapour control layers
- Reinforcement layers
- Roof substrates
- Jointing systems
Complete Roof Systems
- Flat roof systems
- Pitched roof systems
- Full roof build-ups
Test Standard
- CEN/TS 1187 (T1, T2, T3 and T4)
Classification Standard
- EN 13501-5
EXAP Standard
- CEN/TS 16459
Roof fire testing under CEN/TS 1187 consists of four independent test methods, each designed to simulate different external fire exposure scenarios. The most appropriate test depends on your target market, product type and required classification.
Test 1: Burning Brand (CEN/TS 1187 – T1)
Simulates burning material which has fallen onto the roof.
- Process: A wood wool-filled basket is placed on a sample at either a 15° or 45° pitch and ignited. Fire spread and penetration are measured, with damage and glowing assessed post-test.
- Specifications: Requires four samples (0.80m by 1.80m) with various layers, including waterproofing, insulation, and vapor barriers on substrates, as we need to test the complete system.
- Achievable Classifications: Broof(t1) and Froof(t1).
Test 2: Burning Brand & Wind (CEN/TS 1187 – T2)
Simulates burning material which has fallen onto the roof and wind passing over.
- Process: Wind (at 2 and 4 m/s) passes over a burning brand placed on a sample set at a 30° pitch, with damage recorded post-test.
- Specifications: Six samples (0.40m by 1.00m) are required, constructed as in end-use but limited to membrane on a substrate.
- Achievable Classifications: Broof(t2) and Froof(t2).
Test 3: Burning Brand, Wind & Radiation (CEN/TS 1187 – T3)
Simulates burning material which has fallen onto the roof, wind passing over and heat from a nearby fire.
- Process: Samples are exposed to 12.5 kW/m² radiant heat, 3 m/s wind, and small heptane-soaked brands, with fire spread and penetration evaluated.
- Specifications: Two samples (1.20m by 3.00m) constructed with waterproofing layers on simulated roof construction, including insulation and vapor barriers.
- Achievable Classifications: Broof(t3), Croof(t3), Droof(t3) and Froof(t3).
Test 4: Burning Brand, Wind & Radiation (CEN/TS 1187 – T4)
Simulates burning material which has fallen onto the roof, wind passing over and heat from a nearby fire. The most commonly specified method within the UK market.
- Process: A test in two parts. In Stage 1 (preliminary test with burning brands), a sample is exposed for a minute to a brand. In Stage 2 (penetration test with burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat), samples are exposed to radiant heat and the same brand passing over the surface of the specimen.
- Specifications: Four specimens (835±5mm by 835±5mm) with representative joints, constructed to mirror actual roof installations.
- Achievable Classifications: Broof(t4), Croof(t4), Droof(t4), Eroof(t4) and Froof(t4).
Warringtonfire combines fire testing with specialist classification and technical expertise to support manufacturers throughout the compliance journey. Our experienced fire specialists can identify the most appropriate testing route, interpret results and prepare classification reports to EN 13501-5, as well as support Extended Application (EXAP) assessments in accordance with CEN/TS 16459.
By understanding how existing test evidence can be applied to product variations and wider product ranges, our experts can identify opportunities to optimise testing programmes and maximise the value of available evidence. This integrated, expert-led approach helps manufacturers reduce unnecessary testing, control costs and project risk, support broader product portfolios and achieve the classifications required to access their target markets.
Warringtonfire’s specialist roof fire testing facilities are located in Warrington, UK, and Gent, Belgium.
The Gent laboratory offers testing to all four methods defined within CEN/TS 1187, providing complete coverage of external fire exposure testing for roof systems.
The Warrington laboratory performs CEN/TS 1187 Test 4 testing, supporting the classification route most commonly specified within the UK market.
Choosing the Right Roof Test
Roof fire testing under CEN/TS 1187 comprises four independent test methods designed to simulate different external fire exposure scenarios.
Warringtonfire’s technical specialists can help determine the most appropriate route based on your target market, product type and required classification, while identifying opportunities to support wider product portfolios through classification and EXAP assessments.
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Achieving Compliance
We help you generate the test evidence, classifications and technical documentation required to demonstrate compliance with roofing fire safety requirements.
Choosing the Right Test
Our specialists guide you through the various CEN/TS 1187 methods, helping identify the most appropriate testing programme for your product and target market.
Controlling Testing Costs
Through strategic programme planning and EXAP assessments where applicable, we help maximise the value of your test data and minimise unnecessary testing.
Expanding Product Ranges
Our fire technical experts can evaluate variations and support broader product portfolios through classification and extended application assessments.
Why Choose Warringtonfire?
EXAP Specialists
Technical expertise extending beyond standard testing.
Classification Expertise
EN 13501-5 classification support from experienced fire specialists.
European Capability
Accredited testing facilities in both the UK and Belgium.
End-to-End Support
Testing, classification and technical guidance from one partner.
Active Industry Involvement
Participation in national and European committees keeps us informed of evolving standards.
FAQs
Which roof fire test do I need?
The appropriate CEN/TS 1187 test method depends on the regulatory requirements, end-use application and markets in which the product will be sold. Warringtonfire's technical team can advise on the most suitable route before testing begins.
Can I classify multiple product variants from one test programme?
Potentially. Through EXAP assessments, existing fire test evidence may be used to assess certain product variations. This can reduce the need for additional physical testing where permitted by the applicable standards.
What is an EXAP assessment?
An EXAP assessment evaluates how changes to a tested roof system may affect fire performance. Using established rules and technical expertise, EXAP can extend the applicability of test evidence to additional configurations within a product family.
What information should I provide before testing begins?
Providing details of the roof build-up, membrane type, insulation, substrate, fixings, intended market and desired classification allows our experts to develop the most efficient testing and classification strategy.
Can Warringtonfire provide classification reports?
Yes. Following testing, Warringtonfire technical specialists can prepare classification reports in accordance with EN 13501-5, providing recognised documentation for regulatory, certification and specification purposes.
Is Broof(t4) always required?
Not necessarily. Required classifications vary according to national requirements, building type and project specifications. Our experts can help determine the most appropriate classification for your intended application.
What makes Warringtonfire different from other roof testing laboratories?
Warringtonfire combines accredited roof fire testing with specialist expertise, EN 13501-5 classification reports and Extended Application (EXAP) assessments. This enables customers to move from testing through to classification and product range optimisation with a single technical partner.
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