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Key

 
Warranty Position Regulatory Position and Guidance Exemptions Does B4 still apply?
Green indicates we consider our position best practice and not in dispute Grey items cover the December 2018 Amendments, Approved Documents and MHCLG's own FAQs and advice notes Green indicates that the item IS exempt from Regulation 7(2), in accordance with Regulation 7(3) Green indicates that B4 still applies, and refers to relevant parts
Yellow indicates our position has the potential to be subjective   Red indicates that the item is NOT exempt. Refer to Regulation 7(3) Red shows that B4 no longer applies

 

Warranty Position

Definition: Waterproofing membranes for Balconies recessed from the face of the external wall; and that are suspended or cantilevered from an external wall, i.e. that do not form a roof to a room directly beneath them (and that do not form a means of escape).

Water proofing membranes should achieve a minimum of combustibility class B-s3, d0.

However, **Noting that membranes are an exempt material and Approved Document B is guidance: Depending on size, orientation, configuration of the balconies, and how exposed the membrane is (e.g. is it protected by an non-combustible material): it is possible that B4-(1) could be shown to have been met even if a Membrane that was not combustibility class B is used.

Requirement: If a waterproofing membrane that is not combustibility class B is proposed, then an Assessment confirming compliance with B4-(1) is required.

Is the position indisputable? Yes.

December 2018 Amendment

Section 2 Reference: 2(6)(b).

Reference titles: Specified attachment

Approved Document

Reference title(s): 10.11.

References: External walls and specified attachments are defined in regulation 2 and these definitions include any parts of the external wall as well as balconies, solar panels and sun shading.

MHCLG FAQS / Advice Notes

Reference: Section 4.

Reference title(s): Approved Document B volume 2 paragraph 12.14 a. provides further guidance on membranes and provides that they should achieve at least Class B- s3, d0.

Exemptions

Is the item exempt from Regulation 7(2), in accordance with Regulation 7(3)?: Yes.

References: 7(3)(g).

Statement: Membranes

If exempt, are there any restrictions on the use of the system, component or material given in the guidance in ADB vol 2: AD B clause 10.15(a) states "Membranes used as part of the external wall construction above ground level should achieve a minimum of class B-s3, d0.".

Does B4 still apply?

Yes: Reference: B4-(1) and B4-(2)

For guidance on using this resource, please click here.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is believed to be correct in light of information currently available and at the time of publication but is not guaranteed. Neither LABC Warranty nor its agents can accept responsibility in respect of the contents or any events arising from the use of the information contained within this site. The guidance provided does not replace the reader’s professional judgement and any construction project should comply with the relevant Building Regulations or applicable technical standards. For the most up to date LABC Warranty technical guidance please refer to your Risk Management Surveyor and the latest version of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual.