Created in May 1966, the BBA – or the Agrément board as it was known then – has undergone a number of changes, gradually expanding its testing, inspection and certification services to other product areas. Its remit may have widened throughout the years, but the BBA’s objective remains the same as the day it originated – to provide a mark of quality, safety and reliability that gives customers reassurance of the product’s fitness-for-purpose. Only products and systems that have passed a series of comprehensive assessments – including laboratory tests, onsite evaluations, quality management checks and inspections of production are awarded an Agrément Certificate.
The issue of certification isn’t the end of the story – it is only the beginning. Once the Certificate is issued, BBA carries out regular monitoring to maintain its validity. A product’s classification continues under the microscope with a comprehensive, three-yearly BBA review.
Sika-Trocal says it has BBA certification for all of its roofing membranes and Dean Grady, Sika-Trocal product manager, says it’s with durability that Sika-Trocal stands out from most of the crowd with 35 years. He said the endorsement is “proof that Sika-Trocal is a step ahead of many of its rivals in terms of long-term performance.”
He continued: “Unlike some other manufacturers, BBA are able to carry tests on roofs where our installations have actually been in place for 35 years or more and are still functioning as weathertight roofs. So they can see for themselves our products have actually stood the test of time and are performing to the same high quality, and therefore worthy of the 35-year durability statement.”
The BBA is an independent non-profit distribution organisation. It continues in its ambition to ‘provide reassurance to the construction industry that manufacturers’ products, systems and procedures are fit for purpose’. Its aim to help improve standards throughout the construction industry involves collaboration with organisations such as European Organisation for Technical Assessments (EOTA) and the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF). This enables the BBA to have influence on policy development, whilst working to help reduce technical barriers to cross-border construction trading throughout Europe.
Dean Grady is in no doubt of the BBA’s continued relevance as an authority by which all construction products should be judged. He said: “BBA certification remains a real stamp of approval with real credibility. We’ve got absolute faith in all our products; with BBA Certification it means a revered certification body has faith in them too.”
Sika-Trocal SGmA Loose-Laid and Ballasted Membrane
Product information: The membrane is suitable for use as a loose-laid roof waterproofing system, ballasted to prevent wind uplift on inverted flat roofs with limited or pedestrian access, and green roof and roof garden applications. Sika-Trocal SGmA can be mechanically attached where there is insufficient ballast / weight to resist wind uplift.
BBA accreditation includes:
– The product comprises polyvinyl chloride and glass which can be recycled.
– Accelerated weathering tests and performance in use confirm the product will have a life in excess of 35 years.
– The product is resistant to root penetration and can be used in a roof waterproofing system for roof gardens and green roofs.
Sika-Trocal SGK Adhered Membrane
Product information: The membrane is suitable for use as adhered roof waterproofing on pitched, flat and curved roofs with limited access.
BBA accreditation includes:
– Results confirm the membrane and joints in the membrane when completely sealed and consolidated will adequately resist the passage of moisture to the inside of the building and so meet the requirements of the National Building Regulations.
– The product is impervious to water and, when used in the system described, will achieve a weathertight roof capable of accepting minor structural movement without damage.
Sika-Trocal S and SG Mechanically Fastened Membranes
Product information: The membranes are mechanically-fastened and suitable for use as a mechanically-fixed roof waterproofing on pitched, flat and curved roofs of less than 20m radius and with limited access.
BBA accreditation includes:
– The products are impervious to water.
– When completely sealed and consolidated the membranes and joints within will adequately resist the passage of moisture to the inside of the building and so meet the requirements of the National Building Regulations.
– The membranes will have a life in excess of 35 years.
