The assessment is described in the following pages which form integral parts of this certificate, which should be read in its entirety.

Transcription

1 Cl/SfB (13.1) Ly (L2) BRE CERTIFICATION LTD CERTIFICATE OF ASSESSMENT PRODUCT Powerbase RB 340 and RB 370 Radon Resistant Membranes CERTICATE NO. 100/03 ISSUED: MARCH 03 REISSUED: NOVEMBER 07 SUPPLIED BY Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd Stillington Rd Easingwold York YO61 3FA Tel: Fax: website: SUMMARY Powerbase RB is a beige coated and reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) sheet geomembrane manufactured by cast extrusion coating LDPE onto a fabric made of multifilament and tape yarns. The membrane is supplied in two similar variants, RB 340 and RB 370 and the membrane joints are taped together on site or may be welded together before or during installation. It is suitable, within limitations, for use as a radon gas and moisture resistant membrane barrier for incorporation into the solid ground supported, or suspended, concrete ground floor of a building to restrict the ingress of radon gas into the building in situations where there is a risk of radon contamination to the internal environment arising from radon evolution from the ground. The characteristics of the product and the method of application have been reviewed with respect to current Building Regulations, Standards and other publications in the UK and Ireland in November The assessment is described in the following pages which form integral parts of this certificate, which should be read in its entirety. CONDITIONS OF USE 0.1 For buildings in the UK the recommendations of the BRE Reports BR 211 Radon: guidance on protective measures for new dwellings, BR 376 Radon: guidance on protective measures for new dwellings in Scotland, BR 413 Radon: guidance on protective measures for new dwellings in Northern Ireland shall be followed. Further guidance on detailing various common constructions can be obtained from BR 414 Protective measures for housing on gas-contaminated land and BR 293 Radon in the workplace. In Ireland reference should also be made to the Department of the Environment (DOE) publication Radon in Buildings. 0.2 The design and installation shall be in accordance with CP 102 Code of practice for protection of Page 1 of 10

2 buildings against water from the ground, BS Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for waterproofing, BS 8102 Code of practice for protection of structures against water from the ground and the Certificate holder s installation instructions. 0.3 The product is not intended for use in conditions where it may become subjected to hydrostatic pressure from the ground. Where there is a risk of the ground becoming waterlogged, sub-soil drainage in accordance with Approved Document C (England & Wales), Standard 3.4 (Scotland), Technical Booklet C (N. Ireland) and BS 8102, should be provided. 0.4 The product is primarily intended for use in normal ground conditions (4<pH<9). The product shall remain protected from UV light degradation and physical damage until immediately prior to use and once installed be covered within one month of installation. Contact with organic solvents, volatile organic compounds, fuel oils and other hydrocarbons shall be avoided. 0.5 Current information on the areas in the UK delineated by Communities and Local Government (CLG), with respect to the risk of radon infiltration levels for the purposes of the Building Regulations can be obtained from building control inspectors, BR 211, BR 376 and BR 413. In Ireland areas at risk of radon infiltration are designated in the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) publication Radon in Irish Dwellings. Specific provisions apply in Ireland for constructions where a large degree of settlement is expected. 0.6 The performance of the product depends on correct installation. The product and the necessary components to complete the installation shall be installed in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions, as reviewed by BRE Certification. The quality of installation achieved on site is not covered by this Certificate. It is therefore recommended that the quality of installation and workmanship is subject to appropriate checks by a competent person for each installation. STATEMENT It is the opinion of BRE Certification that Powerbase RB Radon Resistant membranes are satisfactory for use within the stated limitations provided that they are used in accordance with the supplier s instructions and the requirements of this certificate. CONFIRMATION For and on behalf of BRE Certification Director: Date: November 2007 Page 2 of 10

3 1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 1.1 Description Powerbase RB is a coated and reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) sheet geomembrane manufactured by cast extrusion coating LDPE onto a fabric made of multifilament and tape yarns in accordance with BS EN Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Plastic and rubber damp proof sheets including plastic and rubber basement tanking sheet. Definitions and characteristics, Type A. The membranes have the nominal characteristics given in Table Table 1 Nominal characteristics RB 340 membrane Membrane thickness (mm) 0.65 Membrane weight/unit area 0.34 (kg/m 2 ) Roll length (m) Roll width (m) Roll weight (kg) Colour Beige RB 370 membrane Membrane thickness (mm) 0.70 Membrane weight/unit area 0.37 (kg/m 2 ) Roll length (m) Roll width (m) Roll weight (kg) Colour Grey The product is supplied in rolls for joining by welding or taping on site in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions. It is for use in conjunction with proprietary ancillary products (outside scope of Certificate) for sealing at penetrations by service pipes or ducts passing through the membrane into the building, allowing complete sealing over the footprint of the building Powerbase RB is for use as a radon barrier and moisture resistant membrane. When used in accordance with BS 8102, CP 102 and the Certificate holder s installation instructions, the membrane additionally provides the function of a damp proofing membrane for groundsupported floor constructions, when not subjected to hydrostatic pressure The use of an additional geotextile protective layer membrane should be considered where the floor type requires it or if there is to be any traffic movement. Resistance to chemicals (if appropriate) and the integrity of the membrane shall be checked prior to permanent covering and any necessary repairs carried out as detailed in clause Ancillaries (outside scope of this Certificate) for use with the product include: - protective geotextile membrane - proprietary adhesive double-sided tape - heavy duty coated fabric tape e.g. Powerlene TP280 - self-adhesive primer - cold applied sealant - proprietary top-hat units - penetration seals - cavity trays - radon sump and air vents 2. PRODUCT PERFORMANCE 2.1 General Powerbase RB 340 and RB 370, both being greater than 300 µm thickness LDPE sheet, satisfy the recommendation given in BR 211, for an adequate radon resistant membrane. Page 3 of 10

4 2.1.2 For sites where the presence of gaseous contaminants or enhanced radon levels are suspected, a site investigation should be carried out following the guidance of BS Investigation of potentially contaminated sites. Code of practice. Further general information on site investigations is given in BS 5930 Code of practice for site investigations A high level of care shall be exercised with detailing and joining and provision shall be made for any anticipated settlement at junctions of structural elements (see section 4.3). Further guidance on additional secondary protection measures such as subfloor void ventilation is given in BR Strength and resistance to puncture The membrane is adequately resistant to mechanical damage during the normal installation and construction processes provided no loads are placed on the membrane. The use of a super-imposed geotextile membrane or protection board should be considered if there is to be any trafficking. The membrane can be punctured by sharp objects. The integrity of the membrane shall be checked prior to permanent covering and any necessary repairs by patching carried out as described in the Certificate holder s installation instructions. 2.3 Resistance to gas Powerbase RB loose laid with all joints lapped and sealed will provide resistance to the ingress of radon into a building provided that it is installed in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions and BRE Report 414. The membrane is for joining by welding together before or during installation or taping. Detailing at corners and service entries is carried out using suitable proprietary tape and ancillary components. A high standard of workmanship is required to ensure maximum airtightness. 2.4 Resistance to ground moisture When used in accordance with BS 8102 and the Certificate holder s installation instructions, the membrane additionally provides the function of damp proofing membrane for ground-supported floor constructions, when not subjected to hydrostatic pressure. 2.5 Protection Powerbase RB can be used as the primary protection measure in combination with either a suspended concrete floor with a ventilated subfloor void or a ground-supported concrete floor. A high standard of workmanship shall be exercised with detailing and joining and provision shall be made for any anticipated settlement at junctions of structural elements. Further guidance on additional secondary protection measures (outside the scope of this Certificate) such as subfloor depressurisation and ventilation is given in BR 211, BR 376 and BR 414. In Ireland additional measures for protection from radon (subfloor depressurisation) should be taken in susceptible areas as indicated within Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOELG) Document Radon in Buildings as recommended in Technical Guidance Document C of the Irish Building Regulations. Where insulation is to be incorporated in a ground supported floor construction reference should be made to BR Report BR 262 Thermal insulation: avoiding risks regarding the positioning of the membrane. 2.6 Repair The membrane can be repaired, if damaged during installation, with an overlay of membrane extending beyond the point of damage by a minimum of 150 mm in all directions and securely taped in position, in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions. 2.7 Durability Powerbase RB protected by screed or concrete should retain its performance for the lifetime of the concrete slab or screed under which it is installed, provided it has been installed in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions The product should be permanently covered as soon as possible after installation and within one month of installation Powerbase RB is considered to be as durable as traditional DPM s. This is provided the flooring system is designed and installed in accordance with the relevant requirements of CP 102, BS , BS 8102 and the Certificate holder s installation instructions. Page 4 of 10

5 3. BUILDING REGULATIONS 3.1 Powerbase RB with appropriately detailed installation, when used in accordance with the Certificate and the Certificate holder s installation instructions, can contribute towards satisfying the following relevant Building Regulations, Requirements and Standards: The Building Regulations (England and Wales) 2000 (as amended) (E&W) The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (S) The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (NI) The Building Regulations 1997 Ireland (as amended) (I) 3.2 Site preparation protection from gas, resistance to harmful and dangerous substances Country Requirement Compliance E & W C1.(2) Preparation of The installed membrane is considered adequate to site and resistance to prevent radon ingress and thus harmful effects to contaminants health and safety. See clause S 3.1 Site preparation - harmful and dangerous substances 3.2 Site preparation protection from radon gas NI C2(1)(2) Preparation of site and resistance to dangerous and harmful substances I C3 Site preparation and resistance to moisture - dangerous substances 3.3 Resistance to moisture - ground moisture Country Requirement Compliance E & W C2(a) Resistance to moisture ground moisture S 3.4 Moisture from the ground NI C4(a) Resistance to ground moisture and weather I C4 Site preparation and resistance to moisture Resistance to weather and ground moisture 3.4 Fitness and durability of materials and workmanship Country Requirement Compliance E & W Regulation 7 Materials and workmanship S 8(1) Fitness and durability of materials and workmanship NI B2 Fitness of materials and workmanship I D1 Materials and workmanship The installed membrane will adequately resist the passage of ground moisture to the inside of the building. See clause The membrane is manufactured from appropriate materials for the application and can be installed satisfactorily with a high degree of workmanship. See clause and to Page 5 of 10

6 3.5 CDM Regulations Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) Safety, Health and Welfare Regulations 2006 (Ireland) The Certificate should form part of the information used by the client, planning supervisor, designer and contractors to discharge their responsibilities under these Regulations. 4. INSTALLATION/PRACTICAL APPLICATION 4.1 General The performance of Powerbase RB depends on correct installation. It shall be installed strictly in accordance with the Certificate holder s installation instructions, taking account of the delivery, storage and handling requirements and the requirements of this Certificate. Only trained and skilled operatives or competent contractors, who are familiar with the Certificate holder s installation instructions should carry out the work. The quality of installation actually achieved on specific sites is not covered by this certificate. Therefore it is recommended that the quality of installation and workmanship is subject to appropriate checks by a competent person for each installation. 4.2 Delivery, storage and handling Powerbase RB is supplied in rolls wrapped in polythene on pallets. Each roll displays a label showing the manufacturer s name and product name and BRE Certification logo incorporating the number of this Certificate Rolls of Powerbase RB should be protected from sunlight and accidental damage. The rolls shall not be stored on their ends. The Powerbase ancillary components should be protected from rain, frost and exposure to sunlight during storage. It should be ensured that the temperatures of these materials does not fall below 5 C or exceed 30 C at any time Care should be taken when handling these materials on site in order to avoid accidental perforation. If repairs are required they shall be carried out as stated in the Certificate holder s installation instructions. 4.3 Installation (informative) The membrane should not be installed when the air temperature is below 5 C It is important that installers follow the Certificate holder s installation instructions paying particular attention to the following: - The membrane shall be made continuous through the external walls and internal walls of the building traversing any cavities. For cavity walls the membrane should form a cavity tray stepped down towards the outer leaf, with the sealing of the overlaps continuing across the cavity. The membrane should be supported across the cavity by filling to the level of the membrane with mortar. - Where the membrane is to be used for ground-supported slab or suspended floor applications, provisions shall be made for any anticipated movement of the slab during the life of the building (determined from a prior site investigation) to ensure that the membrane integrity is not compromised. - Concrete slab or masonry surfaces should be smooth, clean, dry and free of projections or indentations. If it is intended to lay Powerbase RB on to sand blinding, this shall be of sufficient thickness to cover all sharp projections. - When the membrane is to be installed below a suspended concrete slab it should be loosely laid to accommodate any small movements that may occur subsequent to installation. - Where sharp corners are unavoidable, internal and external angles shall be strengthened with a 300 mm wide strip of membrane fixed as appropriate and interleaved with the adjacent layers of membrane. - Proprietary top-hat units should be used for sealing around service pipe entries. Service entry points should not be coincident with lapped joints in the membrane. Page 6 of 10

7 - Sealing to steel or concrete structural columns shall be accomplished using bitumen based selfadhesive sheet. All concrete surfaces to receive the self-adhesive sheet shall be primed. - Where the membrane is to be laid over a slab movement joint, it should be loosely folded back on itself during laying. 5. TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS 5.1 Performance Tests Tests and technical investigations have been carried out by,or on behalf of, BRE Certification to determine the following properties and performance characteristics - tensile strength and elongation before and after heat ageing - resistance to nail tearing (nail shank) - water vapour permeability and transmission rate - resistance to passage of radon - resistance to water penetration - flexibility on unrolling at low temperatures - dimensional stability 5.2 Typical performance test values for the product are given in Table 2. TABLE 2 Technical Data for Powerbase RB Membrane Property Test method Result Thickness BS EN ISO BS EN mm RB mm RB 370 Mass per unit area BS EN ISO BS EN ISO 9864 BS EN g/m 2 RB g/m 2 RB 370 Tensile strength BS EN BS EN Tensile elongation(1) at max. load Resistance to nail shank tearing(1) Water vapour permeability Equivalent water vapour transmission rate Resistance to passage of Radon BS EN BS EN MOAT 27 (5.4.1) BS EN BS EN DIN BS 3177 BS EN ISO BS Method 820A Equivalence to 1200 gauge LDPE 588 N/50 mm CD RB 370 unaged 713 N/50 mm MD - RB 370 unaged 716 N/50 mm MD - RB 370 heat aged 712 CD - RB 370 heat aged 683 N/50 mm CD - RB UVB aged 15 % CD RB 370 unaged 8 % MD - RB 370 unaged 17 % MD - RB 370 heat aged 9 % CD - RB 370 heat aged 8 % CD - RB UVB aged 399 N 544 N MD 533 N XD 0.06 g/m²/24h 1200 MNs/g Minimum thickness LDPE 0.3 mm Radon permeability BS ISO 2782 m 2 /s/pa Water penetration BS EN 1928 No leakage, pass RB 370 resistance Flexibility on unrolling MOAT 27(5.4.3) No cracking or tearing at -20 C at low temperatures Dimensional stability mean shrinkage MOAT 27 (5.1.6) 0.76 % MD RB % CD RB 370 (1): Results quoted for these tests are the minimum value obtained with test-piece taken from either the longitudinal, or the transverse, roll alignment. Page 7 of 10

8 5.3 A site visit was carried out to assess the practicability of installation. 5.4 Quality Control Traceable quality records are maintained by the manufacturer. The manufacturer carries out checks at regular intervals to ensure the quality of the product is maintained within the defined product specification. BRE Certification undertakes regular monitoring of the factory production control audits on the manufacture of the product against an agreed Quality Plan for the product. 5.5 The following Standards and other publications have been referred to for this assessment:- CP 102:1973 Code of practice for protection of buildings against water from the ground BS :Method 820A:1996 Methods of testing plastics. Other properties. Determination of water vapour transmission rate (dish method) BS 3177:1959 BS 5930:1999 BS :1989 BS 8102:1990 BS 10175:2001 BS ISO 2782:2006 BS EN 1928:2000 BS EN :2000 Method for determining the permeability to water vapour of flexible sheet materials used for packaging Code of practice for site investigations Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for waterproofing Code of practice for protection of structures against water from the ground Investigation of potentially contaminated sites. Code of practice Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic. Determination of permeability to gases Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing. Determination of watertightness Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Determination of resistance to tearing (nail shank). Plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing BS EN :2000 Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Determination of tensile properties. Plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing BS EN 13859:2005 BS EN 13967:2004 Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Definitions and characteristics of underlays. Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Plastic and rubber damp proof sheets including plastic and rubber basement tanking sheet. Definitions and characteristics BS EN ISO :1998 Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics. Determination of roll characteristics. Methods for determination of total mass per unit area, mass per unit area of coating and mass per unit area of substrate BS EN ISO :2005 BS EN ISO 9864:2005 Geosynthetics. Determination of thickness at specified pressures. Single layers Geosynthetics. Test method for the determination of mass per unit area of geotextiles and geotextile-related products BS EN ISO 12572:2001 Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products. Determination of water vapour transmission properties MOAT 27:1983 General Directive for the Assessment of Roof Waterproofing Systems Page 8 of 10

9 BR Report 211:1999 BR Report 262:2002 RE Report 293:1995 BR Report 376:1999 BR Report 413:2001 Radon: guidance on protective measures for new dwellings Thermal insulation: avoiding risks Radon in the workplace Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new dwellings in Scotland Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new dwellings in Northern Ireland BR Report 414:2001 Protective measures for housing on gas-contaminated land. Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) publication Radon in Irish Dwellings. DOE publication DOELG Document Radon in Buildings Radon in Buildings Page 9 of 10

10 6. CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATE ISSUE 6.1 Validity This certificate will be valid for a period of three years from the date of this re-issue. It will remain valid in so far as: 6.2 Health and Safety a) The materials and methods of manufacture are unchanged or BRE Certification has assessed any changes and found them to be satisfactory. b) The designs and specifications are unaltered from those examined by BRE Certification. c) Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd continues to have the product checked by BRE Certification through factory production control inspections. This certificate and the recommendations herein do not purport in any way to restate the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or any statutory or common law duty of care which exists now or in the future; nor is compliance with these recommendations to be assumed as satisfying the requirements of the said Act or any existing or future statutory or common law duty of care. 6.3 Reference to Other Documentation 6.4 Patents Where reference is made in this certificate to any Act of Parliament, Regulation, Code of Practice, British or other Standard or other publications, it shall be construed as reference to such publication in the form in which it is in force at the date of the certificate re-issue. BRE Certification makes no representational warranty that any patent or similar industrial property right is valid or that the manufacture, use, sale, lease or any other dealing or disposition of the products in whole or in part is not an infringement of any patent or industrial property right not owned by Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd. Confirmation that a certificate is current may be obtained from the BRE Certification website ( Copyright BRE Certification 2007 Page 10 of 10