What is BBA Certification? (and why it matters to roofing contractors) 

The BBA certification is issued by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). It is widely recognised across the construction industry as being a mark of quality. Products and systems that hold BBA certification are considered to have met strict parameters, making them a safe bet when it comes to safety and performance.

What is the BBA? 

The British Board of Agrément (BBA) has been in operation since 1966. During that time, it has built its reputation as an independent certification body in the Construction and Civil Engineering Industries. The BBA prides itself on driving the construction industry by helping to create accountability and mitigate risk. According to the BBA website, the aim of their certification process is to instil confidence throughout the construction and manufacturing supply chain in both the UK and Global marketplaces.

Why certification matters

• Safety and performance: Products and systems that are BBA approved undergo extensive testing and evaluation. To achieve this, they are tested for durability, safety, compliance with building regulations, and performance under a range of conditions.
• Quality assurance: The certification provides a mark of quality assurance, indicating that the product is reliable and has been independently verified.
• Build trust: Products with BBA certification are often viewed more favourably by architects, specifiers, and clients. Using certified products can enhance the reputation of contractors by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.
• Reduce risk: Using BBA-certified products can reduce the risk of product failure and subsequent legal or financial liabilities. This is because the certification process identifies and mitigates potential issues with the products.
• Right first time:  Using reliable and tested products can lead to smoother project execution and fewer defects or issues during and after construction.
• Cost-effectiveness: While certified products might sometimes be more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and the need for repairs.

Can anyone have a product BBA certified? 

 To achieve certification, products and services must undergo rigorous testing in BBA laboratories or in on-site test. Tests include: durability; mechanical, physical and structural tests; weather resistance and wind; security and manipulation; conformance and fit-for-purpose; and thermal performance.

It is not possible for products and systems to pass these tests unless they meet strict performance and safety criteria. In fact, gaining the Certificate is just the start of the journey. To remain valid, organisations must have factory surveillance visits every six months, and reviews every three years. This ensures that the processes and quality standards are maintained.

As well as being an independent testing organisation itself, the BBA is accredited by The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the only UK body to assess and accredit organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. This ensures the BBA provides testing and services that meet the required quality criteria.

Is BBA certification a guarantee? 

 No, certification is not the same as a guarantee. When opting to use a BBA certified product, it is still important that users check there is a guarantee in place. Modern roofing materials are known for their quality fabrication and durability. However, it goes without saying that, as the protective cover for a building which may house people, machinery, or high value goods, quality and longevity is incredibly important. BBA certification offers an assurance of the credibility, safety, and reliability of the materials being used.

Which Lancastria products have BBA certification? 

 We are pleased to have been awarded BBA certification for two of our Lancastria waterproofing systems.

Our Endura bitumen membrane waterproofing system is made from high-quality distilled bitumen, enhanced with elastomeric polymers. This combination ensures exceptional elasticity, workability, and complete adhesion to nearly any substrate. Its non-woven polyester reinforcement provides superior tensile strength, elongation, and outstanding dimensional stability. With cold flexibility down to -20˚C, SYSTEM ENDURA is suitable for the most extreme and demanding environments, and it comes with a guarantee of up to 20 years. Our ENDURA, ENDURA AR and ENDURA FR variants are all BBA Certified.

The Lancastria System THX is a cold-applied, high performance polyurethane liquid coating system. THX is extremely durable, elastic and easy-to-use and suitable for use with bituminous membranes, insulation, asphalt, timber and concrete, making a highly flexible liquid system. In addition to its BBA Certification, it is also fire rated to BROOF(t4) standards.

To find out more about our BBA Certified systems call our expert team on 0161 777 9009 or email sales@lancastria.com.