FIRE PROTECTION FOR FLAT ROOFS UNDER PV SYSTEMS

FIRE PROTECTION FOR FLAT ROOFS UNDER PV SYSTEMS

REVOPUR® WP220 FP is a highly effective system that significantly enhances fire safety beneath photovoltaic (PV) systems on flat roofs. This two-component, fast-curing, solvent-free liquid waterproofing system serves as a fire protection barrier layer applied directly on the roofing membrane.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PV SYSTEMS

“According to cause statistics, electrical systems are the leading cause of building fires. In PV systems, arc faults at connectors can easily ignite fires. From a fire protection perspective, a PV system installed above a combustible roof structure must be considered a potential ignition source.
Despite advancements in installation materials and operating equipment, even PV systems built and commissioned according to standards can still experience arc faults at plug connectors, junction boxes, or within the modules themselves.

Current building code requirements for ‘hard roofs’ do not take such DC arc faults into account as potential ignition sources.”
Dipl.-Ing. Lutz Erbe, VGH Insurance, Hanover

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Institute for Loss Prevention and Loss Research of Public Insurers e.V. – Fire Cause Statistics 2023

WATERPROOFING, FIRE BARRIER, FIRE WATER PROTECTION

Multiple tests — conducted in cooperation with Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG — demonstrate the effectiveness of the REVOPUR® WP220 FP system in fire scenarios.

Simulations of fire exposure on flat roofs with elevated PV modules — conducted in accordance with technical report CLC/TR 50670 — produced the following results:

  • No fire spread between photovoltaic modules

  • Flames self-extinguished without external intervention

  • Effective thermal protection of the roof structure, significantly reducing the risk of damage caused by firefighting water

  • No burn-through of bitumen-based roofing membranes

  • Noticeably reduced fire propagation

Advantages

 

  • Universally applicable: The system is independent of insulation materials or roofing membranes, offering a flexible solution for a variety of roof structures

  • Structural advantages: The additional load on the roof structure is limited to just 3–4 kg/m²

  • A UV-resistant functional layer provides long-term protection for the underlying roofing assembly

  • In consideration of cool roofs, urban heat mitigation, and reflective benefits, the coating is also available in standard RAL colours

SUSTAINABILITY

  • EC1 Plus certified - highest emission control performance class
  • QNG Ready certified
  • DGNB New Construction 2023 - Quality level 4/4

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