The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association updates its Hot Melt Code of Practice to align with BS 6229:2025 standards for UK flat roofing.
The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has released an updated version of its Code of Practice for Hot Melt Liquid Applied Waterproofing. The refreshed guidance directly incorporates the updated British Standard BS 6229:2025, which governs flat roofs with continuously supported coverings across the UK construction sector.
This revised publication provides structural waterproofing contractors, roofing specialists, and main contractors with revised technical specifications for hot melt systems. The document addresses critical design considerations, including thermal performance, drainage falls, air infiltration, and zero-pitch roof details. By aligning industry practice with the updated standard, the LRWA aims to ensure consistent quality across both new builds and major refurbishment projects.
Hot melt polymer-modified bitumen systems remain a dominant choice for inverted roofs, podium decks, and green roof installations across the UK. However, evolving building regulations and revised British Standards require regular updates to design and installation procedures to prevent structural dampness and thermal bridging.
The updated guidance reinforces mandatory requirements for roof design, insulation placement, and moisture control layers. For contractors carrying out structural waterproofing, adhering to the LRWA document ensures that installations meet current sign-off criteria specified by building control officers, structural insurers, and client engineering teams.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for? For specialist roofing contractors and general builders installing or sub-contracting structural waterproofing, this update changes compliance requirements rather than day-to-day material costs. While hot melt compound and reinforcement fleece prices from trade suppliers will remain stable, contractors must verify that current site specifications refer to BS 6229:2025. Installing a hot melt system to outdated details risks failed sign-offs by building control or warranty providers like the NHBC. DIYers should note that hot melt systems require specialized heating boilers and professional application techniques, making them unsuitable for self-installation. Roofing trades should download the revised code directly from the LRWA to update their method statements and specification sheets.
Reported by Roofing Today — original article
Price alerts on the kit you're watching, plus the deals our team files each day.
Create a free account
