Do You Need BBA Approval?
| Bitesize CPD
What Is BBA And Is It Important?
BBA approved products are often specified in the construction sector because it provides the professional specifier with evidence of “due diligence” should anything go wrong.
But what is BBA?
For more than 60 years, the BBA has provided product certification, via a thorough testing process that confirms that products will perform as expected and to a standard, for the duration of their life expectancy.
The BBA Agrément Certificate has long been accepted as an endorsement of construction products and evidence of “fitness for purpose.”
For manufacturers, it is a useful marker that their products conform to a standard and helps remove doubt for those specifying products.
But BBA accreditation comes at a cost and naturally, that cost is reflected in the price of the product.
Product testing is a lengthy process and often involves more than one body doing the testing.
Achieving independent third-party certification typically involves extensive laboratory testing, assessment of manufacturing processes and ongoing surveillance to ensure products continue to perform as certified.
Testing is costly and time consuming and for this reason, many coating manufacturers choose not to pursue BBA approval.
What Does A BBA Certificate Actually Tells You?
Many people will know when a product has BBA Certification, but may not know exactly what is inside one.
Typically, a certificate covers things like;
- intended use
- limitations of use
- expected durability
- installation requirements
- substrate suitability
- maintenance recommendations
- performance data
- regulatory considerations
It provides information about other third-party testing that has been considered when producing the certificate and confirms things like life expectancy, how the product adheres, how it protects from corrosion and more.
Importantly, it also sets out how often the BBA reviews the certification – it is not a “certify one, certify forever” regime. BBA certification involves constant and regular reviews.
Also included in the certificate is a technical specirfication section which sets out what the products are (including any anciliary components), the manufacturing process and how this is assessed, how product is delivered (package sizes and type), how the products are used and how they are to be installed.
A key takeaway is that it is individual roducts that are BBA Approved, not the manufacturing company.
Therefore, the specifer should always check that actual product they plan to use has the certification they require, because the manufacturer may also provide products that do not have BBA approval.
Professional Due Diligence Checklist
Sometimes cost is more important to a client than certification, which can cause a dilemma for the professional specifier faced with the choice of offering the correct advice, or potentially sacrificing some due diligence at the request of the client looking to save money.
Compromise doesn’t always have to be at the expense of quality though.
Just because a product lacks BBA Approval doesn’t mean that it’s no good. It just means that the specifer needs to conduct their own due diligence rather than relying on a BBA Certificate.
No single certificate should replace professional judgement. A specification decision should consider independent certification alongside technical performance, manufacturer support and suitability for the project.
In the case of roof coatings, this means looking at a few factors such as:
- Is independent third-party certification available?
- Is the product intended for this exact application?
- How long has the product been on the market?
- Does the manufacturer have UK technical support?
- Is there published performance data?
- Are installation instructions publicly available?
- Is installer training required?
- Is there evidence of long-term performance?
- Is there independent fire testing?
- Are warranties supported by technical inspections?
Common Misconceptions
Myth:
BBA Approval guarantees that a product will never fail.
Reality:
Incorrect specification, poor prepaation or installation practices can still result in failure of even the most robust roof coating systems.
Myth:
No BBA means poor quality
Reality:
Not necessarily, it simply means that more due diligence is required in case the specification decision needs to be justified later for any reason.
Myth:
All BBA Certificates are the same
Reality:
Each certificate relates only to the defined product, application and conditions described within it.
Myth:
A professional specifier must always use BBA Approved products
Reality:
Not true. As long as the specifer is confident that a product is going to solve a particular need or problem and can justify doing so.
Professional Guidance
A BBA Agrément Certificate should be viewed as one element of the specification process.
Professional judgement should also consider the project’s specific requirements, relevant legislation, performance data, installation quality and the manufacturer’s technical support.
Key Takeaways
- BBA Approval is independent third-party certification.
• It assists professional due diligence.
• It should be considered alongside technical data, project requirements and manufacturer support.
• Products without certification require greater independent assessment.