The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is pleased to highlight the publication of BS 6229:2025 Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coatings. Effective from 31st December 2025, this significant update marks a step forward in the ongoing improvement of flat roofing design, installation and performance across the UK.
Raising the Industry Standard
BS 6229:2025 introduces a series of changes designed to enhance best practice, clarify industry expectations and align with the latest developments in construction. The revised standard reflects input from across the sector and is intended to provide greater clarity for all those involved in the flat roofing sector.
Key Areas of Change
BS 6229:2025 addresses the following core topics:
- Clearer Definitions: Enhanced and updated terminology throughout the standard ensures improved understanding and consistency across the industry.
- Roof Falls and Drainage: New guidance sets out expectations for how flat roofs should be designed and constructed to support effective water drainage.
- Responsibility for Back Falls: The revised standard clarifies accountability for ensuring flat roofs do not suffer from unintended back falls, promoting better installation practices.
- Deck Quality and Surface Regularity: There is a new focus on the importance of deck preparation and surface quality as critical factors in long-term roof performance.
- Guidance for Blue Roofs: The standard provides up-to-date direction on blue roof systems, reflecting recent innovations in water management for flat roofs.
- Advice on Inverted Warm Roofs: Enhanced guidance on the design and installation of inverted warm roofs supports improved thermal efficiency and construction quality.
- Thermal Performance of Roofs: The updated standard refines how thermal performance and insulation requirements should be assessed and delivered.
- Precision in Roof Falls Design: Further detail is given on prefabricated and site-formed falls, supporting more precise and reliable roof construction.
How to Purchase BS 6229:2025
The full text of BS 6229:2025 is available to purchase directly from the British Standards Institute (BSI). To obtain your copy and ensure you are working to the latest requirements, visit the BSI website and search for “BS 6229:2025”. The standard is available in both digital and print formats.
For more information or to place an order for BS 6229:2025 Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coatings, please go to: https://bit.ly/Order-BS62292025
Supporting the Transition
LRWA is committed to helping the industry navigate these changes. In line with the new standard, LRWA will be updating its technical guidance and best practice resources to ensure continued support for the sector.
For further information on BS 6229:2025, please contact LRWA Technical Guidance Manager, Mike Bradbury, at mike.bradbury@lrwa.org.uk.
The LRWA remains dedicated to promoting best practice and supporting the roofing industry as it adapts to this important new standard.
Mike Bradbury added:
“BS 6229:2025 provides much needed clarity for the design and installation of flat roofing systems, with a renewed focus on substrate quality, clarity on falls and transparent definitions.
I encourage all professionals working with flat roofs to review the new standard and keep up to date with the latest industry practices.
At LRWA, we’re here to support the sector through these changes and will continue providing guidance to help ensure quality and compliance across all projects.”
Mike Bradbury
LRWA Technical Guidance Manager
