Filon Products Ltd - Non-Fragility Testing Explained
When it comes to roofing, safety must always come first. Non-fragility testing acts as a vital industry standard, helping us define and categorise roofing materials and assemblies based on their performance and safety criteria. At Filon, non-fragility testing is at the heart of ensuring we provide durable, reliable solutions tailored to your application needs.
It’s a common misconception but there are a number of factors that will go into choosing the material for your roof, and different specifications hold different merits. Here, we’ll walk you through what non-fragility testing entails, the various classifications and how these tests guide the selection of the right roofing system for your project.
Why Is Non-Fragility Testing Important in Roofing?
Non-fragility testing ensures safety across a wide range of roofing applications by determining the strength and integrity of roofing assemblies. For customers and contractors, it provides a clear understanding of the performance you can expect from different materials.
By using these tests, we’re able to provide detailed guidance on the safest and most suitable roofing solution for your specific needs. Roof structures are key to the safety and functionality of a building, which makes this testing an essential step in the decision-making process.
Non-Fragility Classifications for Roofing
Non-fragility testing results in four main classifications:
Fragile
A roof that cannot support the weight of a falling person.
Class C Non-Fragile
A roof that withstands a single drop test and retains the 45kg sandbag for at least 5 minutes.
Class B Non-Fragile
A roof capable of enduring two drop tests and holding the 45kg sandbag for 5 minutes after each test.
Class A Non-Fragile
Offering the highest performance, Class A roofs pass the same criteria as Class B but show no visible damage, meaning there’s no risk of accelerated assembly degradation over time.
It’s crucial to note that Class A non-fragile roofs aren’t always necessary. The choice of classification depends on the specific needs of the project. For most building applications, Class B or Class C systems provide suitable, safe solutions.
Why Choose Filon?
With over six decades of expertise in roofing and rooflight solutions, Filon is a trusted name in the industry. Offering a range of more than 1,400 profiles, 7 thickness options, and multiple reinforcement types, we manufacture products designed to meet varying degrees of non-fragility and load-bearing capability. Whether you’re replacing an existing system or embarking on a new project, we have the materials and expertise to help.
At Filon, we’re proud to provide solutions that combine safety, performance and long-term value.
We are here to help support you in creating the roof that is right for your setting and application, from the rooflights through to the build. We have been experts in roofing and rooflights since the late 1950s, and from replacing to installing new, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us now to discuss your requirements. Whether you need technical guidance, a quote, or further information, Filon has you covered.