The Quality Mark

The premium standard for the manufacture and maintenance of quality-assured flat roofs.

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Quality promise

RAL flat roof systems & services quality assurance, RAL-GZ 717, provides security for users and in industry, particularly public and private clients, in the context of a system organised under private law.

Wherever this mark appears, you can expect reliable, robust and trustworthy products of a consistently high quality. RAL flat roof systems & services quality assurance is built on a comprehensive concept of quality. It consistently goes beyond standards and legal requirements, which are always limited to only certain properties of a product or a service.

In contrast, RAL flat roof systems & services quality assurance always includes numerous aspects which are important for use:

These are, in particular, cost efficiency, reliability, eco-friendliness, safety and the competence of personnel.

RAL flat roof systems & services quality assurance is associated with a a broad promise of quality, which can extend from specialist advice to subsequent support and the handling of complaints.

The RAL Gütezeichen (Quality Mark) generates mutual trust and safety. Quality Assurance Associations see themselves as communities of values which aim to interact with their customers in a fair and genuine manner. This is why all RAL members voluntarily subject themselves to the standards of RAL flat roof systems & services quality assurance.

“The advantage for you - knowing that you get quality assurance during all the phases of a flat roof!”

Bernfried Stache, Managing Director of the FLACHDACH e. V. Quality Assurance Association.

01
What does THE RAL Quality Assurance Association represent?

The RAL Quality Assurance Association aims to be an international partner for the development of criteria and procedures in the field of flat roofs. A reliable and technical system of rules has been created, making tenders possible for quality products and services relating to flat roofs. Whether you are involved in the planning, monitoring or construction of flat roofs, the advantages of the RAL Quality Assurance Association will certainly convince you.

02
Background

Businesses, architects and planners are increasingly presented with difficult decisions when it comes to the planning, construction, approval and maintenance of flat roofs. Products that are constantly being changed, various procedures and non-equivalent services, as well as legal requirements with regard to safety, building protection and environmental protection do not necessarily make it easier to choose suitable measures, as the quality of the workmanship has, until now, not been based on an appropriate standard.

03
Solution

This discrepancy is resolved by the RAL Gütezeichen flat roof (Quality Mark), as it is only awarded to services and products related to flat roofs which fulfil the special quality and safety standards and where checks are regularly monitored by certified authorities. In short: The RAL Gütezeichen (Quality Mark) represents a system of standardisation, transparency and successful monitoring.

04
Standard

Customers, planners, tradespeople and roof managers should feel secure in using the RAL flat roof concept, particularly when it comes to meeting the requirements of the relevant standards and guidelines. Individual subsections, services and procedures can be carried out at a technical level individually or in combination.

Advantages of the RAL Quality Assurance System

For the initial sealing of flat roofs. The services which are provided by a company belonging to the quality control association ensure that the construction of the flat roof is carried out in accordance with general quality and testing requirements. Flow charts structure the relevant services and procedures. The services affect all areas, from measurement, creation of specifications, advice and planning by architects, training, customer service and the preparation of technical documents, to the fulfilment of guarantees and warranties.

For roof renovation / repair of flat roofs. In general, the same requirements apply as those for the initial sealing or the construction of flat roofs. Before work begins, the roof must be surveyed. The service requirements with respect to the roofing company carrying out the work include ISO 18001 certification, membership of the Chamber of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Bau-IG (German construction and engineering trade union) and the Roofer’s Guild. The documentation for the works carried out must be available to be checked at any time.

For planning and surveying flat roofs. The planning of flat roofs must be carried out by a publicly appointed and sworn expert or by someone with an equivalent qualification. The stages of planning are primarily related to the use of the building and the customer’s order. The services therefore include all areas, from measurement, the creation of specifications, advice and planning by architects, training, customer service and the preparation of technical documents, to the fulfilment of guarantees and warranties.

For the Roof Management (RM) of flat roofs. Roof management procedures serve to ensure the early recognition of future damage as well as current valid occupational health and safety. All monitoring, safety checks and specifications for the designation of quality assured roof management activities are covered by a set of rules. The quality-assured maintenance and safety checks therefore affect all roof areas and their management, including advice and planning, customer service and the fulfilment of guarantees and warranties.

For leak testing, leak location and flat roof monitoring. The general quality and testing requirements apply comprehensively, both to the characteristics of the procedures used and to the contractor’s services, as well as to the equipment and materials (hardware) used in these procedures. In principle, non-destructive testing and measuring methods are used for leak testing, leak location on the waterproofing, and use-related moisture measurements in the insulating layers, as well as permanent monitoring using manual and automatic flat roof monitoring systems. In addition, all contractors must use a unified and easily-archived log system for the checks that are carried out.

For flat roof monitoring systems. These are processes consisting of measurement-based monitoring systems and engineering evaluations of moisture conditions on flat roofs, with the aim of recognising moisture damage early on, and ensuring the continuous monitoring of moisture development. In addition, the systems are well-suited to the improvement of test requirements for use-related and quality-assured measurement procedures. A fundamental distinction is made between two types of monitoring system: a) automatic monitoring systems and b) manual systems for supporting use-related measurement and testing.

For products, facilities and for the use of equipment and tools on flat roofs. The quality of a flat roof is guaranteed by the combination of the aforementioned services as well as by the materials used as part of these services for sealing, insulation, moisture barriers, adhesives, mounting, drainage, safety mechanisms and fire protection, as well as the machines and facilities for sealing the roof and for leak location/leak testing. The demands made of recognised products, materials, machines and facilities thus ensures a long-lasting standard.