Flameless SBS Waterproofing by Icopal for Terraces and Balconies
Icopal PintaPolar FireSmart allows an SBS bitumen cap sheet to be installed without an open-flame gas torch. The system is particularly suitable for timber-framed balconies and, where the design permits, terraces.
Waterproofing without an open flame
Waterproofing protects the structures beneath a terrace or balcony from water ingress and moisture. With timber structures, it is especially important to choose an installation method that avoids open flames while maintaining reliable watertightness.
Conventional torch-applied SBS membranes require the bitumen to be heated with a gas torch to bond the membrane. Working over timber therefore involves additional fire safety precautions.
BMI Icopal PintaPolar FireSmart is a self-adhesive SBS bitumen cap sheet. Its adhesive underside is covered by a removable release film. Once the film is removed, the membrane is bonded to the prepared bitumen underlay.
PintaPolar FireSmart
| Product type | Self-adhesive SBS bitumen cap sheet |
| Product class | TL2 |
| Product designation | K-PS 170/4375 |
| Roll size | 1 × 8 m |
| Surface | Charcoal-grey mineral granules |
| Origin | Finland |
Why choose flame-free SBS waterproofing?
The key difference between FireSmart and conventional torch-applied SBS cap sheets is the bonding method. FireSmart’s self-adhesive underside allows it to bond to the underlay without a gas torch—particularly valuable on timber substrates.
No open flame during bonding
The cap sheet is bonded with its self-adhesive underside, following the manufacturer’s installation method rather than torch-welding.
Cap sheet for a multilayer system
FireSmart is a TL2-class material intended for use with a compatible bitumen underlay membrane.
Polyester-reinforced SBS membrane
The material incorporates 170 g/m² polyester reinforcement impregnated with SBS-modified bitumen and has a mineral-granule top surface.
Suitable for complex junctions
Appropriate upstand pieces and penetration details can be used to seal edges, wall junctions and railing posts on terraces and balconies.
How is a two-layer SBS waterproofing system constructed?
BMI Icopal’s installation instructions describe waterproofing timber-framed balconies on rough-sawn tongue-and-groove boarding or weather-resistant plywood. The choice of waterproofing system depends on the substrate slope.
The minimum substrate slope specified in the instructions is 1:80 (1.25%). The recommended construction uses two layers of TL2-class bitumen membranes.
Three main components
Simplified layer diagram; it does not replace the manufacturer’s construction details or project-specific design.
Key stages of FireSmart installation
Flame-free installation does not make correct underlay installation, edge flashings or penetration detailing any less important. The performance of the complete waterproofing system depends on these details.
Prepare the substrate
Check the timber substrate and slope. The manufacturer’s specified minimum is 1:80.
Install the TarraPolar underlay
Secure the TL2 underlay with hot-dip galvanised large-headed roofing nails penetrating the timber boarding and Icopal SBS bitumen adhesive. Approximately 20–30% of the membrane surface must be bonded to the substrate.
Fit the perimeter flashings
After the underlay is installed, secure edge flashings using nails or screws in a staggered arrangement at approximately 100 mm centres. Fasteners must penetrate the timber boarding.
Bond the FireSmart cap sheet
Lay the cap sheet in the same direction as the underlay, with staggered joints. Remove the release film and bond the cap sheet fully to the underlay. Do not nail the cap sheet.
Seal end laps
Make end laps in both layers at least 150 mm wide and bond them with SBS bitumen adhesive. Use hot air to improve adhesion where required.
Form upstands and penetrations
Use separate upstand pieces and a triangular fillet at the transition to vertical surfaces. The manufacturer specifies an upstand-piece height of 300 mm and a 150 mm overlap onto the horizontal surface.
Installation details
Underlay joints and perimeter edges
Installing the FireSmart cap sheet
If the TarraPolar underlay is primed with BIL 20/85 to improve adhesion, allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours, taking weather conditions into account, before installing the cap sheet.
The most critical details are not always on the main surface
Terrace and balcony waterproofing requires particular attention at edges, wall junctions and railing-post penetrations. The waterproofing must remain continuous where different building materials meet.
Upstands
Use separate upstand pieces for both the underlay and cap sheet. A triangular fillet softens the transition between horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Railing posts
Post connections need careful sealing. The manufacturer recommends EPDM rubber penetration components.
Edges and joints
Install edge flashings, membrane overlaps and adhesive bonds according to the manufacturer’s instructions so the waterproofing works as a continuous barrier.
Icopal PintaPolar FireSmart TL2
A self-adhesive SBS bitumen cap sheet for multilayer waterproofing systems. The top surface has charcoal-grey mineral granules; the underside has a self-adhesive layer protected by removable release film.
Product class TL2; product standard EN 13707.
View product on bestor.eu ↗Technical properties of PintaPolar FireSmart
Watertightness, tensile strength, elongation and low-temperature flexibility are key performance characteristics. The following figures are declared in accordance with EN 13707.
| Property | Declared value | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Watertightness | ≥ 300 kPa | — |
| Longitudinal tensile strength | 750 N/50 mm | ± 150 N/50 mm |
| Transverse tensile strength | 550 N/50 mm | ± 150 N/50 mm |
| Longitudinal elongation | 40% | ± 15 percentage points |
| Transverse elongation | 40% | ± 15 percentage points |
Low-temperature flexibility
Declared values are −20 / −10 °C, and −10 / 0 °C after thermal ageing.
These are test values, not permitted ambient installation temperatures.
Transport and storage
Transport and store rolls upright on a stable surface. Protect them from sunlight, moisture, dirt and mechanical damage. Do not stack rolls on top of one another.
A flame-free cap sheet is part of a complete waterproofing system
Icopal PintaPolar FireSmart provides an alternative to conventional torch-applied SBS cap sheets. Its self-adhesive underside permits bonding without an open flame, particularly valuable for suitable timber-framed balconies and terraces.
Effective waterproofing still depends on the substrate, a compatible two-layer membrane system, correct overlaps and carefully detailed upstands and penetrations. The whole assembly must be designed and installed correctly to protect the structure below.
Frequently asked questions
How does flame-free SBS differ from torch-applied SBS?
Conventional membranes are bonded by heating the bitumen underside with a gas torch. FireSmart uses a self-adhesive underside protected by release film, allowing it to be bonded to the prepared underlay without an open flame. Hot air may still be used at joints when required.
Is FireSmart suitable for timber-framed balconies and terraces?
Yes, if the supporting structure and waterproofing system comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. The installation guidelines describe rough-sawn tongue-and-groove timber boards or weather-resistant plywood. Walkable terraces also require a suitable wearing surface, membrane protection and drainage.
Can FireSmart be used as a single-layer waterproofing membrane?
Not in the manufacturer-specified system described here. A compatible TL2 underlay, such as TarraPolar TL2, is installed first and FireSmart is bonded on top. A self-adhesive bonding method does not itself establish suitability for single-layer use.
What substrate slope is required?
Icopal’s timber balcony instructions specify a minimum slope of 1:80 (1.25%). The structure and drainage must be designed to direct water towards the outlets.
How should upstands and railing-post penetrations be sealed?
Use separate pieces for underlay and cap sheet, with a triangular fillet at changes of plane. The manufacturer’s detail specifies a 300 mm upstand piece and 150 mm overlap onto the horizontal surface. EPDM rubber details are recommended for railing-post penetrations. Follow the manufacturer’s construction drawings.
Is a flame-free SBS membrane non-combustible?
No. “Flame-free” describes installation, not reaction-to-fire performance. The declared reaction-to-fire class is F, and the external fire performance of the full assembly requires separate assessment.
PintaPolar FireSmart technical documentation
Manufacturer documents include product properties, declared performance, installation requirements and environmental product information. The first three documents are in Estonian; the EPD is in English.
Technical references: BMI Icopal product data sheet, Declaration of Performance, installation instructions and EPD. Verify project-specific structural and fire safety requirements separately.