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projects with uneven inner masonry surfaces or irregular design features is to use an intumescent material.


Intumescent cavity barriers Often referred to as open state cavity barriers, these passive fire protection products are designed to leave a ventilation gap allowing free vertical movement of air when ventilation is required, or when caused by irregular brickwork patterns. In the event of a fire, the intumescent material in the product will activate at a critical temperature (typically around 130°C) and expand to meet and mould to the face of the outer construction, forming a robust seal across the gap.


Projecting brick bands are a common feature on many masonry buildings


Third party testing As with any fire safety product, it is essential to make sure that any cavity barriers are third-party tested to ensure they are fit for purpose. This includes making sure they have been tested in conjunction with a DPC (damp proof course). Open state cavity barriers cannot be effectively tested using the standardised tests for typical full-fill products as the time taken for the gap to close could in theory


lead to a ‘fail’ even though


compartmentation is quickly established and the product performs well. To resolve this, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) outlines the test configurations and failure criteria for testing of ‘Open-State’ Cavity Barriers in their Technical Guidance Document (TGD 19). This is a “small-scale” test, typically using 1.2 m long seals and is a modified version of the standard EN 1366-4:2006 Fire resistance tests for service installations – linear joint seals. Working with a manufacturer’s technical department or fire safety specialist can help you to ascertain which products and tests are most suitable for your application.


Decorative and safe brickwork Passive fire protection solutions that have been specifically developed and tested for masonry facades can help to ensure that this beloved building material keeps pace with modern construction standards and regulations, remaining synonymous with robust and long-lasting buildings.


Graham Laws is technical director at Siderise Insulation


Metalline launch new Aluminium Extruded Plank System to their Unity Range


to add to their Unity rainscreen range. Unity X-TRU is a cost effective cladding solution designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, making it the perfect solution for both new builds and the replacement of non- compliant ACM, HPL and timber cladding. The new X-TRU plank is functional with exceptional mechanical properties including strength, durability and fire-resistance and is particularly suited to buildings where dangerous timber cladding is present and needs replacing. Available in a number of finishes, including


M


wood grain, the X-TRU system is a unique way of transforming the exterior of a building and currently offers designers flat faced interlocking 100 mm and 150 mm planks. In addition to the wood grain effect finish, the extruded aluminium planks can be supplied in a variety of lengths and a vast array of


powder coated or anodised colours to achieve A1 & A2 classifications. The panels offer a desirable fast track install and secret fix, connected by an interlocking male/female joint which can be easily fixed either horizontally or vertically to an adjustable support system. This drained and ventilated


system creates a weather shield in front of a primary structure. To find out more about the benefits of X- TRU planks, visit Metalline’s website.


01543 456 930 www.metalline.co.uk


etalline are delighted to announce they have developed a new aluminium extruded plank system


WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK


ADF NOVEMBER 2021


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