54 BUILDING FABRIC
quality control procedures. Regular competency assessments ensure these high standards are maintained throughout the project life cycle. To minimise risk and ensure compliance, early engagement with manufacturers and certifi cation bodies is essential. This collaborative approach allows developers to verify that specifi ed products have appropriate system-level testing and that test confi gurations match intended applications. omprehensive documentation of all decisions, supported by robust change control procedures, creates a clear audit trail of compliance. While safety remains paramount, environmental performance increasingly in uences product selection and specifi cation. Modern developers must consider Environmental roduct Declarations EDs, whole-life carbon assessments, and sustainability credentials alongside safety certifi cations. This holistic approach anticipates future regulatory requirements while meeting current compliance needs. The digital transformation of construction documentation continues to evolve. Modern project delivery demands sophisticated digital solutions for managing product information and certifi cation. These systems must ensure information accessibility
DEVELOPERS WHO ESTABLISH ROBUST SYSTEMS NOW WILL BE WELL POSITIONED FOR FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
throughout the project lifecycle while maintaining clear audit trails for all product decisions. Integration with uilding nformation Modelling M further enhances this capability, creating a comprehensive digital record of the building’s composition and performance characteristics. Looking forward, residential construction will demand even greater attention to product testing and certifi cation. Developers who establish robust systems now will be well-positioned for future requirements. The industry can expect enhanced digital documentation requirements, increased emphasis on system-level testing, and greater integration of sustainability metrics into the certifi cation process. Successful implementation requires a systematic approach. ousebuilders
Mayplas adds new passive fi re, acoustic and thermal products to range
M
ayplas, a specialist in passive fi re protection, acoustic and thermal insulation for the housebuilding
industry, has introduced two new products. The new Party Wall Head Cap System and Therma Soffi t add to Mayplas’ comprehensive portfolio of products for timber and masonry frame applications. The new Party Wall Head System provides
fi re protection compartmentation at the party wall junction. Installed together as per Mayplas’ Installation Guide, the two-component system - a party wall head cap and a tile batten barrier, achieves 60 minutes fi re integrity and insulation tested to the principles of EN 1363-
1:2012 and EOTA TR31:2008 and independently assessed in accordance with BS 476-20:1987 and BS 476-22:1987. The system addresses Building Regulations requirements to maintain the continuity of fi re resistance between a compartment party wall and the underside of the roof covering, so preventing the spread of fi re and smoke. Mayplas’ new Therma Soffi t product also
works at the party wall junction providing thermal insulation within the soffi t. It is available in two thicknesses, 100 mm and 150 mm, facilitating required thermal resistance values (Approved Document L) and providing resistance to the passage of sound synonymous with stone mineral wool insulation (Approved Document E). These new products join Mayplas’ MP552
Cavity Stop Socks, MP556 Fire Stop Slab, MP551 Timber Frame Cavity Barriers and MP557 Acoustic Party Wall DPC Cavity Carrier, all recently tested to BS EN 1366-4:2021, to meet a wide range of housebuilders’ specialist insulation needs. “Builders are putting fi re safety fi rst and
foremost. Our new Party Wall Head System together with our existing passive fi re protection range addresses that need,” explains Michael Hunter, Mayplas’ technical director. “We now provide a comprehensive solution for realising passive fi re protection, for reducing
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
heat loss and for minimising sound transmission in both timber frame and masonry construction to help housebuilders create protected, energy-effi cient and comfortable homes.” New technical data sheets are available at:
www.mayplas.co.uk/housebuilding-solutions Mayplas is a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection and the Structural Timber Association. An insulation specialist for over 40 years, Mayplas manufactures a range of fi re, acoustic and thermal insulation products at its facility in Bury, Greater Manchester, ideally located for distribution throughout the UK. Mayplas can accommodate virtually any insulation specifi cation, working with architects, contractors, developers, distributors and merchants. Mayplas is part of the Performance Technology Group.
0161 447 8320
www.mayplas.co.uk
should begin by reviewing existing processes against new requirements, establishing clear responsibilities for information management, and implementing robust verifi cation procedures. Regular training ensures teams maintain the necessary competency levels to meet these evolving demands. The Building Safety Act represents a fundamental shift in how residential construction approaches product testing and certifi cation. Success requires a comprehensive understanding of new requirements and robust systems for managing information and maintaining compliance. By working closely with manufacturers who maintain rigorous testing programs and comprehensive documentation, housebuilders can ensure both compliance and building safety. The industry’s future depends on our ability to embrace these changes and implement effective systems for managing product information and certifi cation. Those who adapt successfully will be well-positioned to deliver safe, compliant, and sustainable residential developments in this new era of construction. The path forward requires commitment, expertise, and collaboration across the entire construction supply chain.
Mike Vaczi is technical director at SOPREMA UK
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