Second cladding system gets fire test ‘all clear’

The first cladding system using PIR solid foam insulation has passed the Government’s stringent fire tests in the wake of London’s Grenfell disaster.

It is the second cladding system to pass the large-scale fire test giving the industry a clear insight into which systems meet Building Regulation guidance.

The latest test results now suggest that PIR insulation can be fitted to building, but only when used with aluminium composite material cladding rated as having a limited combustibility (stone) filler.

So far no high rise buildings have been registered with this combination of materials.

The Government’s testing body is carrying out a total of six tests incorporating each of the three common types of ACM panel, with core filler materials of unmodified polyethylene (PE), fire retardant polyethylene, and limited combustibility mineral.

These are being tested in combination with two insulation materials – rigid polyisocyanurate foam or non-combustible stone wool.

With just one more test result due in for the least combustible combination of elements a picture is now emerging of what cladding systems meet the Building Regulation guidance.

Cladding system tests	Result	18m-plus buildings
ACM with unmodified polyethylene filler with PIR foam insulation	Failed	82
ACM with unmodified polyethylene filler with mineral wool insulation	Failed	111
ACM with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with PIR foam insulation	Failed	13
ACM with fire retardant polyethylene filler (A) with mineral insulation	Passed	13
ACM with a limited combustibility filler (A2) with PIR foam insulation	Passed	0
ACM with a limited combustibility filler with mineral wool insulation	Not published	N/A

These suggest that at least 206 buildings over 18m  in height that have been reported to the Government will need to be reclad.

Unmodified polyethylene filled ACM cladding fails Building Regulation requirements, while a aluminium cladding system using fire retardent polyethylene filler could be used but only with mineral wool insulation and not PIR foam board.

ACM cladding using limited combustibility filler (A2) can be used with PIR foam insulation boards.

Even with this test information the Government advises that building owners need to continue to take professional advice regarding remedial work that takes into account the specific circumstances of their building.

The way materials have been fitted and maintained can also affect the safety of the cladding system.

Last month the government announced an independent review of building regulations and fire safety, focussed on the regulatory system around the design, construction and on-going management as well as related compliance and enforcement issues.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/08/15/second-cladding-system-gets-fire-test-all-clear/

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