Firewall Evolution For Ashgrid & Ashwall BX48
Since 2001, an increasing number of built-up firewall systems have arisen in the marketplace, often with flaws which have made the job of specifiers & contractors more difficult. Some have been uncompetitive, while the compliance of others to long term thermal requirements could be questioned. Another issue which has regularly been reported is their lack of 'buildability' on site. The intricate nature of installing a full thickness insulation layer fully under or over the spacer bars makes the task extremely time consuming, especially given the nature of some insulation types and the ease at which it can break when manipulated. An alternative has been the use of slabs or ‘bats’ although these have shown to lack the required flexibility during installation.
These combined factors are placing increasing reliance and pressure on the installer to match the exact design criteria and safety specifications laid down. The implications of this are not only the impact on fire performance but also thermal compliance. Poorly fitting or unsecured insulation impacts on thermal performance which can be identified where thermal imaging takes place.
In response to these issues, with the installer and specifier in mind, Ash & Lacy Building Systems have developed a range of revised firewall construction details for vertical and horizontal applications. Their aim - to simplify installation; provide an economic, Fibreglass only solution without an air gap, which increases the cavity depth. The recent appointment of new Managing Director Ray Harriman, previously MD of Cladding and Decking UK Ltd, has contributed to these developments and his knowledge in this field has contributed to our innovations. The result is a range of Fibreglass only solutions, which have been fully approved by the Warrington Fire Global safety assessment.
Ashwall BX48 – Horizontal Cladding & Firewalls
It is important to be aware that the structural loads relating to horizontal cladding are vastly different from vertical applications. With that in mind, the recently launched Ashwall ™ BX48 system for horizontally laid cladding provides a considerably quicker & more economical installation with greater spanning capability. This is vital with horizontal cladding when spanning rails up to two metres which is far beyond the capability of traditional spacer bar systems.
This firewall innovation with Fibreglass insulation means there is no requirement to pass the insulating quilts over the bars & under the bracket. Many contractors will have experienced a rippling effect on the outer sheet caused when the insulation is fitted over the bar. This new system completely eliminates any visible rippling effects which are especially prevalent with metallic silver colours. This issue has been solved through the use of a unique method of securing the insulation when dealing with spacer centres of over 1.4m. The result is an aesthetically true firewall system which fully complies with all U-value and fire regulations laid down by Parts L and B.
The Ash & Lacy Ashgrid & Ashwall™ BX48 and Firewall systems have been fully certified and tested by Bodycote Warrington Fire who offer comprehensive, independent fire testing to meet British standards. The results of these tests can be found in issues 122298 & 131336 respectively.
Even with these new innovations, Ash & Lacy do not intend to rest on their laurels. The continuing drive to expand their technical expertise has lead to the addition of Simon Cooper as Technical Manager, who brings a vast amount of technical knowledge from his time within the industry. Simon, in conjunction with our previous MD Bryan Carey, will take responsibility for all aspects of the technical requirements of the business, as well as developing existing products and bringing new and improved products to market.
Telephone : 0121 525 1444
Fax : 0121 525 3444
E-mail : sales@ashandlacy.com