In the context of fire safety, when is an insulated cavity closer a barrier?
A cavity barrier is a block of fire resistant material (sometimes referred to as a ‘sock’) that is placed in wall cavities of a building at junctions of walls or floors. The purpose being to restrict the spread of flame within the cavity in the event of a fire.
An insulated cavity closer is a profile containing insulating material that is positioned around window and door reveals in a building prior to the window or door being fitted. The principle purpose being to restrict the ingress of water and reduce heat loss around the reveal.
Building Regulations (Document B) 2013 amended, states (section 6.3) that ‘cavity barriers should be provided at the edges of cavities including around openings (such as windows and doors)….’ )…..”. Section 6:5 says, “Every cavity barrier should be constructed to provide at least 30 minutes fire resistance and 15 minutes insulation……”
If the insulation used in a cavity closer is of a fire-resistant material, and the whole closer is tested such that it achieves a minimum integrity level of 30 minutes (and 15 minutes insulation), then in the context of the Building Regulations, the answer to the question is that an insulated cavity closer can be regarded as a cavity barrier around window and door reveals.
Dacatie Building Solutions offers fire rated insulated cavity closers that are approved as cavity barriers in the context of the Building Regulation Document B1 (section 6:3). They also meet the minimum requirements for resistance and insulation (section 6:5).
Dacatie products SFR, TFR1000 & TFR2000, DRF2000 and XFR2000 have been tested by independent Fire Research establishments for cavities between 50 and 160 mm. They also meet the thermal and weather proof requirements of Building Regulation Documents C & L.
BBA certificate (S258471) confirms that the fire rated variants constitute a cavity barrier. ‘On the evidence of the fire test and provided the cavity closers fit tightly in the cavity, they will act as a cavity barrier at the opening, providing 60 minutes fire resistance with respect to integrity and 30 minutes with respect to insulation.’
Dacatie fire rated insulation is classed as zero for ODP and GWP.
For more details or assistance with specification visit [email protected] or call 01616 627 4222
