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Fire safety is an integral part of modern construction, regardless of the building’s height. While high-rise structures above 18 meters typically receive the most scrutiny low-rise buildings can present significant fire risks that must be addressed. In this project we undertook the critical task of installing horizontal and vertical fire stops in a building below 18 meters ensuring fire safety compliance and protecting occupants from potential fire spread.
This blog details how we installed fire stops across the building’s external wall system and resolved identified risks highlighting the importance of fire safety measures for buildings of all sizes.
The Project Overview
The building featured a combination of wall insulation exterior and decorative outdoor wall cladding. Although the structure was below 18 meters an initial fire risk assessment revealed several concerns:
- Combustible Cladding Materials
The building’s cladding on exterior walls included elements that were not entirely fire-resistant.
- Insufficient Fire Compartmentation
Missing fire stops in both horizontal and vertical configurations allowed for potential fire spread through cavities.
- Aged Wall Insulation
The external wall insulation system was outdated and did not meet modern fire safety standards.
Given these risks, we developed a comprehensive plan to address fire safety by installing fire stops and upgrading the exterior wall installation for enhanced performance and compliance.
Why Fire Stops are Essential for Low-Rise Buildings
Although regulations often focus on taller structures low-rise buildings can still present fire hazards especially when they feature combustible materials or insufficient fire barriers. Fire stops play a crucial role in:
- Containing Fire Spread
Horizontal and vertical fire stops act as barriers preventing flames and smoke from moving through wall cavities or across the façade.
- Protecting Occupants
By limiting fire spread fire stops provide additional time for evacuation and fire service intervention.
- Ensuring Compliance
Installing fire stops ensures the building meets safety standards even when it is below the 18-meter threshold.
Step-by-Step Process of Installing Fire Stops
- Risk Assessment and Planning
Our team began by conducting a thorough fire risk assessment. The building featured a combination of external wall insulation and outdoor wall cladding which required careful inspection to identify high-risk areas.
Key findings included:
– Missing fire barriers in both horizontal and vertical cavities.
– Combustible materials within the cladding on exterior walls.
– A lack of fire-rated insulation in key areas.
A detailed plan was developed to address these issues focusing on installing fire stops at critical junctions such as around windows, doors, and compartment lines.
- Material Selection
To ensure optimal fire safety we selected high-performance materials tailored to the building’s needs:
Fire-Rated Insulation:- Non-combustible materials such as mineral wool were used to upgrade the external wall insulation system.
Intumescent Strips:- These strips expand under heat sealing gaps to prevent fire and smoke penetration.
Fire-Rated Render and Cladding:- The decorative façade was upgraded with materials that combined aesthetics and fire resistance.
- Horizontal Fire Stops Installation
Horizontal fire stops were installed at key points including:
Floor Levels:- To compartmentalize each story fire stops were placed at floor junctions. This prevents fire from spreading vertically between levels.
Window and Door Frames:- Fire stops were installed around openings to block fire pathways.
These barriers were integrated seamlessly into the exterior wall installation ensuring both functionality and a polished appearance.
- Vertical Fire Stops Installation
Vertical fire stops were equally important in addressing the risk of lateral fire spread. They were installed at:
Cavity Walls:- Fire barriers were placed at regular intervals within wall cavities aligning with modern safety standards.
Cladding Sections:- Vertical barriers were integrated into the cladding on exterior walls to block fire from spreading across the façade.
By combining horizontal and vertical fire stops we created a comprehensive fire compartmentation system that significantly reduced risk.
- Insulation and Cladding Upgrades
The wall insulation exterior was upgraded to include non-combustible fire-rated materials. This was critical in ensuring the building complied with modern standards and reduced fire risk.
The outdoor wall cladding was replaced with materials that offered both fire resistance and aesthetic appeal. This ensured that the building’s exterior was visually pleasing while meeting safety requirements.
Challenges Addressed During the Project
- Working with Existing Structures
Retrofitting fire stops into an existing building required careful planning and execution to minimize disruption. Our team collaborated closely with the client to ensure the installation process was efficient and adhered to the project timeline.
- Compatibility with External Wall Systems
The existing external wall insulation system and cladding had to be carefully modified to accommodate fire stops without compromising thermal performance or aesthetics.
- Compliance with Standards
Although the building was below 18 meters we ensured all work met the highest safety standards including Approved Document B and BS 9991.
The Role of External Wall Insulation Contractors
As experienced external wall insulation contractors our team brought expertise and precision to the project. We provided end-to-end services including:
Design and Planning:- Creating a fire-stopping strategy tailored to the building’s unique needs.
Material Sourcing:- Procuring high-quality, fire-rated materials for the project.
Installation:- Ensuring all fire stops and insulation upgrades were installed to the highest standards.
Benefits of Fire Stops and Insulation Upgrades
The installation of fire stops and the upgrade of the ,external wall insulation system, delivered numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Safety
The building now features robust fire barriers that contain fire spread providing peace of mind for occupants.
- Improved Compliance
By addressing fire risks the building meets all relevant safety standards ensuring it is safe and insurable.
- Increased Energy Efficiency
The upgraded wall insulation exterior improved thermal performance reducing energy costs for the building’s occupants.
- Aesthetic Appeal
The new outdoor wall cladding enhanced the building’s visual appeal while maintaining fire safety.
Why Fire Stops Matter for Low-Rise Buildings
While high-rise buildings often dominate fire safety discussions this project underscores the importance of fire stops in low-rise structures. Even buildings below 18 meters can present significant risks particularly when they feature combustible materials or lack adequate fire barriers.
By proactively addressing these risks we created a safer more resilient building that protects its occupants and complies with modern safety standards.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Fire Safety in Every Building
The installation of horizontal and vertical fire stops is a crucial step in ensuring fire safety, even for low-rise buildings. This project demonstrates how a comprehensive approach to fire stopping, combined with upgrades to external wall insulation and cladding on exterior walls can mitigate risks and enhance safety.
As a trusted external wall insulation company, we are committed to delivering high-quality solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and aesthetics. Whether you need assistance with exterior wall installation fire stops or insulation upgrades our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create a safer more energy-efficient building.
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Contact AMTA ARGC today to discuss your how our fire-rated cladding solutions can support your sustainability objectives while ensuring safety and compliance!
