Membrane reduces fire risk
Photo: Walki
The need for a more flame-retardant material was identified at Walki a few years ago, and the company stepped up the innovation efforts to meet this demand. Stronger building regulations in UK, that came into force in December 2018, bans the use of combustible materials in the external wall of buildings over 18m in height. The construction of the external wall, along with specified attachments, must be investigated by the Local Council Building Control and, where necessary, work must be carried out to ensure they only contain materials achieving European Class A2-s1, d0, i.e. it must be non-combustible.
Walki’s Wall Tight FR G A2 has been extensively tested and has received the Euro class A2-s1-d0 standard. “In other words, our membrane has been proven non-combustible”, says Pierrick Girard, Business Line Manager, Construction Membranes at Walki.
The Wall Tight FR G A2 is a unique vapour barrier that ensures fire safety for construction assets and people in case of rescue or evacuation operations. The membrane is based on lacquered aluminum layers laminated with strong glass fabric. “Both aluminum and glass fibre are non-combustible, ensuring that the vapor barrier has a good fire resistance”, explains Girard. The choice of material also ensures that the membrane is cost-efficient compared to other options on the market. The Walki Wall Tight FR G A2 can be used in walls and ceiling as a construction membrane, preventing heat radiation and moisture transfer.
Ideal for public buildings
Thanks to its non-combustible nature, the Walki Wall Tight FR G A2 is ideal as an internal vapour barrier in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, shopping centres and restaurants.
“In warmer countries the vapour barrier can be used externally as protective sheathing in high rise buildings”, says Girard.
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