Microsoft PowerPoint - Scripted Fire Presentation 2023 (Edited) 2 - Read-Only

[Virtual Presenter] . Good afternoon everyone. I am here today to discuss the use of vapour permeable and airtightness membranes in higher-risk buildings. Thank you for having me. I will be taking you through the membrane usage fire performance and the Building Regulations in the UK and Ireland. Let's get started..

[Audio] Join us on March 20th 2024 to hear insights from Bryn Thomas Technical Manager ­­ UK & Ireland of DuPont Performance Building Solutions on the critical use of vapour permeable and airtightness membranes in the construction of higher-risk buildings. His presentation will explore membrane usage fire performance and the Building Regulations in the United Kingdom and Ireland..

[Audio] DuPont is committed to ensuring that our business activities are conducted responsibly. We strive to protect the planet prioritize safety and health and adhere to the highest ethical standards when it comes to the products and services we provide. Our success is not only marked by profits but by how we conduct ourselves..

[Audio] Vapour permeable membranes and airtight control layers are essential for higher-risk buildings allowing the structure to be airtight from the outside and the inside. Breather membranes help reduce air leakage and are equipped with a vapour-permeable layer for moisture to escape while maintaining water-tight security. This helps prevent mould growth and ensures the building is airtight..

What Are Breather Membranes?.

What are AVCLs?.

[Audio] The World Bank states that the number of people living in urban areas worldwide has been progressively increasing over the years. Figures from the UN Population Division demonstrate that the urbanization rate has magnified at an unprecedented rate in recent times and is anticipated to keep increasing in the time to come. This shift in population has immense ramifications for infrastructure and standards of living making it an essential trend to keep track of and handle..

[Audio] Documented building regulations can be traced as far back as 1189 soon followed by a ban on thatched roofs in London in 1212. The danger of fire was addressed in the Worcester ordinances of 1467 and London's Building Act of 1667 was one of the first in the world. In 1963 the first National Building Regulations were implemented in Scotland and then for England & Wales in 1965. With the most recent revision of Part B Fire Safety in 2018 the regulations have been constantly evolving and improving..

Building Regulations today.

[Audio] Building projects must comply with the requirements in Approved Document C that are in place to protect the building and its users from the risks of contamination and moisture. These requirements address ground moisture precipitation interstitial and surface condensation and water spillage. Scotland's Building Standards Technical Handbook 3 (Environment) is also an important factor in this matter..

[Audio] Bryn Thomas Technical Manager of DuPont Performance Building Solutions discussed the use of vapour permeable and airtightness membranes in higher-risk buildings such as those that are exposed to humidity or external fireing. He outlined the regulations that apply in the UK and Ireland in regard to these buildings. These regulations require water resistance load bearing capacity and resistance to moisture and contaminants. DuPont Performance Building Solutions' products are considered acceptable materials and workmanship according to the Building Regulations in England and Wales and the Building Standards Technical Handbook 3 (Environment) in Scotland providing a solution to meet these requirements..

[Audio] Document L outlines the requirements for the conservation of fuel and power for new and modified buildings in England and Wales. It covers the thermal performance of membranes their contribution to energy efficiency airtightness and the use of radiant barriers to reduce heat loss. In Scotland guidance on energy efficiency and sustainability can be found in the Building Standards Technical Handbook 6 (Energy) and 7 (Sustainability)..

[Audio] In the UK and Ireland the Building Regulations stipulate that higher-risk buildings must use vapour permeable and airtightness membranes. This means that certain membranes and fire performances must be met for different types of higher-risk buildings. For instance assembly buildings of less than 10 meters in height require a C-s3 d2 membrane while residential buildings over 18 meters require a B-s3 d0 membrane. In Scotland stricter requirements apply with B-s3 d0 applicable to all residential buildings over 11 meters hospitals residential care homes entertainment venues and assembly buildings. It is therefore essential to ensure the correct membrane is chosen when building higher-risk structures in the UK and Ireland..

[Audio] The use of certain materials in the external walls of buildings over 18 meters high is governed by Building Regulations which state that these materials must be European Classification A2-s1 d0 or A1 in terms of reaction to fire classification. Metal composite materials are prohibited in such walls. However exceptions to this rule apply when cavity trays certain parts of roofs door frames and doors electrical installations fibre optic cables insulation and waterproofing materials used below ground level or up to 300 millimeters above it intumescent and fire stopping materials membranes seals gaskets fixings and sealants are concerned. Building Regulations exist to guarantee the safety of buildings over 18 meters high and all materials used in them should comply with these requirements in order to ensure the safety of everyone..

[Audio] External walls are a key element of most buildings so the selection of suitable materials and membranes is of vital importance with regards to fire safety and performance. According to the Building Regulations of the UK and Ireland for any structures over 18 meters the external walls should have a minimum rating of A2-s1 d0 while the membranes should have a rating of B-s3 d0. Scotland has even stricter requirements as the B-s3 d0 rating is mandated for all residential buildings taller than 11m as well as hospitals residential care buildings and entertainment and assembly sites. It is crucial that these regulations are met to guarantee the safety protection and performance of the building..

Ancillary Exemption.

[Audio] As global regulations are always evolving it’s important to stay informed about their development. The future of the Building Regulations in the United Kingdom and Ireland will likely see a continued emphasis on the environmental impact of buildings and ensuring the best safety standards. With the current trends of energy efficiency airtightness and improved fire safety performance this will mean an increased focus on membranes and other performance-enhancing solutions. Ensuring you are up to date with these standards is key for any construction project..

[Audio] DuPont Building Solutions appreciates that simply adhering to regulatory standards is not enough. To provide comprehensive protection for your buildings you need to go beyond the requisites of building regulations and take proactive steps to make sure every part of your building is up to speed. Our selection of breathable and waterproof liners could help you keep up with the current trends..

[Audio] At DuPont Performance Building Solutions we understand the importance of sustainability to modern customers. To ensure we are a responsible and ethical manufacturer we have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) providing transparency on the environmental impacts of our products. To minimise waste and packaging we work hard to practice responsible sourcing. Our environmental and quality management systems are certified by international standards and we have an extensive policy covering Environmental Social Ethics Product Stewardship Health & Safety. Life Cycle Assessments (L-C-A--) are used to ensure the sustainability of our products and all information is compiled into documents for customers to meet their particular requirements..

[Audio] Water resistance of breather membranes can range from 5 centimeters to 6000 centimeters depending on the type and brand. Wind driven rain can affect the water resistance of the membrane in addition to inevitable degradation caused by heat and UV. It is essential to be aware of the distinctions between W1 and W2 rated membranes..

The Building Safety Act.

[Audio] DuPont™ has achieved British Board of Agrément (BBA*) certification for its PerformAir™ vapour permeable and airtightness membranes following a rigorous certification process. This third-party accreditation confirms that the product is fit for the purpose meets all required safety and performance requirements and satisfies relevant regulatory standards. Extensive testing as well as real-world applications has verified that PerformAir™ membranes can guarantee performance levels in all kinds of building projects including those with challenging conditions..

[Audio] The Construction Products Regulation (C-P-R--) is designed to ensure a common technical language for assessing the performances of construction products and materials within the EU. This regulation gives professionals public authorities and consumers access to reliable information so that they can compare the performances of products from different countries and manufacturers. This allows for informed decisions that adhere to higher standards of safety and performance. Ultimately this regulation's role is to guarantee that whatever construction product is being used meets the highest safety and performance requirements set out by the EU..

Installation Guidance.

EN 13859-1/2.

EN 13984.

[Audio] EN 13501-1 is a classification system focusing on the primary fire properties of a material. These include; its ignitability gross calorific potential single burning item test noncombustibility test and flame spread within 60 or 20 seconds. The classes are spread from A1 to F with A1 being the least combustible and F being the most combustible. Additionally the system evaluates the material's ability to withstand 750 degrees celsius in a small furnace. Moreover the system evaluates Fire Growth Rate Smoke Growth Rate and Flaming Droplets or Particles..

Smoke Production.

Burning Droplets.

[Audio] For substrates to comply with different fire classifications Clause 5.3.2.4 of BS EN 13823 stipulates that the standard gypsum plasterboard substrate is representative of end use substrates of classes A1 and A2-s1 d0. However the standard calcium silicate board substrate is not applicable for a gypsum plasterboard end use substrate..

[Audio] Breathable membranes are essential in safeguarding high-risk buildings from moisture air and fire. They provide a consistent air and vapor control layer to prevent damage to the building structure even with external insulation. Installation is simple and no drainage channel is needed. In order to ensure the building is adequately protected from moisture it is important to select a vapour permeable membrane that also has moisture resistance..

[Audio] Breathable membranes are an important part of superior building projects that require higher protection against air and vapour infiltration. The Air and Vapour Control Layer (A-V-C-L-) when placed correctly will provide this protection. However while they are relatively easy to install they require extra planning in order to be properly sealed around brackets and other structures. At this stage it is important to consider the use of a vapour permeable membrane for increased protection. This will help ensure that the structure is kept airtight and vapour permeable ensuring the ultimate in superior protection..

[Audio] When it comes to higher risk buildings selecting the right A-V-C-L membrane is essential. A-V-C-L membranes are designed to be airtight and vapour permeable creating an insulated secure and comfortable space. DuPont Performance Building Solutions offers various solutions that can meet the requirements of any building project while potentially improving safety and comfort. It is important to consider performance characteristics as well as quality longevity and installation ease when selecting an A-V-C-L membrane. With DuPont Performance Building Solutions you can be sure that your project will use only the highest quality of A-V-C-L membranes..

[Audio] Lapping of outer breather membranes is an important process for achieving a high-quality installation and preventing water infiltration. Different lapping methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and should be carefully evaluated to produce an optimal result. Additionally all required fixings must be properly integrated for a successful installation..

[Audio] Breather membranes are essential for buildings of higher risk and must be installed with care. Ancillary tapes and adhesives play an integral part in the installation process ensuring proper attachment and protection against water infiltration and air leakage. To properly install ancillary tapes and adhesives firstly apply the adhesive to the substrate then attach the membrane using a continuous unbroken line. Finally seal the perimeter of the membrane using the ancillary tapes creating an airtight seamless seal. Doing so increases the performance and longevity of your higher risk building and thus enhances its safety..

Mechanical Fixings.

[Audio] Ensuring breathable membranes are not damaged by object penetrations is essential in preventing leaks. To safeguard the membrane a rigid plate should be installed between the membrane and the penetrated object. This will provide a secure seal and greater protection. Additionally the membrane should be securely fastened to the wall or roof to reduce the risk of tearing or damage from wind or pressure..

[Audio] Cavity trays are an important factor in keeping moisture at bay. The right product choice for the application is important as there is a wide variety of trays available with both vapour-permeable and airtightness membranes. When selecting a cavity tray it is important to consider the fire performance of the product as well as making sure it is compliant with Building Regulations in the UK and Ireland. It is also important to consider how the material will be affected by UV exposure and any chemical reactions. To ensure you choose the right tray for the job ensure you have all the necessary information..

[Audio] When searching for solutions to keep your structure safe from moisture airtightness and vapour control layers are essential. The vapour permeable membrane or A-V-C-L will help with protection during periods of high humidity while mitigating any uncontrolled moisture absorption into walls. The DuPont A-V-C-L selection offers buildable solutions for long-term performance advice with the necessary order of execution and the guarantee that your project is being built to the highest standards..

Maintenance and Repair.

[Audio] Creating a more sustainable and safer world necessitates working together as well as technological advances and resources. At DuPont Performance Building Solutions we are dedicated to engaging with all relevant parties to guarantee our solutions adhere to the most stringent standards of safety and sustainability. With our combined efforts we can progress towards the construction of a secure and reliable future..

[Audio] Tyvek Trifecta is an innovative breather membrane system that offers an optimal combination of fire safety and breathability. It is composed of two layers: a water-resistant polyethylene film and a polypropylene web-like structural layer. It has been certified with A2-s1 d0 fire classification to EN 13501-1 while providing superior standards for breathability and airtightness. Therefore with Tyvek Trifecta you can be sure of protecting the building from elements and fire without compromising breathability and airtightness..

[Audio] DuPont's Tyvek Trifecta solution offers an unparalleled combination of fire protection vapour permeability and airtightness. It has achieved EN 13501-1:2009 plus A1:2013 certification and exceeds the requirements of Building Regulations. In addition users can benefit from a 25-Year Warranty for peace of mind and assurance. For further information about the product such as installation and technical datasheets visit dupont.co.uk..

[Audio] Tyvek Trifecta system is an innovative solution that helps reduce confusion and provides contractors peace of mind for installation. It uses a 1310d double sided tape to adhere the membrane to the substrate with a width of 20 millimeters and 1200 millimeters centres. Furthermore 1310FR single sided tape can be used for the laps. Solutions are also available to fit designs involving perimeter and object penetration detailing with the surrounding materials..

[Audio] Airguard A-2-F-R is an innovative A2-s1 d0 classified A-V-C-L system that provides exceptional airtightness and protection against air and moisture infiltration. It has an integrated Fire Retardant and Anti-Microbial design making it highly robust and breathable making it suitable for use in buildings of any height and usage. This state-of-the-art system enables highest levels of fire safety in all applications and ensures unparalleled performance and protection against moisture ingress making it the perfect choice for airtight barriers in residential commercial public and industrial buildings. Unlock the full potential of Airguard A-2-F-R and benefit from the highest levels of moisture and air tightness protection..

[Audio] DuPont™ AirGuard® A2FR 5816X membrane offers exceptional asset protection regardless of building height. It not only complies with the building regulations but also exceeds expectations in asset protection. For further information please visit DuPont™ website to see the technical datasheet brochure Declaration of Performance and AirGuard® A-2-F-R installation sheet..

[Audio] Airguard® A-2-F-R is a reliable product for ensuring adequate airtightness in building construction. Its installation is simple with complimentary adhesive provided for substrate and either double-sided or single-sided tapes for laps and penetrations. Additionally there are solutions available to satisfy detail requirements for adequate airtightness..

[Audio] To meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency in building projects Firecurb® is the ideal choice. It is fully compliant with all UK and Irish Building Regulations while providing cost savings and sustainable features. Firecurb® is the market-leading breather membrane solution offering airtightness vapour control layer fire protection sound insulation and durability all in one..

[Audio] Dupont's Tyvek® FireCurb® is a specialized membrane designed to help protect buildings in higher-risk scenarios granting it to exceed fire requirements set out by EN 13501-1 applicable to all buildings of any height or usage in the UK. The membrane's fire performance is powerful combined with its high vapour permeability and airtightness making it a perfect solution for meeting Building Regulations. The Tyvek® FireCurb® package includes a Product Information Sheet a B-B-A certified Certificate an Installation Sheet and an Environmental Product Data Sheet. For more information visit dupont.co.uk..

[Audio] I'd like to thank everyone for their attention. We've discussed a lot of information about the use of vapour permeable and airtightness membranes in higher-risk buildings and I hope that you have learned something from it. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to DuPont Performance Building Solutions. Thank you..