The UK’s first noncombustible breather membrane is now available for the highest level of fire protection in façade construction, both for new buildings and for façade refurbishments. This technologically advanced membrane, manufactured to the most stringent protocols, is offered through Industrial Textiles & Plastics (ITP) a specialist producer of protective materials for building and construction.
Safe One is a glass fibre fabric with elastomer coating, independently tested to EN 13501-1 and rated Class A2-s1, d0. The EN 13501-1 standard and the Euroclass rating system are recognised internationally as the gold standard for fire safety testing.
In a case of fire, a well-designed and correctly installed noncombustible A2-s1,d0 breather membrane can:
- Assist in preventing flashover, reducing the risk of the fire developing further
- Assist in protecting residents of the building from dangerous toxic smoke
- Assist in reducing the risk of structural damage to the building
Now, what was previously only possible for the outer skin and the thermal insulation – a Class A1 or A2 rating – is also possible for façade membranes, due to this innovative vertical wall membrane. Architects, façade designers and installers can ensure maximum external fire protection in an integrated, noncombustible rear-ventilation design. As technical support, a RIBA approved CPD is available, via Zoom and as webinar. To register interest in the CPD, contact ITP at info(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)itpltd.com.
Safe One was developed in response to the growing demand for increased fire safety in construction and the changes in building regulations demanding a higher specification in exterior wall and façade materials. After the Grenfell tragedy, the UK building regulations were amended to state that for specified buildings over 18m, all materials used in external walls must be rated Class A1 or A2, with some exceptions. Breather membranes are currently excepted for specified building, but it is recommended that membranes used meet the minimum Class B-s1, d0 rating. However, architects, fire consultants and specifiers are recognising that the highest standards should be honoured in the construction of new and safety-critical buildings.
Safe One has been installed in a number of prestigious projects in the UK since its launch including The Gantry, a new hotel development in Stratford, East London, and Harbour Central, a residential development in Canary Wharf. The A2 membrane has also been used in the façade upgrade of an exclusive marina residential development in Kent, which had been constructed with the same cladding as Grenfell Tower.
In addition to the Safe One membrane, ITP offers the FlameOut range of building membranes, rated Class B,s1-d0: FlameOut Breathe, a wall and roof breather membrane, and FlameOut Block, FR vapour control layers available in two grades; proprietary tapes and adhesives in the range allow for effective and easy installation.
Industrial Textiles & Plastics is based in North Yorkshire and has thirty years’ expertise in flame retardant and chemical resistant technologies.
Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd (ITP)
info(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)itpltd.com">info(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)itpltd.com
+44 (0)1347 825200