Fire Tests on External Wall Insulation Systems, High-Rise Buildings.
Technical Director of Alumasc Exterior Building Products, Mervyn Kirk, examines the results of full scale fire tests to determine actual performance of external wall insulation systems in relation to high-rise buildings.
Tests were carried out in accordance with BRE Fire Note 9, Fire Performance of External Wall Insulation Multi-Storey Fire Tests, on a range of external wall insulation systems comprising thermoplastic insulants (expanded polystyrene), and thermosetting insulants (phenolic and polyurethane) with polymer cement render finish systems. Satisfactory performance was achieved throughout the tests with damage restricted to the areas subjected to direct flame impingement.
The tests results are specific to the external wall insulation systems tested. Further tests will be required to establish if other systems can achieve identical performance using different manufacturers insulating materials, polymer cement render systems and masonry coatings.
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For more information email mervynkirk@btconnect.com