Fire safety and improved thermal performance are imperative for construction industry professionals. As Part L of England and Wales’ building regulation states, a building’s fabric should make a ‘limited contribution to fire growth, including a low rate of heat release’.
Whilst there are no strict checks surrounding cavity fire barriers, the consequences of using ill-matched and low-quality fire-stopping products can be disastrous. That’s why ARC Building Solutions has developed a unique, nine-part system that is up to three times more effective as an edge seal than conventional systems.
ARC’s Nine-Part Party Wall System
Developed in conjunction with academia from Leeds Beckett University, ARC’s Party Wall System has been carefully designed to:
- Meet stringent fire regulations
- Prevent the spread of fire between semi-detached and terraced homes
- Control the spread of smoke
- Provide an effective seal at the party wall, thus reducing heat loss and enabling a zero U-value to be achieved
Each of the nine products within the system has been designed with simplicity and safety in mind, allowing ease of installation while enhancing fire performance.
1. T-Barrier Foundation
The first product in the ARC Party Wall System is the T-Barrier Foundation. This provides a fire, thermal and acoustic break at the junction between the external cavity and the party wall cavity at the foundation level. The ARC T-Barrier Foundation delivers four hours of fire integrity.
2. T-Barrier for Masonry
During bricklaying, the ARC T-Barrier for Masonry is installed within the party wall cavity. Once fitted, it provides a tight seal that offers up to four hours of fire integrity and minimises thermal bypass.
3. Cavity Stop Sock
The ARC Cavity Stop Sock restricts the spread of smoke and flames within the external cavity for up to four hours. The product is also easy to install thanks to its compression fit.
4. Spandrel Barrier
By sealing the top of the party wall cavity, the ARC Spandrel Barrier prevents fire from spreading between the party wall blockwork and the spandrel panel. When used in conjunction with the ARC T-Barrier (vertically), the ARC Spandrel Barrier achieves a zero U-value.
5. U-Barrier
The ARC U-Barrier provides fire-stopping properties between the spandrel panel and the underside of the roof covering. Compressing the ARC U-Barrier into place also creates a thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/mK.
6. T-Barrier Pitched Roof
Designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic barrier between the party wall and the roof covering, the ARC T-Barrier Pitched Roof component is fitted along the length of the roof pitch from soffit to apex, ensuring an effective and consistent barrier.
7. Soffit Slab
Made from non-combustible rockfibre mineral wool, the ARC Soffit Slab fills the void within the soffit to block any fire pathways. The ARC Soffit Slab also provides excellent thermal and acoustic properties at the party wall.
8. Eaves Insulator
Compared to traditional loft insulation, ARC’s Eaves Insulator reduces heat loss through the wall plate junction by up to 49%. That’s because the Eaves Insulator ensures junction details between the wall plate and ceiling are fully insulated.
9. Wired Tile Batten Barrier
The final component in ARC’s Party Wall System is the Wired Tile Batten Barrier which provides a non-combustible barrier between the tiles and the roof membrane. As with all products in ARC’s Party Wall System, it also acts as a thermal and acoustic break.
Improve the fire safety, thermal performance and quality of your builds
ARC’s Party Wall System provides an award-winning, third party accredited solution to fire safety. The simplified installation process and easy-to-identify bag colour of each product also ensures a smooth, trouble-free build.
Each product in the system can be used as a single component, however, to achieve zero U-value and meet stringent fire regulations, it’s recommended that builders use all nine products.
Watch this video to learn more about the ARC Party Wall System or contact your account manager on 08448 50 40 50 to order yours today.
