ASFP creates new Task Group focused on external envelopes for buildings

Following on from significant consultation with representative bodies who support the cladding, façade and external envelope sectors, it has become very evident that the ASFP and its member organisations can add tangible value in relation to improvements across the design and construction sectors by producing a new ASFP Colour Book.

The ASFP’s interest is not in the external envelope product element(s) in isolation, although the types of product, their material build-up, performance and the joining together of them will be qualified in any guide. The ASFP’s interest, and where it sees itself adding significant value, is in what sits behind the external envelope and the interface with the building’s structure. As an example, products such as cavity barriers or installation methods (ie penetrations through the external envelope) will be the core focus.

Often, the void behind the exterior walls of a building is a space containing complex relationships. It’s the gap between the external envelope and the building structure comprising joints, interfaces, separation and protection.

Best Practice

Unseen and often overlooked in terms of their overall importance, notably so when it comes to passive fire protection, these complex interfaces are the subject of the ASFP’s Technical Group TG14.

The Technical Group will propose, discuss and define what Best Practice looks like in terms of the products, performances, interfaces and methods that are designed-in, specified and installed for this critical element of the overall building structure.

In recent years, the subject of the external envelope has been an area of discussion that some commentators and practitioners have tended to move away from, but the ASFP considers it too important to ignore. As such, and commendably so, the organisation is running towards the challenges it poses.

The launch event for Task Group 14, and the first meeting, will take place at the ASFP’s headquarters in January 2026.

*Further information is available online at www.asfp.org