Fire stop system for curtain walling façades launched by FSi Promat

The introduction of Paraflam Ultra expands the range of specialist fire stopping and cavity barriers manufactured by the company to protect the building envelope and covers a range of finishes from rainscreen applications to masonry.

A dry-fit slab edge fire stop, Paraflam Ultra is an A1-rated, non-combustible and flexible system that has been designed to address fire risks associated with curtain wall façades (specifically by preventing the spread of fire around the slab edge for a set period of time). This supports compartmentation systems in containing the spread of fire from one floor to another.

Paraflam Ultra provides up to two hours of fire protection for horizontal slab edges in curtain walling systems and is tested to the European standard for curtain walling systems (ie EN 1364-4).

Importantly, testing has also included the need for movement accommodation, with Paraflam Ultra providing up to 6% of compression and expansion that’s essential for maintaining the seal between the rigid materials of the slab and the façade in tall buildings when they’re subjected to movement.

As a dry-fit design, the system is compression fitted to ensure that compartmentation is reinstated at the slab edge in order to prevent the spread of fire, allowing occupants time to escape the building in the event of a fire and affording firefighters time to respond.

Front of mind

Liam Blears, national commercial manager for façades at FSi Promat, explained: “Curtain walling is an increasingly popular finish for tall buildings where effective passive fire protection is paramount. Given that façade design is often aesthetics-led, it’s vital that the fire systems used to protect it are kept front of mind during the design stage. We’ve created a carefully engineered and movement accommodating system.”

Blears continued: “In parallel with FSi Promat’s commitment to competent technical support and efficient distribution, Paraflam Ultra can be confidently specified and supports ease of installation. It complements the range of cavity barriers FSi Promat already produces to provide fire protection for the building envelope. The range now includes mixed façade and curtain wall finishes thanks to the introduction of Paraflam Ultra.”

Further, Blears noted: “Alongside the launch, we’re offering specification packs to support the accurate design of passive fire protection at the earliest stages of a project, thereby ensuring Best Practice and providing the level of detail needed for curtain wall or hybrid façades. Training and supporting collateral will be made available.”

FSi Promat already offers an extensive range of closed and open state cavity barriers for ventilated and non-ventilated facades. Part of the offer is the popular Silverliner range.

Specification packs are available for rainscreen and masonry façades, duly delivering fast access to the in-depth information needed to specify fire stopping and cavity barrier products and systems during a building’s design stage.

*Further information is available online at www.promat.com