Watertight, fire resistant damp proof course protection from Keyfix - and a series of CPD webinars - are helping architects to design compliant masonry facades for tall buildings
Keyfix has been working with industry leaders to develop non-combustible external cavity wall solutions that meet the needs of regulators, insurers, warranty providers, developers and installers.
With the new planning requirements on fire safety affecting high rise residential buildings, the importance of considering fire safe design at the earliest stage of a project’s development is paramount.
Keyfix’s range of external cavity wall solutions hold an A1 fire rating and are fully compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document B (ADB).
As a result of a review of fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the updated building regulations prohibit the use of combustible materials within the external cavities of buildings over 18 metres in height.
In addition, new planning requirements for high rise residential buildings, referred to as Planning Gateway One, came into force on 1 August 2021 and require fire safety to be considered at the earliest stages of planning.
Sign up for a free CPD webinar series
Keyfix is hosting a weekly series of free CPD webinars for architects and specifiers wanting to gain a better understanding of the technical challenges of designing and constructing compliant masonry facades for high rise buildings.
Entitled ‘Solving the Non-combustible Challenge with Keyfix Cavity Tray Systems’, the series will be hosted by Keyfix technical manager Kieran Coyle.
Webinars take place every Wednesday at 1pm until 27 October 2021. Book a place at keyfix.com/CPD
The Keyfix non-combustible system explained
The Keyfix range of ADB-compliant solutions includes a non-combustible cavity tray (NCCT) and a non-combustible cavity tray lintel (NCCTL). They provide watertight and fire-resistant damp proof course protection over lintels, masonry supports, soffit systems and other elements in the cavity such as fire barriers.
The range is completed with a non-combustible retaining disc (NCRD), which works with all standard Type 1 masonry-to-masonry wall ties, non-combustible weep vents and a non-combustible damp proof course.
Manufactured using Class A1 non-combustible stainless steel, the Keyfix NCCT is a fix-and-forget solution featuring a self-supporting single-piece tray that clips together for fast and easy installation.
No additional fixings, sealants or on-site fabrication are required by the installer; therefore installation of the trays will not impede the speed of bricklaying when compared to a traditional damp proof course.
The system is self-supporting and is installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin so it does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all differential movement issues.
The system has been developed to meet the practical needs of brickwork contractors and requires no additional specialist skills on-site.
The Keyfix NCRD component has a patented spring-loaded action, which clamps the stainless steel disc to the main body of the wall tie.
The system is listed on the NHBC Accepts list and is approved by both Premier Guarantee and LABC following their review of innovative products and systems.
For more information and technical support, visit keyfix.com
Contact:
028 8676 7508