subject: Understanding Regulatory Standards For Cavity Barriers [print this page] With advancements in construction technology, cavity barriers have become a standard element of the building process. They are used extensively by builders and installers to enhance the thermal performance as well as fire resistance of a building. Considering the importance of cavity barriers, it is essential to understand the regulatory standards prescribed by the authorities. Knowledge of these standards helps one to make an informed decision while buying cavity barriers for a building.
Testing Cavity Barriers for Insulation
The primary objective of installing cavity barriers is to achieve a thermal break. Thus, it is essential to test the cavity barrier for insulation properties before installing it. Look for the manufacturing material of a cavity barrier to understand its thermal performance. Check the R-value of the raw material. This value gives a fair idea of the thermal conductivity of the material. Polystyrene is a good insulator and is used extensively in the manufacturing of cavity closers. Reputed manufacturers typically use chemically processed derivatives of polystyrene to enhance thermal efficiency.
Also, one must check the installation process for the cavity barrier. A good barrier is easy to install and is flexible enough to accommodate into different shapes. Strike out barriers that require screws, adhesives or complex tools for fitting. The installation process should save time by eliminating the complex process of timber dummy. Compatibility is another factor to consider. It should easily accept window systems of different sizes.
Fire Performance of Cavity Barriers
Cavity barriers should not act as a transit system for smoke and fire. It should have fire resistance property. According to building regulations in the UK, any cavity near the edges or perimeter of a fire-prone element should be treated with a 100% fire-resistant cavity barrier. The only exceptions to this rule are cavities on the floor and the roof where the element should have 30-minute fire resistance property. To enhance the fire-resistance property of cavity barriers, some manufacturers add glass or fibre elements. It is important to ensure that the barrier is tested and approved for fire resistance by the concerned authority.
Acoustic Test for Cavity Barriers
Cavity barriers should have a high acoustic performance as per the building regulations. They should be used along with the internal and external wall cavities during steel-frame or timber-frame construction to reduce the transmission of noise. The cavity barrier acoustic performance is even more stringent for buildings that require mandatory sound-proofing.
Environment-Friendly Cavity Barriers
Look for cavity barriers that are manufactured from environment-friendly raw materials. They help reduce pollution and conserve the environment. PVC-U is being used extensively by cavity close manufacturers to produce environment-friendly products. These products are manufactured from recycled solid material collected from consumer waste. Encourage manufacturers who do not use harmful chemicals and environmentally-damaging gases in the production process. The use of cavity barriers manufactured by recycling helps to gain approval from the control authority concerned with local buildings.
Although not a part of standard regulations, durability is a crucial deciding factor while choosing cavity barriers. The cavity barrier should be manufactured from rugged material that can withstand extreme conditions of the construction site without fracturing. Also, cavity barriers should not get easily affected by periodical changes in the building, such as shrinkage, subsidence or thermal change.
For more information on cavity barriers, visit http://www.cavalok.com. Cavalok Building Products is a leading UK manufacturer of cavity closers, window board receptors and head vent systems. Meeting the demands of an environmentally conscious client base, Cavalok manufactures cavity closers products through recycled PVC. Through innovation and experimentation, Cavalok has mastered the science and art of manufacturing durable cavity closers. Their easy-to-fit products are approved by the British Board of Agreement (BBA) and the National House Building Council (NHBC). While providing custom fit window and door closers, Cavalok caters to leading UK builders and installers.
