Rockwool

The latest stone wool insulation from ROCKWOOL

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We are reaching a stage globally where we are going to have to think ahead to create the next generation of insulation products.

NyRock technology is an evolution in stone wool composition that gives the most thermally efficient stone wool insulation currently available in the UK. Made using a new patented production process, products with NyRock technology have a more efficient fibre structure that can deliver thermal conductivity as low as 0.032 W/mK.

With NyRock technology and specifically NyRock Cavity Slab 032, a stone wool slab is BBA certified for both full and partial fill masonry cavity walls, offer a new low level of thermal performance for stone wool alongside a wide range of additional benefits.

Space is a critical commodity, therefore an important commercial benefit for the housing sector is NyRock Cavity Slab 032’s capacity for thinner wall construction. With a 13% improvement in thermal performance over the existing/standard stone wool cavity slab, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 can achieve the target performance of 0.18 W/m²K with a thickness of 150mm, depending on construction type, which is 25mm thinner than typical stone wool cavity products within the same wall build up.

NyRock Cavity Slab 032, like all Rockwool stone wool insulation, is also built for longevity with independent tests showing that the product is durable, rot proof and sufficiently stable to remain effective as insulation for the life of the building and because the product has a high density semi rigid composition, it will not slump in the cavity.

Further, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 comes in 455mm widths to suit standard vertical wall tie spaces and achieves a closely knitted joint with adjacent slabs, without the need for taping of the joints. This helps eliminate gaps allowing for continuity of insulation across the cavity. Stone wool’s high pliability also negates the need for impractical levels of precision cutting on-site, minimising the margin for error and the likelihood of thermal bridging.

While thermal capabilities continue to dominate insulation choice, there is growing recognition of wider factors, particularly around fire resistance following the ban on combustible materials in relevant buildings above 18 metres and 11 metres in Scotland.  With the ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C and achieving the highest Euroclass A1 non-combustible reaction to fire classification, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 gives purchasers added reassurance and developers a marketable benefit. Similarly, stone wool provides acoustic performance due to a non-directional fibre orientation and increased density that traps sound waves and dampens vibrations, significantly reducing outside sources of noise when used in an external wall.

According to their website Rockwool have developed the next great innovation in stone wool insulation through a patented production process, and NyRock®. technology is the lowest lambda stone wool insulation in the UK.

NyRock technology delivers:

Lower lambda for thinner walls
Highest thermal performance currently available from a stone wool product
Non-combustibility
All the key benefits of the strengths of stone

However, there is one disadvantage. Rockwool it is not biodegradable and can be slightly more expensive than similar insulating materials like fiberglass and cellulose. However, with it being one of the most common insulating materials being used in the USA and Canada it its use of recyclable materials means that it is gaining in popularity.  As with all types of building materials there are pros and cons, but finding materials that are made in a more sustainable way will always catch the attention.  We now need to work towards these kinds of materials also being biodegradable.

Sources: Building.co.uk / rock wool.com

Thermal Insulation

Possible new thermal insulation

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Manufactured in Latvia, it is an alternative way of recycling waste paper and hemp fibre into an innovative heat insulation material with improved thermal conductivity. The new insulation mats are designed to be easy-to-install, structurally sound and with thermal insulation properties comparable to those of mineral wool.

Other advantages will include breathability, recyclability and health safety benefits. The product will be manufactured at about one-third of the cost of pure natural fibre material. It will be displayed in retail building material stores making it widely accessible to individual homeowners.

The primary objective is to promote the amount of recycled waste paper and waste paper sorting activities in the region by developing a prototype of technology for producing the soft insulation panels and developing the optimal recipe for the thermal insulation layers (density, composition, thermal conductivity, air and sound permeability). A huge amount of waste paper arising from household waste is buried at landfills or burned, despite the fact that waste paper is recycled relatively well (on average approx. 70% in Europe).

The expected results are:

A stable production process capable of manufacturing 250 cubic metres per day of paper-hemp building insulation mats (batts), which can supply 7% of the estimated market of mineral wool insulation in Latvia;

An expected lifetime of at least 10 years for the pilot plant, which will manufacture different blended insulation materials, develop and test new combinations and mixes and provide demonstration material for different markets and applications; 3) All required certification and eco-labelling for demonstration and sale of the insulation

All required certification and eco-labelling for demonstration and sale of the insulation mats in Latvia and three key markets – UK, Germany, and Finland. The news mats will be installed in demonstration buildings in all four countries;

Draft green procurement specifications and technical information on the design, installation, use and end-of-life disposal of the paper-hemp insulation mats for each of the four target markets;

Manufacturing process and new product presented to at least 50 organisations in Europe, including potential technology entrepreneurs, manufacturers of loose paper or hemp insulation, paper collectors and recyclers, and professional associations of civil engineers and architects.

The benefits:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Reducing the use of hazardous substances;
  • Waste management promotion;
  • Energy saving;
  • Circular economy promotion;
  • Increasing employment

As yet there has been no certification of the product, but it is good to see more new and sustainable building materials coming to the market.

To find out more please visit the website

Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessments Explained

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Having a process in place to minimise fire hazards and risks is crucial to safety. Carrying out a fire risk assessment is paramount to ensuring the premises are taking every precaution possible to ensure that the risk of fire is as little as possible.

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a highly important process of identifying possible fire hazards and also a process of evaluating any potential risks to people, property, the environment, and any assets. It evaluates any existing fire precautions and allows the assessor to decide whether the existing precautions are enough without further precautions.

What does a fire risk assessor do?

This person is responsible for ensuring that all fire risk assessments are completed and will document any significant findings. They have to be competent with fire safety and must have sufficient knowledge and training.

Why are fire risk assessments important?

It is actually a legal requirement to carry out fire risk assessments in virtually all non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales. There are also similar legislations in place in Scotland and Ireland. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 is in place for Scotland and Fire Safety Regulations 2010 is in place in Northern Ireland.

Who is responsible?

The responsibility for ensuring a fire risk assessment is carried out lies with the ‘responsible person’. This is usually the owner or occupier of the premises and is often an organisation or employer rather than a specific individual. Tasks can be delegated to other persons nominated to monitor management of fire safety, but the responsibility will ultimately lie with the ‘responsible person’.

What’s included in fire risk assessments?

A fire risk assessment’s aim is to identify any potential risks and hazards within the premises. This can include any sources of ignition (for example naked flames, heaters, cooking equipment, sources of fuel and sources of oxygen). Other factors should also be taken into consideration. For example, flues and ducts, penetrations of fire compartments, and excessively long escape routes[i].

People who may be at risk should always be considered when conducting a fire risk assessment. This is anyone such as employees and anyone entering the building to conduct work. The public should also be considered. Actions to be taken should be created to reduce any risks that have been identified when conducting the assessment. For example, fire escapes should be kept clear of obstructions, and keeping combustible materials stored away from any ignition sources.

[i] https://www.ifsecglobal.com/fire-news/guide-fire-risk-assessment-get-one/

If you have any questions regarding fire risk assessments, please get in contact.

 

suspended ceiling

Types of Suspended Ceilings

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Suspended ceilings can be described as a secondary ceiling that is suspended from a structural floor slab above producing a space between the top of the suspended ceiling and the bottom of the floor slab.

These ceilings can be incredibly useful as valuable space can be offered for building supplies that would be exposed otherwise. Suspended ceilings can also be used to provide a platform for the installation of light fixtures, smoke detectors and CCTV systems, for example. Many materials can be used to make suspended ceilings.

Lath and plaster

Lath and plaster is a method that can be used to make suspended ceilings and is typically made of narrow strips of wood (also known as laths) that are nailed across the wall studs or ceiling joists horizontally and are then coated in plaster. Lath and plaster is a permanent, sturdy form of construction. It can however be costly.

After the introduction of plasterboard in the 1930s however, lath and plaster became a less used method.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard can also be known as drywall, and is another method used for suspended ceilings. It can be used in both commercial and residential settings and is moderately affordable and durable. It gives a flat appearance. In order to gain access to the plenum space, removable panels can be installed.

Panels or tiles

Ceiling tiles are typically lightweight and are demountable things that can be inexpensive and generally fairly straightforward to install. The most common type of ceiling tile is mineral fibre, but other materials are also available, such as fibreglass, metal, wood, plastic and others.

Free span

Free span suspended system planks sit on the margins of a perimeter trim and are similar to tiles. This system is popular in corridors as it’s simple to keep up and install.

If you have any questions regarding suspended ceilings, please get in contact.

 

air sealing

Air Sealing in Buildings

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Air sealing is an effective way to help prevent fires from spreading. Buildings with air leakage can mean that a fire can spread dangerously fast as the air fans the flames of the fire. This can also seriously effect energy efficiency.

Air leakage can occur when outside air enters the building and conditioned air leaves the building. It is not recommended to rely on air leakage for natural ventilation as this can affect moisture problems within the building’s structure which can affect the health of the occupant, as well as the durability of the building structure.

Buildings must also comply with Building Regulations L2. There can be major problems for health and safety if these regulations are not adhered to. The regulations stipulate appropriate amounts of air leakage and energy conservation for all projects in the UK.

There are many benefits to air sealing, including reducing the cost of internal cooling and heating, increasing the durability of a building, improving internal air quality, comfort of occupants and air sealing is more environmentally friendly.

There are many things that can affect a building’s air leakage, such as weather, and internal building ventilation systems. As well as increasing the spread of a fire, having air leakage can also result in cold and draughty buildings, which are not pleasant to work or live in.

Using methods of air sealing, these problems can be eliminated, and buildings can become comfortable for residents and inhabitants, as well as workers within the building. It can also prevent catastrophic fires and can provide cash savings.

Further cost can be saved when installing air sealing systems and the installation of these systems can prevent the need for further work concerning air flow within the building.

If you have any questions regarding air sealing, please get in contact.

 

fire safety checking

New duties under Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

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When the Grenfell Tower fire happened in London in 2017, it made headline news all over the country. The fire launched an enquiry into the law regarding fire safety in buildings. In 2022, a new set of regulations were announced. These regulations will be known as The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and will implement many of the recommendations that were made in the Phase 1 report of the Grenfell Tower inquiry. The new regulations will come into effect 23rd January 2023.

In the case of high-rise residential buildings, which can be classed as a multi-occupied residential building that is at least 18 metres high or 7 plus storeys, the responsible person has to:

  • Electronically share information about the building’s external wall system to their local fire and rescue service (FRS) and they must also supply electronic copies of the floor plans and building plans.
  • Hard copies of the building’s floor plans must be kept, as well as an orientation plan of the building on a single page. The name and UK contact details of the person responsible must be kept in a secure information box, which can be accessed by firefighters.
  • Wayfinding signage must also be installed in all high-rise buildings that is visible even in low-light conditions.
  • Monthly (at minimum) checks must be carried out on lifts which are for the use of firefighters in high-rise residential buildings.

All communal fire doors must be checked quarterly in multi-occupied residential buildings that are higher than 11 metres in height. Also, annual checks must be conducted on flat entrance doors.

If these regulations aren’t followed, then there can be some severe consequences. Fines can be given, and even jail time in extreme cases of neglect to abide by the regulations. It’s very easy to think ‘that will never happen to me’ so sometimes regulations aren’t treated with the seriousness they deserve. This is why there are over 22,000 fires in the UK every year. The costs of a fire can be catastrophic.

If you have any questions regarding the new regulations, please get in contact.

 

risk assessment fire safety

Construction site fire safety regulations: Who’s responsible?

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Rules and regulations should always be followed, especially with regards to fire safety. If a law has been broken or regulations not followed, then it can mean the difference between life and death. Despite the growth in performance that the industry has had over the last decade, the risk of injury, death and ill health are still too high.

However, the risks are not just limited to construction site workers. Other members of the public that happen to be near the site can also be injured if fire safety regulations are not being followed. Fires can of course spread, and any property that is adjacent to a construction site that has a large enough fire can be damaged.

Therefore, it is incredibly important to ensure that the correct people oversee fire regulations and are held responsible for following the rules.

One of the main laws that need to be followed is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO).

Who is responsible?

FSO requires that a ‘responsible person’ must be designated as the fire safety officer. This person is usually the principal or main contractor in charge of the site.

It is also the client or other duty holders’ responsibility to ensure that the correct information is provided before starting construction work in order to ensure that adequate provision of precautions can be developed. The owner or occupier must also supply the contractor with sufficient health and safety information so that hazards and risks can be identified so that the correct procedures can be put in place.

What are the responsibilities?

The fire safety officer will need to complete a risk assessment and ensure that it consistently kept up to date. The business or building owner will be responsible for ensuring that this assessment gets carried out. This will need to be regularly reviewed in order to ensure that the documentation is constantly up to date. You could consider bringing in an expert, such as an IFE-registered risk assessor, if a comprehensive assessment is required.

Appropriate measures will need to be taken in order to minimise any risks to safety. Sources of fuel must be identified, and precautions must be taken, such as identifying fire escapes, and warning of and fighting fires, based on the risk assessment.

Warning

A warning system must be set up in order to alert people to any fires. This can be in the form of a temporary or permanent mains fitted fire alarm that is tested regularly, a klaxon, an air horn or whistle, however, this completely depends on the size of the building site. The warning will need to be recognisable by everyone and audible above all other noise.

Means of escape

Fire safety regulations set out that safe routes must be identified so that people can leave the building safely in the event of a fire. The risk assessment should determine the fire escape routes required (which have to be kept unobscured and clear), alternative routes to ground level should be provided where possible. Protection can also be provided if the correct fire doors and permanent fire separation are installed as soon as possible. Escape routes should allow people to congregate in a safe place where people can be accounted for. Fire escape routes must also be sign posted so that people unaware of the routes can easily find them. For enclosed escape routes, lighting should also be used.

Consequences of breaking the law

The local fire and rescue authorities may visit the construction site in order to make sure that the risk assessment has been conducted, and to ensure that appropriate fire prevention measures are in place.

If they deem that the measures are inadequate, then an informal notice can be issued. The local authorities can also issue a formal notice, and will inform you of how to fix the safety issues. An alterations notice could also be issued. This could be issued if the premises have high safety concerns or will have high risks if the premises changes. If a serious risk isn’t being managed, then an enforcement notice can be issued. It will detail what improvements are needed and by when. A prohibition notice could be issued if the fire and rescue authorities deem the site unsafe and the premises must be prohibited or restricted.

You can appeal to these notices if you disagree with the notices issued. You can arrange for an informal review from the local fire and rescue authorities. Within 21 days, you can appeal to the local magistrates’ court regarding the notice.

If fire safety regulations are not met, then there can be serious consequences, and you could even go to prison or get a fine. Fines of up to £5000 can be issued for minor offenses. Major offenses can have any fine issued and up to 2 years in prison.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is incredibly important to ensure that all fire safety regulations are being followed and that the correct people are taking the correct level of responsibility in order to prevent injury or death. The main law to be followed is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). It’s also important to make sure it’s being followed so that no fines or sanctions are imposed.

 

If you have any questions regarding fire safety regulations, please get in touch.

hazardous materials

Construction sites: fire safety

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Every year, a large number of fire incidents occur on construction sites and in buildings undergoing refurbishments. These incidents can cause many injuries or in severe cases, death. Some of these incidents can be entirely preventable. Therefore, it is extremely important that all legislation is being followed. This article will discuss steps that can be taken in order to prevent these events.

Legal requirements

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) document discusses duties in relation to fire safety in construction sites. Responsibility is set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) (England and Wales) document. However, you must constantly familiarise yourself with fire safety legislation on a regular basis as it constantly changes based on current events and trends.

It is down to the principal contractor to ensure that legislation is being followed for that country and also to ensure that risk assessments have been completed.

Fire hazards in construction sites

There are 2 main areas that fire hazards can be controlled, fuel sources and with respect to ignition. The risk of a fire starting can be drastically reduced if it can be controlled or the hazard can be eliminated.

Electrical faults

Electrical items can be a fire hazard whether fixed or portable and it is important to ensure that these items are properly cared for in order to minimise risk. It’s important to ensure that all electrical items are routinely tested and maintained to an appropriate standard. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out in accordance with the HSE guidance note HSG107 which advocates a risk-based testing policy.

Hot working

Hot works are defined as all “processes involving the generation of heat by a naked flame, electrical arc, sparks, and the use of bitumen boilers or grinding”. Unless it’s completely necessary, acetylene should not be used on site when using open flame gas cutting equipment or disc cutters.

Smoking

It may be an obvious one, but smoking can be a huge fire hazard, particularly when smoking around flammable materials on a construction site. Typically, smoking areas will be designated at a construction site in order to minimise fire risk.

Fuel sources

Flammable materials, such as fuel, should be properly contained in order to prevent fires. Management of these materials falls to the site manager and should include the whole process from procuring the correct fuel, its use and the potentially hazardous operations such as refuelling.

 

If you have any questions regarding fire safety on construction sites, please get in contact.

screeding

Screed: What is it?

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Screed is similar to concrete but is less well-known outside of the construction industry. Nonetheless, it can be an important part of any build.

Screed can be described as a thin material that is placed on top of a concrete subfloor, usually consisting of cement and sharp sand. Coarse aggregates can also be added to create a thicker layer. The layer of screed can be covered with a decorative finish, but in some cases can be left bare, such as in warehouses, where scuffs and marks can be expected. It can also be used as a flooring choice.

There are 3 main types of screeds, bonded, unbonded and floating. Bonded can be applied directly to the concrete base and is bonded, as the name suggests, to the base using a bonding agent. This is a common method for environments where heavy loads are expected and where there is no room for use of unbonded screed.

Unbonded screed can be applied on top of a damp proof membrane. This screed is at least 50 millimetres thick and the fact it is not bonded to the main structure means that settlement and shrinkage risks are reduced.

Floating is used an insulation layer of material. This is most common where underfloor heating is apparent. Typically, the thickness of this screed is around 65 millimetres for lightly loaded floors and 75 millimetres for heavy loaded floors. If using a calcium sulphate screed, 35mm depth will be sufficient for domestic use, and 40mm necessary for commercial applications.

A main reason as to why floor screed is used in homes, despite its extra expense, is to level uneven flooring. This is especially important with modern precast concrete beam and block floors, which have a distinct camber that can cause problems when it comes to laying floor finishes.

If you have any questions on screeding, please get in touch.
external cladding

Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS)

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An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) can also be known as Exterior Wall Insulation Systems (EWI) or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). It is a type of cladding system that can provide exterior walls with an insulated finish surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.

These systems can be defined as an ideal energy efficient thermal wrapping or façade insulation, which is applied to the exterior surfaces of a building. It is then finished with a long-life and protective wall coating that can be installed on any type of construction.

Versions of EIFS

Barrier EIFS – A barrier EIFS, which can also be known as traditional or conventional EIFS, can be applied to a solid wall (brick, blockwork, pre-cast panels etc).

EIFS with drainage – This is a type of barrier EIFS, to which a water drainage capability can be added. This is usually done for wood structures.

How do EIFS save energy?

It can be argued that EIFS are unique as they are the best exterior cladding system that offers thermal control, as well as adding improved energy efficiency to the home. EIFS with drainage can help to reduce a household’s carbon footprint and keep energy costs down.

These exterior cladding systems can help to improve the airtightness of the building envelope, which is one of the most critical elements of energy-efficient home construction.

However, most insulation boards used in EIFS is either made from expanded polystyrene or polymer-modified systems. Both products are synthetic and can come with some environmental drawbacks. Polystyrene degrades slowly, and when it is properly disposed of, the foam can leach chemicals which can harm water sources. Also, many recycling centres will not accept expanded polystyrene as it is a relatively low-value product. Therefore, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.

Are EIFS healthy?

When properly installed, EIFS do not have any health consequences. However, improper installation techniques and older variations of EIFS that did not include specific drainage systems have been proven to lead to serious mould growth, which can have impacts on the health of the occupants of the building. The mould growth can also damage the structure of the building, which can lead to expensive repairs.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), homes with barrier EIFS are “prone to moisture intrusion problems even when properly constructed according to industry standards. Unlike other cladding types, the design of barrier EIFS does not allow the draining of water that gets behind the system, either through building components (openings in the building envelope for doors, windows, etc.) or when sealants break down or crack. Depending upon the climate and the wall assembly’s overall make-up, the wall may not readily dry out. Sustained elevated levels of moisture without adequate drying will cause rot or decay to sheathing and framing.”

If you have any questions on Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, please get in touch.