Architects are specifying this real-world-tested solution for safeguarding structural steel in buildings
The entire construction industry has watched closely over recent months as government battles it out with developers, housebuilders and cladding firms about who foots the multi-billion-pound bill for fixing hundreds of unsafe buildings across the UK.
While the final outcome is unclear, the ongoing debate means the performance of building materials is under more scrutiny than ever - and rightly so. Product manufacturers have a huge part to play in supporting architects, specifiers and contractors to select appropriate and future-proofed materials that meet performance requirements, comply with building regulations and are backed by transparent testing, certification and traceability.
Steel loses its loadbearing capacity at a temperature in excess of 550°C so it is essential that fire protection products are tested to ensure that they prevent heat transfer to the steel framing, which could cause localised weakness and even failure during a fire.
Promatect®-XW fire protection board provides 60-minute fire protection to structural steel and, alongside Promatect-250 and Vermiculux-S, Promat’s board solutions cover the full range of performance requirements up to 240 minutes. Promat’s structural protection systems are extensively used in commercial buildings, medium and high-rise developments, hospitals, schools, data centres and warehouses.
Promatect-XW has been tested in independent laboratories and the results summarised in Certifire CF5942, available for download at promat.com, alongside the product’s technical data sheet, safety data sheet and Declaration of Performance. As part of the testing, sample boards were selected by inspectors from fire safety service provider Warringtonfire, and the manufacturing factory is subject to a yearly audit to ensure complete traceability of the raw materials used in the manufacture of Promatect-XW.
Unlike most intumescent paints, Promatect-XW doesn’t require a 50mm expansion zone, increasing the sellable floor area of buildings, while also ensuring that the steel is fully protected against heat transfer. The A1 non-combustible board’s frameless system also minimises the space needed to install to single board thickness, meaning there is no requirement for special preparation, adhesive or spray solutions, saving time, reducing risks and increasing productivity.
Due to its resistance to water, weather and mould, the board can be exposed onsite for up to six months and installed before the building is weathertight. This allows other trades to complete work simultaneously without jeopardising safety, making the build process faster and giving greater flexibility to timetables.
Promat products allow architects to design in tested and traceable solutions. The weathering performance of Promatect-XW has been extended to six months in exposed environments, based on real life testing, and provides flexibility in the build timetable.
For more information and technical support, visit promat.com/promatect-xw
Contacts:
Libby Zbaraska
07597 666784
Beth Whitehurst
07580 102019