We previously highlighted the changes to the construction industry’s regulatory system that came with the new Approved Document B (ADB) on fire safety. And as long as a system is proven to achieve the BROOF(t4) qualification as we discussed in our earlier article, it complies with the standard that building regulations are guided by. Yet we notice that a lot of end clients now prefer to have non-combustible materials such as insulation within waterproofing systems on roofs or building elements – even if that is extra to what is required by building regulations. In what follows, we will zoom in on Regulation 7: the ban on combustible materials in the external walls in buildings containing dwellings or institutions. We will also detail the buildings affected by it, discuss the Public Consultation that was held on Regulation 7 earlier this year, and list some of the most interesting solutions SOPREMA offers globally.
Regulation 7: materials and building types
1. Class A2-s3, d2
In line with Regulation 7, Approved Document B states that “in a building with a storey 18 m or more in height any insulation product, filler material (such as the core materials of metal composite panels, sandwich panels and window spandrel panels but not including gaskets, sealants and similar) etc. used in the construction of an external wall should be class A2-s3, d2 or better”. The same document defines this class as materials meeting either of the following two criteria:
- “Any material of density 300 kg/m3 or more, which, when tested to BS 476-11, complies with both of the following:
- does not flame
- causes a rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple not exceeding 20 °C
- Any material of density less than 300 kg/m3, which, when tested to BS 476-11, complies with both of the following:
- does not flame for more than 10 seconds
- causes a rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple at the centre of the specimen or in the furnace that is a maximum of 35 °C and on the furnace thermocouple that is a maximum of 25 °C.
2. Relevant buildings
Approved Document B further explains that Regulation 7 only applies to “relevant buildings”, which come in three categories: “a ‘relevant building’ means a building with a storey (not including roof-top plant areas or any storey consisting exclusively of plant rooms) at 18 metres above ground level and which:
- contains one or more dwellings;
- contains an institution; or
- contains a room for residential purposes (excluding any room in a hostel, hotel or boarding house)”
In other words, this includes buildings like student accommodation, care homes, sheltered housing, hospitals and school dormitories in buildings where there is a storey at least 18 metres above ground level, with the latter measured from the lowest ground level adjoining the outside of the building.
Moreover, the ban only applies to new buildings, buildings undergoing a material change of use, and other building work as defined in the Building Regulations. The ban does not apply to existing buildings where no works are involved.
Changes Afoot?
It should be noted that the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings including attachments is currently under review. In January 2020, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a technical consultation paper that not only advised the inclusion of hotels, hostels and boarding houses within the scope of the ban, but also proposed lowering the height threshold of the ban to include buildings with a storey at least 11 metres above ground level. An 11-metre threshold is currently used in Scotland in some cases (although there is no outright ban). Before actually making legislative changes to the height threshold, the Ministry has commissioned further research. Yet many of our experts believe the additional evidence to be gathered will indeed affect the scope of the ban regarding the height threshold in the near future.
SOPREMA Products Worldwide
No matter what the guidelines state, a lot of our end clients prefer the peace of mind that comes with having non-combustible materials such as insulation within waterproofing systems on roofs or building elements. So, even if that is extra to what is required by building regulations, we are developing and looking to have as many non-combustible options as possible going forward.
1. FM-approved products
To make sure our systems meet local conditions for non-combustible insulation all over the world, SOPREMA relies on FM Global. As one of the largest global commercial and industrial property insurers, FM Global is well-known for its engineering-driven underwriting, its groundbreaking property loss prevention research and stringent testing. In order to become FM-approved, our systems undergo a series of performance-based tests to meet, among other criteria, interior and exterior fire performance standards.
SOPREMA’s solutions have achieved the best test ratings in all categories. Hence, our FM-approved systems enable you to select a solution that offers longevity and prevents losses with test standards that exceed local regulations, ultimately ensuring that your project delivers real-world performance. Our collaboration with FM Global testifies to our commitment to providing industry-leading products that guarantee superior quality and durability over time.
2. SOPRAROCK
In Canada and Belgium, for instance, SOPRAROCK panels have been the go-to insulation solution for many years. The open-cell structure of this premium stone wool product lends SOPRAROCK boards excellent fire-resistance qualities. Products like SOPRAROCK DD and SOPRAROCK DD PLUS are non-combustible and resistant to temperatures of over 1000 °C. They provide maximum prevention against the spread of flames in the event of a fire and reduce the likelihood of toxic gases and smoke forming.
SOPREMA at your service
In addition to providing you with premium and high-performing material, SOPREMA has an on-site team that gives advice and provides technical support wherever necessary, and a technical team that offers bespoke detailed specifications and specific guidelines before the start of a project. In other words, we act as both an advisor and a supplier who is involved in every stage of the project. We would be happy to address any issues or questions you may have regarding the BROOF(t4) qualification or Regulation 7, so feel free to get in touch with our experts.