Tag: Residential Fire

Grenfell Remembered

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]With the eighth anniversary of the fatal fire at London’s Grenfell Tower upon us, it is appropriate to consider again the impact of this tragedy on the design and construction of high-rise apartment buildings and the remediation of existing multi-storey buildings.

Naturally, we think also of the 72 Grenfell victims and the continuing grief of survivors, families and friends.

As with many human tragedies, there is much to be learnt. In this case it is mostly about methods and materials, as highlighted in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report following a lengthy public enquiry. Her report was sharply critical of the industry’s failure to self-regulate – and its tendency to cut corners.

Grenfell has focused attention on the choice of external cladding materials for decorative, thermal or protective purposes. In fact, several thousand buildings nationwide were identified as having significant defects – and the new Building Safety Act should prevent future use of ‘dangerous’ products.

It has also underscored the importance of adequate evacuation and firefighting provisions in medium to high-rise buildings.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_imageBlock image=”12575″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][sapphire_textBlock]Government called for urgent remedial work on the many tower blocks clad with potentially dangerous materials and systems. It is an expensive process, challenging developers, social housing organisations and private owners. The general view is that ‘those responsible’ should bear the costs, but ‘they’ may be hard to find. In fairness, some 45 building firms have already pledged £5 billion to repair defective buildings.

It has also been noted that there is a nationwide shortage of skills for both installation and remediation of cladding and other defects in the existing UK stock of apartment buildings.

There has been progress, but it has been slow and there is still much work to be done. Regulatory changes since Grenfell mean that new residential buildings now embody much stricter safety measures – in terms of construction materials, design and escape provisions. This is evident in the amended Part B of the UK’s Building Regulations, which helps to ensure that a home is truly a safe haven.

But there is still a large stock of high-rise homes designed and built before amendments to the regulations came into force.

Some would argue that progress has been too slow, but at least there has been movement.

Whatever changes are achieved in the fabric of buildings, one thing that cannot be altered is the grief of survivors and bereaved relatives and friends of the victims. The Grenfell Foundation is a registered charity set up to provide independent support and advocacy for the former residents of Grenfell Tower and the bereaved families and dependents.

If you’d like to donate or find out more visit https://www.grenfellfoundation.org.uk/[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY0NDI1Mjk4MyUyRkdyZW5mZWxsLVRvd2VyLTFfODk5MGE2Yjc5LmpwZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VMZWFybiUyMG1vcmUlM0MlMkZoNCUzRSUwQSUwQSUzQ3AlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmNvbG9yJTNBJTIwd2hpdGUlMjIlM0VWaXNpdCUyMHRoZSUyMEdyZW5mZWxsJTIwRm91bmRhdGlvbiUyMHRvZGF5LiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmdyZW5mZWxsZm91bmRhdGlvbi5vcmcudWslMjIlMjB0YXJnZXQlM0QlMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjIlMjIlM0UlM0NzcGFuJTNFVmlzaXQlMjB3ZWJzaXRlJTNDJTJGc3BhbiUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElMEElMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWdjYXB0aW9uJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDJTJGZmlndXJlJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How can I build a wind mitigation strategy into my balconies?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Necessarily, we can’t design against a resident stepping out onto their balcony, but one thing we can provide is wind mitigation.

A common issue raised by residents of high-rise buildings is using their balconies in instances of strong weather. Whilst it is inadvisable to use a balcony in periods of dangerously high winds, by using appropriate precautions, a balcony still can be used at heights, where the wind is commonly at its strongest. These can come in the form of appropriate balustrading for height, fire safety protection and the correct types of glass used.

We’ve prepared some information below on how wind protection is key for fire safety, what the optimal height for a balcony should be to protect against the wind and issues that have been raised with laminate glass in recent years.

How can wind protection be linked to fire safety?

Mitigating against the wind isn’t just to keep a balcony steady in extreme weather. A further and possibly more important factor is how taking safety precautions in the design of a balcony can protect against fire.

It is advised to never allow the use of fire sources on balconies. This is not only for the immediate safety of the residents, but also to prevent the spread of fire between balconies. Unpredictable wind patterns at high altitudes could mean embers travel between each building more easily than expected.

Taking wind speed into account during the design process is incredibly important. Measuring from ground level will provide a relatively accurate reading of wind speed for the first two or three floors, but at higher altitudes, the relative wind speed increases drastically, meaning more protection will be needed on balconies at height. If a fire were to break out in a high-rise building, one factor that would need to be considered is airflow. As access to oxygen is a core part of keeping a fire alight, excess airflow will mean a fire staying alight. This can be prevented with strong, stable guarding.

Can we use laminate glass?

In 2018, laminate glass was banned in the UK for use on balcony balustrades due to an oversight in new standards regarding combustible cladding. This is problematic for many reasons, but one reason can be from a wind mitigation perspective.

How can we mitigate against the wind at heights?

The optimal height of a balcony should be considered when installing it on a project, or to be more specific, the optimal height for certain types of balustrading. Vertical bar balustrades can be used without issue at lower altitudes due to a lesser need to mitigate against the weather, but the further up a building a balcony is installed, the more care needs to be taken with the type of balustrading used.

Depending on the natural wind speed observed in the build area, the lower frameless structural glass balustrading will be necessary. An incredibly common comment made by residents with balcony access is that the weather can discourage them from using their balcony in the first place. Introducing structural glass, which guards against the wind as a solid barrier, means the balcony can be comfortably and safely used even in strong winds.

It’s also possible to lessen the impact of wind using perforated balustrades. Similarly to structural glass, perforated sheet balustrades can act as a structural element and a barrier against the wind, able to take the impact of strong winds and guard the resident from the elements.

Sapphire has conducted extensive research to develop the optimal wind mitigation solution, concluding that a multiple-angled bar system, applied in two directions, is the most effective. This system enhances wind flow management, prevents eddies at floor level, balances privacy and openness, and improves structural performance, despite increased material costs and design complexity. We are currently working on a whitepaper that aims to help the industry both understand proper wind mitigation strategies on balcony balustrades as well as encourage the industry to adopt strategies that will benefit the end-user.

We’ve included links below to more research on wind mitigation as well as our very own whitepaper on the risks associated with monolithic glass and the case for laminate glass. Feel free to click below to read more.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” image=”712″ heading=”Specify Your Bespoke Balcony” button_text=”Specify Now” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcabs.balconies.global%2Fbalcony-configurator%2F|||” double_height=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”14035″ heading=”Laminate Glass Whitepaper” button_text=”Download now” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Flaminate-whitepaper%2F|title:Download|target:_blank” double_height=””][/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” order=”Image left / content right” image=”13193″ heading=”Discover Sapphire’s Next Generation Balcony” button_text=”Discover” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fthe-next-generation-balcony%2F|title:The%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony”][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13193″ heading=”Discover Sapphire’s Next Generation Balcony” button_text=”Discover” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fthe-next-generation-balcony%2F|title:The%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony”]The Next Generation Balcony is a huge step forward for the construction market[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Approved Document B changes balcony guidance

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Approved Document B (ADB) was amended in June 2022, with the new guidelines laid out set to take effect from the 1st of December 2022 on projects in England. For those projects whose initial notice was given to a local authority prior to the 1st of December 2022 and either the building work has started or building work is starting within six months of the 1st of December, the prior guidelines still apply.

Fundamentally, the major amendments follow the assent of the Building Safety Act on the 28th of April 2022. Two of those amendments include a change of guidance applying above 11m (formally 18m) and a broader scope covering more building categories not previously under the requirements of Part B.

Whilst the primary focus of the document is set out as improving and limiting external fire spread, secure information boxes, evacuation alert systems and clarifications/corrections for balconies it is still a significant update. Putting this simply – Part B initially referenced balconies 22 times in the 180 pages of guidance. This amendment references it an additional 16 times.

What are the Regulation B amendments?

Thanks to the new amendments, ADB now features a section dedicated to balconies. The 10.10 guidance specifically applies the following requirements:

In buildings that include a ‘residential’ purpose (purpose groups 1 and 2) with a storey 11m or more in height (see Diagram D6) balconies should meet either of the following conditions.

  1. Only contain materials achieving class A1 or A2-s1, d0, except for any of the following.
    1. Cavity trays when used between two leaves of masonry.
    2. Intumescent and fire-stopping materials where the inclusion of the materials is necessary to meet the requirements of Part B of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.
  • Membranes.
  1. Seals, gaskets, fixings, sealants and backer rods.
  2. Thermal break materials where the inclusion of the materials is necessary to meet the thermal bridging requirements of Part L of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.
  3. Any material achieving class A1fl or A2fl-s1 when it forms the top horizontal floor layer of a balcony and is provided with an imperforate substrate under it which extends to the full size of the class A1fl or A2fl-s1 material.
  • Electrical installations.
  • Fibre optic cables.
  1. Achieve both of the following conditions.
  1. Have an imperforate soffit which extends to the full area of the balcony, achieves a minimum REI 30 rating, and is constructed of materials achieving class A2-s1, d0 or better.
  2. Materials achieving class B-s1, d0 or worse extending beyond the boundary of a single compartment should include a band of material rated class A2-s1, d0 or better, a minimum of 300mm in width centred on that boundary line.

Clause 10.15 (previously, now clause 10.21) includes an additional point to the list:

Any material achieving class A1fl or A2fl-s1 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1 is exempted when it meets both of the following conditions.

  1. It forms the top horizontal floor layer of a balcony.
  2. It is provided with an imperforate substrate under it which extends to the full size of the class A1fl or A2fl-s1 material.

How do the Regulation B amendments affect balconies?

Firstly, there are now two options in 10.10 for achieving compliance:

10.10 (a) – Other than for height, this is not new guidance for balconies, following the ‘cladding ban’ and exemption list originally published in 2018.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_imageBlock image=”12300″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][sapphire_textBlock]10.10 (b) – This is a new section which gives a second option of compliance when using combustible products.

The wording is specific but confusing. We have reached out to several thought leaders in the industry to get their opinions and clarification. Whilst we might not be able to fully unravel the implications of the new amendments, there seem to be two interpretations from most at present.

Either it can be read as a route to using laminate glass (EVA and PVB’s are both class B) if using Class A strips of 300mm centred on the balustrade line, or it may imply that where a balcony spans between two apartments, a class B material may be allowable as long as it contains a 300mm strip on the line where the vertical barriers would be located on a façade.

However, neither of these assumptions may be correct and with both, there is still doubt about whether the boundary means the façade, the balcony balustrade or something else entirely. There is doubt about how the centred 300mm strip is in relation to the boundary. There is doubt around the examples of class B products expected to be used in balconies – is laminate glass anticipated to be included here or will an entirely different product be used?

To seek clarity, Sapphire continues to work with the ICM to try and seek clarity from the Department for Levelling Up and Local Communities (DfLULC) and the National Fire Chief Council (NFCC). Both parties have been present in the creation of these amendments.

Update, April 2023: At the time of initial publication, Sapphire were seeking clarity from both the Department for Levelling Up and Local Communities (DfLULC) and the National Fire Chief Council (NFCC). Since publication, the DfLULC has responded to us to provide clarity on the 300mm non-combustible strip referred to in point 10.10bii. Summarily, this is referring to balconies which span between two different apartments and the intention is to inhibit horizontal fire spread between the two parts of the balcony. In other words, seeking to avoid a fire spreading from one apartment to another by skipping the compartmentation. 

The changes to Part B have meant a restriction of the materials used to construct balconies and balcony balustrades with consideration for fire safety in mind. Prior to the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, balconies were referenced directly when used as a means of escape from fire and as a means of resisting fire spread, but these additional 16 references show the shift in the perception of balconies as a critical component of fire safety.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Key Takeaways from the Hackitt Report: An Industry Leaders’ Perspective

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

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With the consistent rise in population together with urbanization, the development of real estate is a necessity, and hence the ingenious need for vertical expansion in the form of high-rise residential buildings. At present, there are over 270 existing high-rise buildings in the UK with the current development pipeline standing at around 500. However, these buildings come with their own risks. Despite various regulations, there has been a sharp increase in the number of fire incidents and loss of life. The Grenfell Fire, in particular, opened the eyes of many to the risks of high-rise residential buildings in London. Consequently, emerged a need for some tangible rules and regulations that would bind the whole process of construction, giving way to safer buildings. This, in turn, gave way to the very well-known Hackitt Report by Dame Judith Hackitt.

The Hackitt Report introduced a number of changes and recommended the creation of an entirely new regulatory framework. So, what is are the key takeaways of the industry experts?

The entry of JCA

The Hackitt Report recommended the creation of a single authority to overview the whole construction process and bringing it under one purview. The Joint Competent Authority or the JCA will be one authority encompassing the Local Authority Building Standards, Health and Safety Executives, and other rescue authorities.

This move has been welcomed by many industry leaders as well. In the words of Róisín Ní Chatháin, Director — Architecture, BPTW, “Overall we see the proposals coming out of the Hackitt Review and the proposed new regulatory framework as a positive move for the construction industry. As an industry this is the time to re- evaluate current procurement methods and create awareness of what needs to change to see that we are designing and building with quality construction and life safety at the fore.”

The Dutyholders and a Sense of Accountability

The construction industry, to date, has been quite disjointed, especially when it comes to accountability. With so many individuals and rules involved, it is difficult to figure out the stage where things may have gone wrong, in case of an eventual accident. Thus, the Hackitt Report suggests a framework with a clearer sense of responsibility. This framework draws references from the Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015.

As per the framework, the key people or the dutyholders will be the ones responsible for eliminating any lurking danger in the building which may result in any accident later. These dutyholders will also be required to create records tracking every step of the construction process, and also for creating the Health and Safety Files which will be eventually handed over to the residents of the buildings.

“We support the introduction of the dutyholder roles with a shared responsibility to see that the quality of the building is the focus throughout the design, construction and occupation of the building,” adds Róisín Ní Chatháin.

The Hackitt report not only defines accountability, but also repercussions in case the dutyholders fail to adhere to the standards, by treating it as a criminal offence. Not only this, in case of major oversights, the prosecutions can be for as long as five to six years.

Paul Doman, Partner at calfordseaden commented:

“The Hackitt Report has led to a great deal of thought throughout the construction industry and is definitely changing how we manage projects.”

Paul continued, “However, for the recommendations of the report to work, the skill level on site has to meet the requirements of the designer and the product technical manuals of each construction element. Avoiding errors relies upon a high skills base both in the individual trade operatives and in those managing the site. The onus must be shared by the design team, the construction team and the individual trades throughout construction.”

Touching on the Gateway Points

Another fascinating point brought forth by the Hackitt Report was the recommendation of introducing three gateway points. These are basically the three approval stages on periodic levels, where the dutyholders will have to prove to the authorities that their processes are efficient and in sync with the relevant rules and regulations.

Róisín Ní Chatháin was supportive of the same as well. “The introduction of the gateways is a benefit which will allow us to engage with the appropriate regulators, consultants and specialists from the outset and at key stages. This is essential for the successful delivery of quality buildings,” she added.

Testing the Products

Last but not least, another key takeaway from the Hackitt Report calls for product testing by third parties. Third parties will create these reports based on their findings indicating whether the products passed or failed.

This step has been met with mixed responses from the experts but most have been in support, owing to the increasing mishaps. Testing the building before handing it off finally is a good way to seal the deal on the entire project and heave a sigh of relief.

Craig Wells, Fire Containment Specialist at QuelFire added “The Hackitt Report calls for several changes that will be a great move forward for the industry and ensuring the better protection of people and property. The recommendation for an effective testing regime, product traceability, a digital record is an aspect that we are already actively promoting. Undoubtedly, the tighter inspection of installations is something that is needed and we will continue to facilitate these changes together with current bodies and the proposed Joint Competent Authority (JCA)”

The Hackitt Report is a welcome step towards better, safer residential environments in high-rise buildings.

[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”6377″ heading=”Book a Fire Safety CPD” button_text=”Book a Fire CPD” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fcpd-presentations%2F|title:CPD%20Presentations|target:_blank”]Sapphire offers two CPDs on fire safety for balconies.[/sapphire_contentLink][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”4569″ heading=”Understand the Cladding Ban” button_text=”Explore the Cladding Ban” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Fcladding-ban-summary%2F|title:Cladding%20Ban%20Summary|target:_blank”]Explore the cladding ban and its effects on balcony design.[/sapphire_contentLink][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”6104″ heading=”Whitepaper: Laminate Glass” button_text=”Download Laminate Glass Whitepaper” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Flaminate-whitepaper%2F|title:Laminate%20Glass%20Whitepaper|target:_blank”]Is Laminate Glass a safety risk or a safety benefit?[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

5 Key Takeaways from Our Fire Roundtable at The Gherkin

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

There is no denying the fact that prevention of fire in high-rise residential buildings is the need of the hour. The 2018 report by Dame Judith Hackitt too emphasised on the matter and for good reason. Sapphire Balconies strives to create safe structures. Keeping that in mind we recently held a roundtable event. Its main theme was ‘Reducing Fire Spread in High-Rise Residential Buildings’. The conference was marked by the attendance of notable industry leaders and the objective was to initiate fruitful discussions that led us to some really interesting insights.

Here are some of the key points raised during the meeting.

The Susceptibility of the Supply Chain

One of the key points that was raised, was that there is an immense need for a higher level of quality control and supply chain traceability. A suggestion that was floated around to achieve the same recommended that management should photograph everything at every stage so as to have a complete record of construction, visually. This is quite similar to our Sapphire Passport App.

Craig Wells, a specialist at the event from QuelFire, emphasised the same. “These events enable us to share the problems that are common across all parties and the supply chain.”

A Universal Platform

In the words of one of the industry specialists present at the roundtable,

“There were various views/perspectives from different parts of the industry. It was an opportunity to voice frustration with the regulatory environment (i.e. poor quality of regulation), and a chance to focus on how to achieve consistent quality.” – Steve Sands at calfordseaden.

“The industry faces the challenge of having a single voice,” Will Sloan from McLaren, another expert, added.

The roundtable conference opened professionals’ eyes to the fact that more such universal platforms can lead to suggestions and actions that can curb such disasters in the future. The roundtable germinated a collaborative approach which the leaders encouraged as a way to move forward.

The Common Challenge

“The aim is to achieve regulations that work and are consistent. We have to focus on providing the best value rather than the lowest cost. We also have to provide innovative solutions to new challenges,” said Steve Sands from calfordseaden

This is a common challenge that the industry faces commented William Sloan from McLaren. However, with more such roundtables where like-minded professionals meet to form a comprehensive and collated thought, the challenge will be taken headfirst.

The Ministerial Affairs

Another crucial aspect that was raised at the meeting was the inefficiency of the advice notes issued by the Ministry for Housing and the local government, which undergo constant amendments. The need of the hour is to create a cohesive document which is comprehensible by everyone including the resident, to bring clarity to the legislation.

The Risk and its Effective Communication

No market is static. In fact, dynamism is the way to survive, for it encourages the basic tenet of evolution. Our industry too requires innovation from time to time. However, with it comes the risk and the accountability for the same. While the risk is more prevalent in traditional builds, some builders are trying to reduce the same by using highly-prefabricated systems such as concrete walls that come with factory-built fire stopping. That being said, the advice notes (as mentioned in the previous point) and poor user activity were key points of discussions. Communication of every risk, inherent or impending, should be done. The emphasis was just on the risk, but also on the onus of it.

The enriching roundtable led to some interesting conclusions. To date, the diverse industry has never been able to narrow down the challenges. However, industry experts surely managed to do that.

While calfordseaden emphasised on achieving regulations at work, as mentioned above, another industry expert from L&Q drew attention to the three principles of safety, clarity, and progress.

One voice, one place, one platform — hopefully, the practice of conducting more such events and roundtables would curb such hazards in the future. We have managed to scratch the surface with this one, but it’s a long road ahead.

Recent Balcony Fires Put Government Regulations in the Spotlight

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]A recent spate of residential fires in buildings, several originating on balconies, have led to calls for further review of the Government’s fire safety regulations. Since the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, fire safety regulations have been under increasing scrutiny, with subsequent residential fires making headlines.

While a cloud of uncertainty remains over the existing combustible cladding ban, further calls are being made to extend the regulations below the 18M threshold. RIBA’s expert advisory group on fire safety chair, Jane Duncan, said recent fires show the government’s ban “may need to be extended” and called for sprinklers to be mandatory in all new and converted residential buildings.

This comes days after the Government’s announcement of a consultation into reducing the mandated fitting of sprinklers into buildings from the current 30M to 18M. A new Protection Board is also to be established to carry out tailored building inspections and provide expert advice in a bid to reassure residents in high-risk residential blocks.

To better understand the regulations surrounding combustible materials on building exteriors over 18M and how this affects balconies, book a fire CPD today.

This article was originally featured in Insight Magazine, subscribe for your free copy every quarter here.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”4569″ heading=”Summary: Cladding Ban” button_text=”Explore the Cladding Ban” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Fcladding-ban-summary%2F|title:Cladding%20Ban%20Summary”]Explore the cladding ban and its effects on balcony design.[/sapphire_contentLink][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”6377″ heading=”Book a Fire Safety CPD” button_text=”Book a Fire CPD” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fcpd-presentations%2F|title:CPD%20Presentations”]Sapphire offers two CPDs on fire safety for balconies.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ask the Expert: The Combustible Cladding Ban & Balconies

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Following the tragic events at Grenfell, the Government has published regulations banning the use of combustible materials in external walls of high rise buildings and confirmed this now includes balconies.

How do the regulations impact balcony construction?

It is now mandatory that balconies located within 1m of a relevant boundary or situated more than 18m above ground level must have non combustible decking. The new regulations came into force on 21 December 2018. The regulations do not apply where an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before that date.

Does Sapphire offer a Class A decking solution?

Yes. Sapphire is working with MyDek who have developed a ribbed aluminium decking in a range of finishes which carries a Class A classification.

Does the addition of a balcony soffit reduce the spread of fire?

Following extensive research by Sapphire at the Exova test centre in Warrington, we discovered that a suitable soffit to balconies offers a substantial contribution to limiting the spread of fire on domestic balconies, for a number of reasons including;

a) Limiting the supply of oxygen feeding the fire from below.
b) Preventing burning debris from falling from the burning balcony.
c) Reflecting and deflecting the heat rising from the fire, and thus preventing it reaching the balcony above.
d) Deflecting jetting flame from an apartment fire away from the building.

Do Sapphire balconies thermal break connections comply with the new legislation?

Yes. Sapphire use a material of limited combustibility in their thermal break. The product is generally located just above the fire barrier and encapsulated between steel plates, so the possible exposure is extremely low. The revision to AD B confirms this meets the requirements of the regulation.

https://youtu.be/Av9bJCHoKzA[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”6377″ heading=”Book a Fire Safety CPD” button_text=”Book Fire CPD” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fcpd-presentations%2F|title:CPD%20Presentations”]Sapphire offers two CPDs on fire safety for balconies.[/sapphire_contentLink][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”3774″ heading=”Summary: Cladding Ban” button_text=”Explore the Cladding Ban” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Fcladding-ban-summary%2F|title:Cladding%20Ban%20Summary|target:_blank”]Explore the cladding ban and its effects on balcony design.[/sapphire_contentLink][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”6104″ heading=”Whitepaper: Laminate Glass” button_text=”Download Laminate Glass Whitepaper” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Flaminate-whitepaper%2F|title:Laminate%20Glass%20Whitepaper|target:_blank”]Is Laminate Glass a safety risk or a safety benefit?[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]