Cavity Barriers

For use in firestopping and noise reduction applications in cavity walls

Description

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are manufactured from a continuous length of non-combustible glass mineral wool which is compressed within a resilient polythene sleeve incorporating two flanges designed for ease of fixing.

This polythene sleeve is colour-coded to suit a variety of cavity widths from 50mm to 100mm and eliminates the need for weather protection during installation.

The barriers are 1200mm long and can be used in both vertical and horizontal applications, and are available in two standard depths (100mm and 300mm).

100mm barriers are used for normal fire stopping and noise reduction applications. 300mm barriers are used where higher performance levels are specified and at party wall / external wall cavity junctions.

Application

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are engineered to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through walls, floors and cavities in timber frame, metal frame and masonry buildings.

They are also suitable for reducing flanking noise transmission in these concealed cavities.

The use of the correct size of Cavity Barrier is essential. Earthwool Cavity Barriers are designed to compress to a tight fit in cavities and in the event of fire breaking into the cavity, Cavity Barriers do not rely on the polythene flanges to hold them in place, but on their compression between the inner leaf and external brickwork or blockwork.

It is, therefore, essential to specify the Cavity Barrier by reference to the actual constructed cavity width. In vertical applications, both flanges of the Cavity Barrier should be fixed to the inner leaf.

Performance

Fire Performance

The mineral wool in Earthwool Cavity Barriers is classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1.

Acoustic Performance

Earthwool Cavity Barriers meet the generic description for cavity closers and will therefore ensure compliance with Part E and Robust Details in timber frame and masonry constructions.

Benefits

Meets Building Regulation requirements for both fire and acoustics
Simple to install and fix due to flanges on all thicknesses
Easy identification by colour coded polythene for stockist and contractor
Dimensionally stable and robust

Downloads

In horizontal applications the top flange of the polythene sleeve should be fixed to the inner leaf.

All joints and intersections of Earthwool Cavity Barriers should be closely butted.

Standards

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are noncombustible, inorganic glass wool, defined as Mineral Wool in BS 3533: 1981 and are manufactured in accordance with BSI Quality Assurance Standard BS EN ISO 9001: 2000.

Durability

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are odourless, rotproof, non-hygroscopic, do not sustain vermin and will not encourage the growth of fungi, mould or bacteria.

Environmental

ECOSE^® Technology

Knauf Insulation mineral wool products with ECOSE^® Technology benefit from a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehyde-free binder technology, based on rapidly renewable materials, instead of petro-based chemicals. It reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability.

The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s glass and rock mineral wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. Insulation products made with ECOSE^® Technology contain no dye or artificial colours – the colour is completely natural.

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are free from CFC’s, HCFC’s and any other material with ozone depletion potential in its manufacture and content and represents no known threat to the environment. Glass mineral wool is an environmentally friendly insulation material with a high percentage of the raw materials used in the process coming from recycled sources. Earthwool glass mineral wool’s manufacture has a low impact on the environment and is classified as Zero ODP and Zero GWP.

Fire Performance

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are manufactured from glass mineral wool which has a Euroclass A1 fire rating when classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1. Earthwool Cavity Barriers have been tested for fire resistance in accordance with BS 476: Part 8: 1972 and will provide 60 minutes stability, integrity and insulation. This is covered by the Warrington Fire Report No.151215.

Acoustic Performance

Building Regulations require the use of a cavity closer to reduce flanking noise transmission along party wall cavities and external wall cavities in masonry and timber frame constructions. Earthwool Cavity Barriers meet the generic description for cavity closers and will therefore ensure compliance with Part E and Robust Details in timber frame and masonry constructions.

Handling and Storage

Earthwool Cavity Barriers are easy to handle and install, being lightweight and easily cut to size. They are supplied in polythene packs which are designed for short term protection only. For longer term protection on site, the product should either be stored indoors, or under cover and off the ground.