Timber frame or timber claim?

Latest News Tue, Mar 22, 2016 4:55 PM

Timber frame or timber claim?

Timber in construction has become a firm favourite with designers and contractors for a fast completion of a project. However, the use of timber can dramatically increase the risk of an accidental or malicious fire becoming out of control. We simply cannot keep on allowing new timber frame developments to be built without fire protection to the substrate and fittings.

A recent fire on a newly constructed timber frame building in Peckham, London resulted in 300 people needing to be evacuated. The problem highlighted the fact, that a timber frame fire can also cause massive problems for surrounding buildings and their occupants. Enforcement of building and fire regulations will play a pivotal role in reducing the spread of a fire, but without the knowledge by tradesmen of passive fire prevention procedures the building could still be at great risk. Plumbing, carpentry and electrical installations can provide holes and gaps that if not properly fire protected will ensure that a small fire will become a raging inferno!

The importance of passive fire products cannot be over stated, and properly trained installers will help to appreciate the dangers of incorrectly fire-stopping gaps. Training is available from The Passive Fire Training Centre were tradesmen can learn how an unprotected door, light fitting, pipe work or air vent could mean the difference between life and death. After completion of the course, tradesmen will be invited to hold a membership card for the Nationwide Association of Passive Fire Installers and Specifiers (NAPFIS). Card holders will be issued with installation certificates and they will be expected to certificate their work, this will ensure a tightening of quality control and also a documented record of installation can be kept in the event of a fire.

With more and more timber being used in today’s construction, it is vital that operatives are fully conversant of the fire risks associated with this substrate. Leading the field of passive fire protection is the Envirograf® range, included in the range are fire protective coatings for timber. The Envirograf® water based fire protective coatings for timber can offer both Class 0 & Class 1 spread of flame and 30 and 60 minutes fire protection. Tested to BS476 parts 6 & 7 and 22 and B/S1/d0 of European Standard Parts EN13823:2002 single burn test (SBI) and EN11925-2: 2002 ignitability on a wide range of substrates.

Timber in construction is still a superb natural material to use but without proper fire protection, more developments will be susceptible to the risk of a fire and insurance claims will rise and lives will be lost!!

Featured News

Specification news
GEZE UK invests in new sustainable packaging solutions

GEZE UK has continued its investment in sustainability and optimising operational...

Read More >>

Specification news
A booming year ahead for office refurbishments and...

Work on office projects stands out as one of the most promising sources of new...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Mermet | Kibo Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Kibo Darken...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Karellis Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Karellis Da...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Flocké Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Flocké Dark...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Shadow 24 Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Shadow 24 B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Natté PES Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Natté PES B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>