Ventilated brick slip cladding applications have surged in popularity in recent years, bringing the robust and timeless aesthetic of masonry to buildings where traditional bricklaying approaches would be too costly, time consuming or simply unachievable. However, these systems can differ widely in design, currently making a standardised approach to compartmentation a challenge.
To support specifiers looking to capitalise on the benefits of brick slip, Siderise has recently launched a new passive fire protection package that focuses specifically on the cavity fire barrier requirements of mechanically fixed ventilated brick slip cladding systems.
This offering combines product with service. The Siderise RH & RV Brick Slip Cavity Barrier System is an innovation of the established Siderise RH & RV Rainscreen Cavity Barrier System to suit the specific design features and intricacies of different brick slip façade manufacturers’ systems. . Siderise technical services can then collaborate with the brick slip façade manufacturer and project team to ensure compatibility with any chosen system, from reviewing system designs and configurations and recommending relevant adaptations to giving guidance on detailing around interfacing components and conducting bespoke fire testing at its UKAS-accredited Innovation Centre in South Wales.
The effectiveness of the testing approach was demonstrated recently via a collaboration with Ash & Lacy for their NaturAL X Brick Cladding System. To confirm compatibility with the NaturAL X System, and to demonstrate compliance with the requirements for the 10- and 29-storey VITA student accommodation development on Gough Street in Birmingham, Siderise undertook a programme of project-specific testing to several relevant standards using a representative build up. This system achieved an impressive E 120 and I 60 fire resistance rating, which achieved the exacting specification demands.
Beyond compliance, Siderise cavity barriers deliver unique installation benefits. Thanks to their Lamella core, full-fill vertical barriers can be installed under increased compression—eliminating the need for intermittent intumescent strips between rails. This reduces material costs and accelerates installation, enhancing the efficiency advantages of brick slip systems.
For more information, visit siderise.com or contact the Siderise technical team to discuss your project requirements.
