lnsulation

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Second lssue June 2016

Routes to Compliance: Fire SafetyFOR FAEADES tNCoRPORAT|NG K|NGSpAN KooLTHERM@K15 RAINSCREEN BOARD ON BUILDINGS WITH A HABITABLESTOREY 18 M, OR GREATER, ABOVE GROUND LEVEL

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lntroductionAbout this Document

Routes to Compliance 4Approved Documents B Volume 2 & Technical Handbooks Section 2 4

Building ControlAlliance (BCA) 5

Compliance Route forKingspan Kooltherm' Kl5 Roinscreen Boord

Step-by-step Guide to Compliance

Linear Route

Performance-based Route

Fire Safety Engineering Route

Kingspan lnsulation's Commitment

Other Design ConsiderationsFactors to Consider

Kingspan Koolthermo Kl5 Roinscreen Boord Benefits

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Case StudiesWoodberry Down, Residential & Commercial Regeneration, Hackney

Notre Dame Catholic College, Liverpool

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland

Unite, Student Accommodation, Portsmouth

Appendix AStep-by-step Guide to Compliance

Appendix BExact System Test Data

Appendix CDesktop Study Beports

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!ntrod uction

About this DocumentBainscreen and masonry fagades are popular building

envelope specitications, particularly in high<ise applications.

They allow architectural freedom, whilst providing suitable

protection against the elements.

However, choosing the best route to compliance, with fire

safety regulatory requirements in Great Britain, necessitates

a clear understanding of the complexities and the common

misconceptions that surround the use of insulation in these

constructions, The route that best serves the purpose of the

building anC the needs of stakeholders, whilst producing a

well--balanced result, may not always be the most obvious

option.

This technical bulletin examines the use of insulation in the

faqades of buildings with a habitable storey 18 metres, or

greater, above ground level. lt also advises on how to interpret

the guidance given in Approved Documents B Volume 2,

Technical Handbooks Section 2 and Building Control Alliance

Technical Guidance Note 18, for meeting the fire safety

requirements of the Building Regulations / Standards for

extemal fire spread.

Barnsley College, Old Mill Lane Campus, South Yorkshire.

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Routes to Compliance

Approved Documents B Volume 2& Technical Handbooks Section 2

There are three routes to compliance with the fire safety

requirements of the Building Regulations / Standards regarding

the insulation in fagades on buildings with a habitable storey

18 metres, or greater, above ground level.

Linear Route

Firstly, a linear route to compliance is offered by the technical

guidance given in Approved Documents B Volume 2: Fire

Safety - Buildings other than Dwellinghouses (separate

editions for England and Wales), and Technical Handbooks

Section 2: Fire - Domsstic & Non-domestic (Scotland).

This route requires the insulation to be of limited combustibility

(England & Wales) or non-combustible (Scotland), which, in

this context, is defined by being a material that either is 'listed'

or has met the required performance criteria after having been

subjected to specific small scale fire tests. Unlike in large scale

fire tests, testing is performed on the insulation in isolation

{rom all other materials comprising the faqade system. As

such, material performance determined via this route is not

wholly representative of that for the complete system build-up.

Notwithstanding the classification of the insulation in terms of

combustibility, there are separate provisions for the extemal

sudaces of the faqade system in relation to the building height,

use and boundary. For instance, where the boundary of a

building is no greater than one metre, the fagade should be

Class 0 / Low Risk / Euroclass B-s3d2 or better, regardless

of whether the insulation is of limited combustibility or non-

combustible.

NB Approved c0cumsts B Volume l: nre gfety - dryellinghousos (separete edipre brhglad and Wal6) refe6 to Awovd Docum*ts B Volum 2 lu tuNerentary guidffi@in rclatbn ta unusual u vsy larye buMings i.e. those g@ter tlEn 18 mefies in height.

Performance-based Route

Secondly, a performance-based route is also offered. The

guidance requires that the complete fagade build-up meets

the acceptance criteria set out in BR 135 (Fire performance of

extemal thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings),

using large scale test data from:

o BS 8414-1 : 2002 (Fte performance of external cladding

systems. Test methods for non-loadbearing extemal

cladding systems apptied to the face of a building); or

. BS 8414-2: 2005 (Fire performance of external cladding

systems. Test method for non-loadbearing external

cladding systems fixed to and supported by a structural

steel frame).

Fire Safety Engineering Route

Thirdly, compliance with the functional fire safety standards

may also be demonstrated by alternative means i.e. the

adoption of a Fire Safety Engineering approach.

Based upon scientiflc principles from an integrated or a

'whole building' perspective, Fire Safety Engineering not only

considers the pedormance of structures, systems, products

and materials when exposed to fire, it also includes human

behavioural aspects, fire prevention and active and passive

fire protection measures e.g. effective means of egress

and adequate measures for alarm, detection, control and

extinguishment.

Furthermore, it can facilitate innovation in building design without

compromising fire safety, particularly in some large and complex

buildings, as well as multi?urpose buildings, where it may be

the only practical way to achieve a satisfactory level of fire safety.

lf taking this advanced route to compliance, the guidance

given in a number of supporting published documents can

be followed. However, Approved Documents B Volume 2

(both England and Wales) refer directly to BS 7974: 2001

(Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design

of buildings. Code of practice), while Technical Handbooks

Section 2 refers directly to IFEG: 2005 (lnternational Fire

Engineering Guidelines).

4Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland.

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Building Control Alliance (BCA)

With the aim of addressing common misconceptions as

regards to the use of combustible materials within the faqade

system of residential buildings containing a storey 18 metres,

or greater, above ground level, industry group, BCA, operating

in England and Wales, issued its Technical Guidance Note 18:

Use of Combustible Cladding Materials on Residential Buildings

(lssue 1 : June 201 5).

Whilst it reiterates the guidance given in Approved Document B

Volume 2 (England) for the Fire Safety Engineering route, it,

however, expands in an aNsory manner, upon the guidance

gMen for the linear and performanc+based routes and in

addition, categorises each method into 'Options'.

The guidance given for the linear route differs in that it explicitly

states that for the entire fagade area, both above and below

18 metres, all mEor elements comprising the fagade system,

including the intemal lining board and the extemal facing

material, should be of limited combustibilrty.

BCA Technical Guidance Note 18 advises that the prefened

method of demonstrating compliance is to submit evidence to

the Building Control Body (BCB), showing that the complete

proposed faqade system has been assessed in accordance

with the acceptance criteria (i.e. extemal fire spread, internal

fire spread and mechanical performance), set out in BR 135,

using data from large scale tests carried out by an independent

United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited

testing body, to BS 841 4-1 : 2002 and BS 84 1 4-2: 2005.

However, given the sheer number of possible fagade

build-ups combined with increasingly elaborate and innovative

materials, flre test data may not exist for every possible

build-up. ln circumstances where such empirical data is absent,

another option for demonstrating compliance is offered.

Bauhaus Rossetti Place, Mixedrse Development, Manchester.

This option allows the submission of a DesKop Study Report

from a suitably qualified fire specialist, which states whether,

in their professional opinion, the acceptance criteria of BR 135

would be met with the proposed system. lt requires the report

to be supported by the results of testing by a suitable UKAS

accredited testing body, and to specifically reference any tests

that have been canied out on the product.

Since il was flrst ouflined in the June 20'14 edition of BCA

Technical Guidance Note 18, this option has become a

commonly adopted method of demonstrating compliance

with an increasing number of private and local authonty

Building Control Bodies (BCB's), as well as structural warranty

and insurance providers, upholding the guidance contained

within. This includes:

. LocalAuthority Building Control (I-ABC);

a the building conkol and warranty functions of National

House Building Council (NHBC);

o LABC Warranty, new home and structural warranty

provider for LABC; and

a building control, insurance service and structural wananty

provider, Premier Guarantee.

(Kingswood Academy, Hull.

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Compliance Routes forKingspan Kooitherm' K I 5 Roinscreen Boorci

Kingspan Koollherm" Kl5 Roinscreen Boord is designed

for use in fagade systems with either a proprietary or non-proprietary external finish and in both masonry and steel

frame system (SFS) constructions. Kingspan Koolthermo Kl5Roinscreen Boord is ideal for both new build and refurbishment,

Step-by-step Guide to ComplianceTo assist designers in identifying the most appropriate route

to take for compliance with the fire safety requirements ofthe Building Regulations / Standards, when using Kingspan

Koolthermo K I 5 Roinscreen Boord in the fagades of buildings

with a habitable storey 18 metres, or greater, above ground

level, Kingspan lnsulation has developed a step-by-stepguide. The guide draws upon the guidance given in ApprovedDocuments B Volume 2, Technical Handbooks Section 2 and

BCA Technical Guidance Note 18.

It is important to note that lirstly, there is no requirement

to have to consider the routes in a particular order and

that secondly, it is possible to adopt a hybrid approach todemonstrate compliance by combining, in whole, or in part,

different elements of each method.

Furthermore, the specified construction may already meet the

requirements for a number of applications. As such, Kingspan

lnsulation recommends consulting the wananty provider, or

otherauthorising body, in the first instance.

Refer to Appendix A for details of the step-by-step guide

to compliance.

Linear RouteBCA Option 1

Although Kingspan Koolthermo Kl5 Roinscreen Boord is

Class 0, as defined by the Building Regulations, the linear

route to compliance is not open.

Kingspan Koolthermo Roinscreen Boord can however, be

deemed compliant for use in the fagades of buildings not

exceeding 18 metres in height.

Performance-based RouteBGA Option 2Kingspan (oolfiermo Kl5 Roinscreen Boord has been tested

in differing thicknesses with a range of cladding materials toBS 8414-1: 2002 and BS 8414-2: 2005, in accordance with

the performance criteria set out in BB 135.

Refer to Appendix B for details of the build-ups that have been

successfully tested.

BCA Option 3

A cohort of qualified fire specialists have canied out a large

number of project specific desktop studies assessing the

suitability ot Kingspan Kooltherm' Kl5 Roinscreen Boord, in

differing faqade build-ups, for use in buildings with a habitable

storey 18 metres, or greater, above ground level,

Refer to Appendix C for examples of build-ups that have

undergone an assessment.

Ebbw Fawr, Learning Community School, Blaenau Gwent, Wales.

Fire Safety Engineering RouteBCA Option 4

This route requires every factor of the design, construction,

use and management of the building to be fully considered.

Wtrilst it does not rely solely on the standalone fire performance

of individual products, the data that is available tor Kingspan

Koolthermo Kl5 Roinscreen Boord can form an essential

part of the information that would be needed if adopting this

approach.

Kingspan lnsulation's CommitmentKingspan lnsulation is committed to a continuing program of

testing, both independently and collaboratively, to increase the

breadth of BS 8414 flre test data for Kingspan Kooltherm, K I 5

Roinscreen Boord in common fagade build-ups. The results

of these tests will also provide valuable additional data to help

those engaged in desKop studies or fire safety engineering.

Furthermore, Kingspan lnsulation has a dedicated technical

advisory service for those seeking assistance on projects

where Kingspan Kooltherm" K I 5 Roinscreen Boord is

specified for use in higlrrise buildings.

Kingspan lnsulation will endeavour to assist those seeking:

o practical guidance on how to satisfy the requirements of

the fire safety engineer;

a collaboration on large scale testing programs; or

o evidence of performance e.g. ofiicial reports and certification.

Emal highrisetechnical@kingspan.com for further information.

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Other Design Considerations

Factors to Considerlnespective of the chosen route to compliance, there are

other tundamental aspects of the building design that must

be considered. For example, use of compartmentalisation to

limit intemal fire spread or the separation distance between

buildings so as to limit the risk of fire spreading lrom one

building to another.

Mrilst the fre performance of the building envelope is a vital

element of good construction, it is,iust one of a number of

factors that should influence the fagade insulation specification,

Since the primary role of the insulation is to conserve energy,

thermal performance must also be a key consideration. Other

considerations include:

o BBA Certification;

o I-ABC Registered Detail status;

o environmental impact and responsible sourcing;

a moisture resistance, air-infiltration and durabilrty;

o insulant thickness and weight, thus associated load

implications;

o cost and Retum on lnvestment (ROl);

a ease of installation;

r availabilrty and logistics; and

a access to technical support from specification through

installation to maintenance.

None of these elements should be regarded in isolation. They

should be considered in the context of the building as a whole

- its overall design, its intended use, and any associated risks

or benefits arising from selected matedds in sifu,

Kingspan Kooltherm' Kl 5 Roinscreen

Boord BenefitsKingspan Koolthermo K l5 Roinscreen Boord comprises a

premium performance rigid thermoset flbrrfree phenolic

insulation core faced on both sides with a low emissivity

composite foil. The core is manufactured with a blowing agent

that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global

Warming Potential (GWP).

Kingspan Kooltherm'Kl5 Roinscreen Boord, produced at

Kingspan lnsulation's Pembridge, UK, manufacturing facility

ofiers the following benefts:

o thermally etficient - a thermal conductivity as low as

0.020 Wm.K makes it the most thermally eflicient

insulation product commonly used in fagade systems;

a thin insulation - the thinnest commonly used rainscreen

insulation product for any specific U-value;

o BBA certified - its use is covered by BBA Certificate

14/5134:

o I-ABC Registered Detail - certified as Registered Detail

EWWS165, it is the first insulation board to achieve LABC

Registered Detail status as a thermal insulation layer in a

rainscreen cladding system;

o 'A+' Green Guide Rating - an Ecoprofile, certified by

BRE Certification to the 2008 BRE Environmental Profiles

Methodology has been created for the product and BBE

has assigned the boards a Green Guide Summary Bating

of A+;

. BES 6001 certified - certifled 'Excellent' to BES 6001

(Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products);

o manufactured to the highest standards - under a

management system certified to ISO 9001 : 2008 (audity

management systems. Requirements), ISO 14001 : 2004

(Environmental Management Systems. Requirements) and

BS OHSAS 1 8001 : 2007 (Heafth & Safety Management

Systems. Requirements);

a closed cell structure - resists moisture and wata vapour

ingress - a problem which can be associated with open

cell materials such as mineral fibre and which can result in

reduced thermal performance;

o unaffected by air infittsation - a problem that can be

experienced with mineral fibre and which can reduce

thermal performance;

o safe and easy to install - fibrrfree insulation core; and

. Retum on lnvestment (ROl) up to 4250% - when

compared with common insulation solutions, its use in new

commercial buildings can provide an ROI of over 4000%

on the additional cost of the insulation by creating greater

marketable intemal floor area, without compromising the

designed building footprint, for details go to

www. kingspaninsulation.co. uk/RealValueofSpace.

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Kingswood Academy, Hull

Case Stud ies

Woodberry Down, Residential &

Commercial Regeneration, Hackney

Premium performance products from Kingspan lnsulation have

been used to insulate new high and low rise buildings as pafi

of one of London's largest and most ambitious regeneration

programmes.

Woodberry Down was once heralded as the 'estate of the

future' but in recent years had suffered from an increasing

number of issues including: subsidence, asbestos, damp, and

poor insulation. An eight phase regeneration plan will replace

outdated concrete tower blocks with more than 5,500 brand

new homes over the next 20 years.

Architect Hawkins\Brown specified Kingspan Kooltherm@ K I 2

Froming Boord and Kingspan Kooltherm' Kl5 Roinscreen

Boord for Kick Start Sites 2 and 5 within the master plan,

comprising 710 residential units and over 1500 sq.m of

commercial space, spread across a number of blocks.

Kingspan Kooltherm' Kl2 Froming Boord was also installed

within a steel framing system behind the main brickwork

faqade elements.

Kingspan Kooltherm@ Kl5 Roinscreen Boord was rnstalled

as part of the anodised rainscreen cladding used on the top

storeys of many of the blocks. These sections extend beyond

18 metres and it was, therefore, essential that the product

offered excellent fire performance.

The Woodberry Down regeneration is an ambitious pro.iect

- the result of a collaborative partnership between Berkeley

Homes, Hackney Council, Genesis Housing Association

and the residents' group, Woodberry Down Community

Organisation. Once completed it will include three new public

parks; a community centre and library; a children's centre; and

retail and commercial opportunities.

" Kingspan Kooltherm@ K I 5 Roi nscreen

Boord was installed as part of theanodised rainscreen cladding used on

the top storeys 0f many of the blocks.

These sections extend beyond 18 metresand it was, therefore, essential thatthe product offered excellent fireperformance."

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