Its not well worth the candle!
A B2 Fire Rating on a product doesn’t imply that product can be utilized for fireplace stopping or fireplace proofing.
When we do a fireplace threat evaluation we frequently make touch upon fireplace stopping. On one current job we commented that extra fireplace stopping was wanted. The shopper employed a contractor who used Soudafoam. On the tin its says the product is ‘B2 Fire Rated in accordance with DIN 4102′.
Our shopper then requested us to up date our fireplace threat evaluation as these works had been finished..
Before signing this off we did some additional analysis to determine what a ‘B2 Fire Rating in accordance with DIN 4102’ meant. Din 4102 is the European Classification of constructing supplies in accordance with their flammability. The Classes vary from A1 100% non flamable to B3 Easily flamable. This is what we discovered:
Rating Degree of flammability Examples
A1 100% noncombustible (nichtbrennbar) A2 ~98% noncombustible (nichtbrennbar) B1 Difficult to ignite (schwer entflammbar) intumescents and a few excessive finish silicones B2 Normal combustibility wooden B3 Easily ignited (leichtentflammbar)
As you’ll be able to see from this a B2 score will not be acceptable as a fireplace stopping materials and both a B1, A2 or A1 classification is required. The contractors’ provider had thought that classification B2 indicated a 2 hour fireplace score and had offered the fabric to many different contractors who had been on the lookout for a fireplace stopping materials.
Looking for additional data on Soudafoam on the http://www.soudalusa.com web site we discovered a listing of the urged makes use of; warmth insulation, sound insulation and a number of other different makes use of are really helpful there aren’t any feedback on fireplace insulation.
The assertion B2 Fire Rated is clearly right however trying on the internet for Soudafoam and coming throughout an commercial like this
Soudafoam 1Kb2 Fire Rated Aerosol Foam
I feel most individuals would assume that the product does have good fireplace proofing values.
To make the matter extra annoying foam with the appropriate A1/A2/B1 classification isn’t any costlier that the Soudafoam Product.
To promote one thing as ‘B2’ Fire Rated while factually right may be very deceptive. â�¨â�¨I posted this remark as a dialogue inside the ‘Fire Risk Assessors and Consultants Group UK’ on LinkedIn. I obtained a really fascinating reply from Gordon Alexander of Gordon Alexander Associates which I copy in full:â�¨
Be very conscious of the usage of PU foams. They should be examined to BS 476: Parts 20/22, BS EN 1366-Four within the case of linear gaps and BS EN 1366-Three for service penetration seals. There is a really large distinction between Reaction to Fire PU Foams corresponding to B1 B2 and so forth and Fire Resistence to Fire PU Foams. Have a take a look at the ASFP Advisory Notice on Using Polyurethane Foams and make sure that they’re utilized as they had been examined. I’ve had many a difficulty with this – particularly Fire Door Installations. Using penetration foam for sealing doorways will not be a compliant set up… and vice versa in fact. When used on door installations the backing ought to, in lots of circumstances, be mineral wool topped off with at the least 10mm of intumescent sealant and all as per producers directions and put in as per check information. You can not simply ‘bang in’ a load of froth – particularly B2.
I hope these feedback are helpful and assist ensure that the appropriate supplies are utilized in the appropriate circumstances.
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