NEW FLAME-RETARDANT MEMBRANE
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION MARKET
Walki is launching a new flame-retardant membrane. Walki ® Wall
Tight FR G A2 is a unique vapour barrier that ensures fire safety
for construction assets and people in case of rescue or evacuation
operations.
“We identified the need for a more flame-retardant material a
few years ago. Then the terrible fire accident at the Grenfell tower
happened in the UK, and fire regulations were intensified”, says
Pierrick Girard, Business Line Manager, Construction Membranes at
Walki.
The building regulations amended by the UK government, that came
into force in December 2018, bans the use of combustible materials
in the external wall of buildings. The construction of the external
wall, along with specified attachments, must be investigated by the
Local Council Building Control and, where necessary, work must be
carried out to ensure they only contain materials achieving European
Class A2-s1, d0, i.e. it must be non-combustible.
“The Walki ® Wall Tight FR G A2 underwent extensive testing in
December last year, and received Euroclass A2-s1-d0 standard. In
other words, the membrane has been proven non-combustible”, says
Girard.
The Walki ® Wall Tight FR G A2 can be used in walls and ceiling as
a construction membrane, preventing heat radiation and moisture
transfer.
As the Walki ® Wall Tight FR G A2 is non-combustible, it is ideal as an
internal vapour barrier in public buildings such as schools, hospitals,
shopping centres and restaurants.
“In warmer places, such as Dubai, the vapour barrier can be used
externally as protective sheathing in high rise buildings”, says Girard.
Walki has worked on developing the product for over two years. The
membrane is based on lacquered aluminum layers laminated with
strong glass fabric, attached together with a special flame-retardant
glue.
“Both aluminum and glass fibre are non-combustible, ensuring that
the vapour barrier has a good fire resistance. This solution is also cost-
efficient compared to other options on the market”, says Girard.
The membrane is ready for sales, and will primarily be launched for
the UK markets, but will of course be available for other countries as
well.
www.walki.com