StubGuard®

StubGuard® – A thermal & fireproofing housing to add to the unique Sapphire balcony anchor system

Whilst the thermal values which need to be achieved apply to the whole building not isolated components, to meet Part L regulations, and the requirements of other standards, all balcony connections must have a thermal break to stop cold bridging occurring at these junctions.

Firstly, consideration must be made of the quantity of anchors which are being used. Quite simply, the more points the facade is penetrated the more potential areas of thermal bridging.

Choosing an anchor which has very good thermal performance, but poor structural performance is likely to not only cost more but not provide the thermal benefit of having a similar performing thermal anchor which enable fewer connections to be used.

The Cassette® balcony system is considerably lighter in weight, (primarily because of its aluminium construction) and the anchors used are considerably stronger than other options available which both mean that the number of anchor connections required can be reduced, saving cost and minimising cold bridging.

An Introduction to StubGuard®

The move toward thinner slabs and minimal floor finishes has increased the incidence of details where there is insufficient form for the linear cavity barrier to pass under or over the interruption in the cavity barrier created by balcony support stubs.

Traditionally ad-hoc details have often been proposed requiring site assembling of fire stopping surrounds, but in many cases, these have not been subjected to testing, nor have adequate quality assurance measures been applied.

The Challenge:

As leading balcony suppliers, we have become aware the ‘post Grenfell’ industry urgently requires a tried and tested solution to this problem and have commissioned several fire tests evaluating the effectiveness of a range of possible solutions.

We have based these on the test regime for linear cavity seals BSEN 1366-4 and ASFP guidance document TGD17. The specimens were subjected to British Standard fire curve furnace temperatures rising to above 1000 0 C over 120 mins and continuously monitored for integrity along with temperature recording above the insulation as shown in the graph below.

The tests have indicated a solution which gives the required level of protection, and this has been selected for additional development, independent testing and certification.

The Solution

Whilst we are still working through the process of independent certification (which is expected to take several months) we are happy offer the Sapphire StubGuard® as an option on your project, subject to the approval of the fire engineer on the project.

Please contact us for further information.