A cavity barrier is a passive fire protection system that prevents the spread of smoke and flames through walls, ceilings, and floors. They are installed in building cavities to seal gaps and restrict the movement of fire.
Here are some things to know about cavity barriers:
How they work
Cavity barriers are made of materials that expand when exposed to high temperatures, such as mineral fiber or intumescent materials. This seals the gaps in the cavity and stops the spread of fire.
Types of cavity barriers
There are different types of cavity barriers, including open state barriers and full fill barriers. Open state barriers are used in ventilated cavities, while full fill barriers are used in horizontal and vertical brickwork and masonry, as well as ventilated cavities.
Common types of cavity barriers in the UK
Some common types of cavity barriers in the UK include mineral wool socks, solid timber battens, and intumescent strips.
Building regulations
Cavity barriers are covered by the Building Regulations in England and Wales, the Building (Amendment)(Wales) Regulations 2019, and mandatory standard 2.4 in Scotland.
Fire safety
Without cavity barriers, fires can spread five to ten times faster through a building.