Walki launches 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 this 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.
Walki is attending the BAU fair in Munich in January 2019, and will compete for the Innovation Award Architecture + Building with the Wall Tight FR G A2 membrane.
The membrane will be ready for sales in January 2019, and will primarily be launched for the UK markets, but will of course be available for other countries as well.
