Passive fire protection specialist FSi Promat has launched a new slab edge fire stop system to protect buildings with a curtain walling facade from the rapid spread of fire.

The introduction of Paraflam Ultra expands the range of specialist fire stopping and cavity barriers manufactured by the company to protect the building envelope – covering a range of finishes from rainscreen applications to masonry.

A dry-fit slab edge fire stop, Paraflam Ultra is an A1-rated, non-combustible, flexible system that has been designed to address fire risks associated with curtain wall facades, namely preventing the spread of fire around the slab edge for a set period of time. This supports compartmentation systems in containing the spread of fire from one floor to another.  

Paraflam Ultra provides up to 2 hours of fire protection for horizontal slab edges in curtain walling systems and is tested to the European standard for curtain walling systems   EN1364-4.

Importantly, testing has also included the need for movement accommodation, with Paraflam Ultra providing up to 6% of compression and expansion that’s essential to maintain the seal between the rigid materials of the slab and facade in tall buildings when they’re subjected to movement. 

As a dry-fit design, the system is compression fitted to ensure compartmentation is reinstated at the slab edge to prevent the spread of fire, allowing occupants time to escape the building in the event of a fire, and fire fighters time to respond. 

Liam Blears, National Commercial Manager for Facades at FSi Promat, said: “Curtain walling is an increasingly popular finish for tall buildings where effective passive fire protection is paramount – and, since façade design is often aesthetic-led, it is vital the fire protection systems used to protect it are kept front of mind during the design stage. Through creating a carefully engineered, movement accommodating system, FSi Promat is able to support with this.

“With FSi Promat’s commitment to competent technical support and efficient distribution, Paraflam Ultra can be confidently specified and supports ease of installation. It complements the range of cavity barriers FSi Promat already produce to provide fire protection for the building envelope; which now includes mixed façade and curtain wall finishes thanks to the introduction of Paraflam Ultra.  

“Alongside the launch, we’re offering specification packs to support in the accurate design of passive fire protection at the earliest stages of a project to ensure best-practice and provide the level of detail needed for curtain wall or hybrid facades.  Plus, a range of training and extra supporting collateral is in development so watch this space”

FSi Promat already offers an extensive range of closed and open state cavity barriers for ventilated and non-ventilated facades, including its Silverliner range.

Specification packs are also available for rainscreen and masonry facades, offering fast access to the in-depth information needed to specify fire stopping & cavity barrier products and systems during the design stage of the building.