FSi Promat launches Paraflam Ultra slab edge fire stop for curtain wall facades

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

Fire stop system launched for curtain wall slab edges

Passive fire protection specialist FSi Promat has launched Paraflam Ultra, a dry-fit slab edge fire stop system for buildings with a curtain walling facade.

The company said Paraflam Ultra is designed to protect the building envelope by preventing the spread of fire around the slab edge for a set period of time in curtain wall facades.

Paraflam Ultra is described as an A1-rated, non-combustible, flexible system.

It is designed to support compartmentation systems by containing the spread of fire from one floor to another.

Testing, movement accommodation and installation details

Paraflam Ultra provides up to 2 hours of fire protection for horizontal slab edges in curtain walling systems.

It is tested to the European standard for curtain walling systems EN1364-4.

Testing also included movement accommodation, with Paraflam Ultra providing up to 6% compression and expansion to maintain the seal between the slab and facade where movement occurs in tall buildings.

As a dry-fit design, the system is compression fitted at the slab edge to reinstate compartmentation and limit fire spread, with the aim of allowing occupants time to escape and fire fighters time to respond.

Range position and specification support

Paraflam Ultra expands FSi Promat’s range of specialist fire stopping and cavity barriers for the building envelope, covering finishes from rainscreen applications to masonry.

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.”

The company said it already offers closed and open state cavity barriers for ventilated and non-ventilated facades, including the Silverliner range.

Specification packs are also available for rainscreen and masonry facades.

Compliance in modern facade fire protection under spotlight at London Build

by EventsFeatured NewsPassive

FSi Promat to focus on facade fire safety at London Build

FSi Promat will highlight the importance of fire safety compliance in modern facade design during a panel session at this year’s London Build event at London Olympia.

The company confirmed that National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, Liam Blears, will join the Building Safety & Security Stage panel at 11am on Wednesday 19 November.

He will speak alongside Head of Façade Engineering at WSP, Rimmy Vij, Technical Officer at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Dr Andrew Taylor, Greta Invernizzi from Aecom, Neesha Gopal from Foster and Partners and Zara Edwards from Buro Happold.

The panel is set to take an in-depth look at the role of fire protection and facade design in meeting current building safety requirements.

According to FSi Promat, the discussion will centre on how facade design choices interact with regulations and technical expectations for passive fire protection.

Panel to examine facade fire safety compliance and regulation

The company said the session will address how increasing use of lightweight facades and curtain walling affects the way fire safety is built into projects from early-stage specification.

Panellists will discuss the regulatory demands that must be met when designing facades so that fire safety requirements are embedded before construction begins.

The session will also consider the level of collaboration needed between designers, manufacturers and contractors to deliver compliant passive fire protection solutions.

FSi Promat noted that the panel will look at the role of third-party testing in helping to protect buildings with curtain walling or mixed facades from rapid fire spread.

Liam Blears, National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, said: “There continues to be an industry-wide emphasis on the role of compliance and competency around the Building Safety Act to ensure robust building safety.

“The panel discussion at London Build provides a perfect platform to explore the challenges around ensuring the correct, compliant passive fire protection is specified, that products perform as expected in the event of a fire, and that products serve the customers design requirements.

Passive fire protection in modern building envelopes

Blears explained that the panel will look closely at how passive fire protection is used within the building envelope to control the spread of fire.

“Passive fire protection, such as firestops and cavity barriers, are vital in preventing the spread of fire within the building envelope.

“As life critical safety products, ensuring passive fire protection is fully compliant with current regulations and correctly specified at the design stage is essential to protecting occupants from the spread of fire and ensuring the integrity of buildings to allow firefighters time to respond safely.

“Our panel discussion will look at what best practice in fire safety and compliance looks like for modern facades, and will emphasise that the full lifetime of the building should be considered.”

The company indicated that the discussion will address how specification decisions influence performance over the entire service life of a facade system.

FSi Promat added that the session is intended to support clearer understanding of what robust, compliant passive fire protection looks like in practice for facade applications.

Etex group brands represented at London Build

FSi Promat confirmed that sister companies Promat and Siniat will also be represented at London Build.

All three brands are part of the Etex group.

According to the group, Promat specialises in passive fire solutions used across building applications.

Siniat is described as a leading dry walling specialist providing systems for a range of construction projects.

The companies said their presence at London Build is intended to show how their respective products can be combined to support fire safety and facade performance.

Facade design, passive protection and regulatory drivers

Architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers involved in facade design can use the London Build panel themes to align specification practice more closely with current regulatory expectations on passive fire protection.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and cavity barrier specialists may find the focus on third-party testing relevant when selecting and installing products for curtain walling or mixed facades.

For facility managers responsible for buildings with lightweight facades, the emphasis on the full lifetime of the building highlights how early specification decisions influence future maintenance and fire safety strategies.

Those working within the framework of the Building Safety Act and related guidance can draw on the discussion’s attention to compliance and competency to review how data collection, product selection and design coordination are handled on their projects.

By centring on passive fire protection within the building envelope, the panel content provides a reference point for teams seeking to check whether their facade designs, product choices and installation practices match the performance expectations described by FSi Promat and its partners.

FSi Promat introduces single-sided fire stopping solutions for retrofit projects

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

FSi Promat launches single-sided fire stopping range

UK manufacturer FSi Promat has introduced a new range of single-sided fire stopping solutions designed for retrofit projects and occupied buildings.

The company said the systems have been developed in response to customer demand for tested, third-party certified options where only one side of a wall is accessible.

According to FSi Promat, the newly tested systems achieved fire resistance ratings of up to two hours when tested to EN 1366 Part 3 for penetration seals.

Designed for limited access retrofit environments

The company explained that the new range is particularly suited for projects where destructive work or building access is restricted.

These include multi-occupancy or residential environments where relocation of residents is typically required to complete fire stopping works.

FSi Promat said the single-sided systems could therefore reduce project disruption and associated costs while maintaining compliance with testing and certification standards.

Testing covers multiple pipe and cable applications

Testing carried out by FSi Promat covered a range of penetrations including copper pipes to EI90, CPVC pipes up to EI90, cables and cable bundles to EI60, plastic pipes up to EI120 and cable trays and steel trunking up to EI60–EI120.

The manufacturer said many of the new applications achieved EI120, including large cable trays and baskets.

According to the company, the testing programme was designed to broaden the available options for fire stopping in scenarios where only one side of the wall can be accessed.

Customer-led development and feedback

Paul Nash, Firestop Manager at FSi Promat – part of the Etex group – said: “We know from our customers that access can be a huge challenge – and a major cost driver – on refurbishment jobs especially where relocation is normally needed to access occupied areas such as apartments.

“Our single-sided solutions address challenges related to access in retrofit jobs, which are often associated with additional project costs, planning and potential disruption to occupants.

“Our newly tested and third party certified, single-sided fire stopping solutions reflect our commitment to listening to our customers, helping address their needs and working alongside them to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges – in this case the inherent difficulties of working on projects with restricted access.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The new single-sided fire stopping range from FSi Promat is relevant to fire engineers, building services engineers and contractors managing retrofit or refurbishment projects.

For building owners and managers of multi-occupancy properties, the systems provide an option for maintaining fire resistance without requiring relocation of occupants.

Project managers and installers working on limited-access refurbishments can use these tested and certified systems to ensure compliance with EN 1366 Part 3 without destructive access.

For compliance officers, the introduction of third-party tested single-sided fire stopping extends the available range of certified solutions, addressing a gap in retrofit fire protection.

What the latest FSi Promat sustainability data reveals about carbon in construction

by Featured NewsPassiveSustainability

New EPDs published for UK fire safety products

FSi Promat has announced the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for two of its products, reporting verified data on their environmental performance.

According to FSi Promat, the EPDs cover the Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating, both used in fire stopping applications across the UK construction sector.

The manufacturer stated that the declarations were prepared in line with ISO 14025 and EN150804+A2:2019, standards that define third party-verified environmental reporting.

It explained that this step reflects its focus on sustainability in both product development and manufacturing.

The company noted that these publications are intended to support architects, specifiers and contractors with decision-making on material selection.

Environmental performance of Pyrocoustic Sealant

FSi Promat reported that Pyrocoustic Sealant is used to reinstate fire resistance in wall and floor constructions where linear gaps or service penetrations occur.

The company explained that the new EPD sets the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of this product at 1.0 kgCO2-eq./kg.

It added that the total embodied carbon score, across modules A1–A5 and C, is 1.3 kgCO2-eq./kg.

The manufacturer stated that these metrics are provided to allow accurate comparisons with alternative solutions.

It continued that the results show the carbon footprint across both manufacturing and installation phases.

Environmental performance of Stopseal Coating

The manufacturer reported that Stopseal Coating is an ablative coating used with the Stopseal Batt System to reinstate fire resistance in wall constructions with service penetrations.

FSi Promat explained that the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of this coating is 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kg.

It noted that the EPD findings contribute to life cycle analysis of building projects.

The company added that these figures provide designers and contractors with reference data when assessing the environmental footprint of products.

It said that the data reflects a low carbon profile during manufacturing and use.

Manufacturing with renewable electricity

According to FSi Promat, both the Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating are manufactured at its facility in Measham.

The company stated that this facility now runs on 100% renewable electricity.

It explained that this transition forms part of its sustainability programme.

The manufacturer indicated that the move further reduces the environmental impact of its UK production.

It added that this milestone complements the product-level declarations.

Industry perspective on sustainability reporting

Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said: “The addition of the EPDs underlines the dedication at FSi Promat to developing sustainable solutions that continue to meet high standards of safety and performance.

“The cradle-to-gate score is useful when selecting products as it provides a clear picture of its carbon footprint from the raw material right through to installation.

“This information helps users to understand and compare the environmental impact of the products they use, and to make an informed choice.

“Providing transparent environmental credentials, as a result of third-party evaluation, is one of the key ways in which we support architects, specifiers, and contractors towards a safer, more sustainable future. This commitment aligns with the broader construction industry’s shift towards more sustainable building methods.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Environmental Product Declarations are becoming standard across construction materials, including those for fire stopping.

For fire and safety professionals, access to independently verified sustainability data provides evidence to support compliance with environmental standards and procurement requirements.

The UK facility’s transition to renewable electricity also shows how sustainability targets are now linked directly to manufacturing practice.

Understanding the carbon impact of safety products is increasingly relevant for professionals engaged in project design, approvals and material selection.

FSi Promat sustainability declarations released for UK fire stopping products: Summary

FSi Promat has published Environmental Product Declarations for Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating.

The company reported that these declarations provide verified carbon footprint data.

The Pyrocoustic Sealant has a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of 1.0 kgCO2-eq./kg.

Its total embodied carbon score across A1–A5 and C modules is 1.3 kgCO2-eq./kg.

The Stopseal Coating has a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kg.

Both products are manufactured at the company’s Measham facility in the UK.

The Measham facility now operates using 100% renewable electricity.

FSi Promat stated that these publications follow ISO 14025 and EN150804+A2:2019 standards.

The company said the data supports architects, specifiers and contractors in evaluating product environmental performance.

It added that the EPDs provide transparency through third party verification.

Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said the declarations align with industry shifts towards sustainable building methods.

She stated that transparent data helps project stakeholders make informed choices.

FSi Promat reformulates PyroPro HPE sealant to enhance health standards in construction

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

PyroPro HPE sealant reformulated to remove harmful chemicals

In October, FSi Promat will introduce a reformulated version of its PyroPro HPE fire stopping sealant, as reported by FSi Promat.

The new formula aims to support safer working conditions in the construction industry by eliminating a raw material recently reclassified as potentially carcinogenic.

Despite this change, the sealant retains the same level of fire performance, allowing it to be used in the same applications, including around CPVC pipes, plastic pipes, cables, and non-combustible insulated pipes.

FSi Promat confirmed that the reformulated PyroPro HPE sealant has undergone third-party testing to verify that its fire performance remains consistent with the previous version.

All existing certifications are unchanged, ensuring that contractors and installers can continue to rely on the product for fire protection.

Environmental commitment and sustainable packaging

The updated PyroPro HPE sealant also reflects FSi Promat’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact.

The sealant is now packaged in cartridges made from up to 50% recycled plastic, with foil packs also available.

This initiative aligns with the company’s wider commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of its products.

Emma Taylor, FSi Marketing Manager, said: “FSi Promat’s PyroPro HPE sealant is an important product in the marketplace as it is approved for use with CPVC, and in particular, sprinkler systems, making it a critical part of a fire protection system.”

Fire safety performance and extensive testing

FSi Promat emphasised that changes to the fire stopping formulation required rigorous research and testing to ensure the updated product met the necessary fire protection standards.

PyroPro HPE is a high-pressure expansion sealant that can expand up to 20 times its original size.

It is designed to reinstate fire-resistant compartments where service penetrations have been made for pipework and cables, helping to maintain the integrity of fire-resistant barriers in buildings.

Emma Taylor noted: “Updating the HPE formula to remove chemicals that could cause a risk to health is a step forward and demonstrates FSi Promat’s commitment to making changes for the better, both in terms of creating a healthy working environment – and a more sustainable future.”

FSi Promat’s continued innovation in passive fire protection

FSi Promat, based in Measham, Leicestershire, continues to innovate through its specialist research laboratory and testing facility.

The company is recognised as a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection products in the UK and develops solutions designed to safeguard buildings worldwide.

FSi Promat aims to balance fire safety performance with sustainability, ensuring that its products protect people, property, and the environment.

FSi Promat reformulates PyroPro HPE sealant to enhance safety: Summary

FSi Promat has reformulated its PyroPro HPE fire stopping sealant, removing a potentially harmful chemical to improve health and safety in the construction industry.

Despite the change in formulation, the product maintains its fire protection capabilities, verified through third-party testing.

The sealant, used around various pipework and cables, will continue to be available with all existing certifications.

FSi Promat’s initiative also includes sustainable packaging, with cartridges now made from up to 50% recycled plastic.

The company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is further reinforced through its extensive research and testing, ensuring that its products meet the highest safety standards.

FSi Promat releases white paper on accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Importance of dynamic movement in fire stopping

FSi Promat has launched a white paper highlighting the impact dynamic movement can have on the effectiveness of penetration seals and ways to ensure passive fire protection remains compliant for the lifetime of a building, as reported by FSi Promat.

Dynamic movement in buildings can cause breaches, tears, and cracks in construction materials, including fire stopping used to contain the spread of flames, smoke, heat, and toxic gases.

Despite the serious potential impact on building safety, accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping plans is often overlooked.

Existing standards and the need for flexibility

Approved Document B (fire safety) mandates the need for an “appropriate fire seal” that will last for the building’s lifetime.

However, no formal testing mechanism under the EN1366-3 standard or European Technical Assessment (ETA) exists specifically for movement within penetration seals, leading to this element often falling out of the scope of building design.

The new white paper, ‘Managing Movement: Accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping for penetration seals,’ examines the impact of movement on fire stopping, existing legislation, guidance on the issue, and FSi Promat’s engineered solution, along with the evaluation supporting it.

Insights from FSi Promat

Craig Abbott, Technical Director at FSi Promat, part of the Etex group, explained: “Service penetrations are part and parcel of construction and must be accommodated within passive fire protection utilising appropriate fire stopping systems.

“However, where movement is present in a building, it is essential that sufficient flexibility is built into this system to mitigate the effects of dynamic movement on the performance of the penetration seal.”

Abbott further emphasised the importance of early engagement with manufacturers to address issues such as movement effectively and ensure lifetime compliance.a

He stated: “The white paper details the work we have undertaken to successfully demonstrate how movement of +/- 25 per cent can be accommodated with the right fire stopping solution.”

Download the white paper

For more information about the impact of dynamic movement on fire stopping in penetration seals and to find a solution to maintain compliance, download the white paper here.

FSi Promat stresses movement considerations in fire safety at the Fire Safety Event

by Featured NewsPassive

Overview of FSi Promat’s presentation

FSi Promat is set to address the critical aspect of accommodating movement in passive fire protection during their presentation at this year’s Fire Safety Event.

The session will take place at the ASFP stage and is scheduled for 12 pm on Tuesday, April 30.

Paul Nash, Technical Manager at FSi Promat, together with David Roulstone, National Commercial and Marketing Manager, will delve into the effects of structural movements on the efficacy of fire stopping solutions.

Details of the event and participation

The presentation by FSi Promat forms a part of the ongoing efforts under the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) passive fire protection seminar programme.

This initiative aims to enhance awareness about the challenges posed by building movements to fire safety measures, potentially leading to non-compliance in dire scenarios.

Furthermore, the team will be available throughout the three-day event at stand 5/D115 to discuss practical solutions and demonstrate their third-party evaluated Flexi Coat solution.

Importance of compliant passive fire protection

David Roulstone emphasized the increased focus on stringent building safety measures following the Hackitt Review.

He noted: “The Fire Safety Event serves as an ideal platform to discuss both the challenges and solutions associated with designing and installing effective passive fire protection that performs as intended during a fire.”

He further stressed the necessity of ensuring continuous compliance of fire safety measures throughout the lifespan of a building, highlighting the potential damages like tears and cracks that can arise from ignoring structural movements.

Roulstone added: “It’s imperative to consider movement when specifying fire stopping.

“At FSi Promat, we demonstrate the significant role movement plays and our solutions, particularly focusing on our Flexi Coat solution.”

IFSJ Comment

The proactive approach taken by FSi Promat at the Fire Safety Event highlights the evolving understanding of fire safety challenges within the construction and safety sectors.

By addressing the impacts of structural movements on fire protection, FSi Promat is leading crucial discussions on ensuring long-term efficacy and compliance of fire safety systems.