Wall systems are specified on the basis of their structural performance as well as fire, acoustics and thermal parameters. This is especially so when it comes to external walls on buildings and around boundaries; these walls require non-combustible insulation to reduce the fire risk, while delivering peaceful acoustics and thermal performance for occupant comfort.
Similarly, many internal walls in commercial and multi-residential buildings require enhanced acoustic and fire separation, while some also require a thermal rating.
Non-Combustible External Walls
Incorporating non-combustible elements such as insulation in high-rise external facades can prevent the vertical spread of fire. Conversely, if combustible insulation is used, the fire could potentially spread within a façade cavity unnoticed.
Acoustic performance of external walls is becoming a standard in project specifications, given the increasing construction near transport corridors. With NCC thermal performance requirements and increased stringency in fire performance, designers, engineers and builders are looking for standardised solutions for fire, acoustics and thermal insulation.
FRL Internal Walls
Fire and acoustic separation is also an important requirement in the internal walls of commercial and multi-residential buildings to ensure both occupant safety and comfort. Non-combustible insulation within separating walls combines acoustic performance with reduced risk of noxious gases spreading in the event of a fire, which in turn increases the chances of survival for evacuating occupants and first responders.
Some internal walls in buildings may also separate climate-controlled spaces from regular areas, therefore requiring thermal separation between them.
Non-Combustible Acoustic and Thermal Insulation
Bradford Acoustigard presents the ideal non-combustible insulation solution for external and internal walls, delivering enhanced fire, acoustics and thermal performance.
A non-combustible, glasswool fibre insulation, Acoustigard is specifically engineered to reduce mid to high range acoustic transmission in walls and ceilings.
Key features of CSR Bradford Acoustigard include choice of varying densities allowing acoustic and thermal performance to be tuned to suit project requirements; varying thicknesses up to 90mm and densities up to 32 kg/m³, delivering up to R2.7 added insulation to the total wall thermal performance; and ability to retain form without slumping in the cavity, eliminating the risk of voids in walls and maintaining acoustic and thermal performance well into the future.
Technical Project Support
The Bradford DesignSmart team utilises their wealth of construction experience and industry-leading building science research for acoustic, thermal and fire insulation products to provide project-specific support; value engineering; specification documentation; system design detailing; and product installation and certification.
