RAY BRENNAN, Managing Director, Seal Solutions, exclusive distributor of ARBO®, part of CARLISLE® Construction Materials, discusses the need for a fabric first approach to façade specification as part of improved building performance.

ARBOSHIELD Pro®

Cladding materials and insulation have come under scrutiny since the Grenfell disaster in London in 2017. As passive fire protection building design and construction practices in Ireland rely on the ability of the structure to contain fire, it’s important to consider the whole façade build-up when specifying fire safe facades.

Fire safety and performance

The ARBOSHIELD Pro Fire-Resistant Façade System is an extensive group of high performance products with Class A or B reaction to fire, and W1 resistance to water penetration developed for ease of installation and buildability.

Structural openings are one of the most vulnerable parts of any façade, and poor performance of the façade build-up or installation issues can compromise the airtightness, watertightness and fire safety of the whole façade. For this reason, the ARBOSHIELD Pro External Perimeter Class A Membrane (EPAM) has been developed to address these requirements by ensuring a neat, fire safe, compliant, and trusted installation on all window, door and façade interface sealing details.

Creating a watertight and airtight seal with certified fire resistance, the ARBOSHIELD Pro EPAM connects a concrete structural frame or steel frame to SFS sections and exceeds the current Building Control Regulations for a fire and weathertight seal, futureproofing the project. With a self-adhesive backing that bonds in temperatures as low as -40°C, it also provides a versatile and easy to use solution, which can also be used for applications as varied as weather sealing of parapet walls, and weatherproofing balcony details.

For projects where an EPDM façade membrane has been specified, the ARBO Easy Stick GS EPDM provides an airtight and waterproof membrane for around windows and structural openings. Naturally UV-resistant, permanently flexible, and resistant to extreme temperature variations, it provides a robust, long-term solution.

Sealing for success

Sealants also play an important role in façade performance. The complete range of ARBO sealants is available in Ireland from Seal Solutions, delivering a waterproof seal that acts as a barrier against moisture, air infiltration, dust, and other contaminants. They prevent water damage and thermal bridging, contributing to the overall longevity and energy efficiency of the façade.

ARBO’s extensive range of sealants includes the Arbosil range of silicone sealants, which are ideal for applications as varied as perimeter pointing of windows, cladding panels, and glass to glass joints and are available in a variety of colours to suit any project.

Meanwhile, the ARBO range of intumescent and fire resistant mastics and sealants can deliver safety, waterproofing and airtightness performance for expansion joints, glazing, windows and doors, and brick and blockwork.

The benefits of simplification

Selecting products designed to work together, developed for ease of installation, and proven to deliver performance can make a substantial difference to the safety, thermal efficiency, and longevity of the façade.

Seal Solutions, CARLISLE’S exclusive, authorised distributor for ARBO sealant and façade systems across the island of Ireland, supports the Irish construction industry with the complete ARBOSHIELD Pro range for high performance facades and ARBO sealants.

MD, Ray Brennan, brings more than 40 years’ experience in waterproofing and the building envelope industry to his role, ensuring contractors receive expert advice from Seal Solutions, as well as invaluable technical support from ARBO.

www.arbo.co.uk

About ARBO

ARBO is a UK manufacturer of sealants and façade systems for the construction sector.

Part of CARSLISLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, a global company specialising in innovative, high performance systems for the building envelope, ARBO is the first company to develop EPAM a self-adhesive Class A2 reaction to fire for façade buildups with a W1 water penetration resistance rating.

The exclusive, authorised distributor for CARLISLE®’s range of ARBO® façade and sealant solutions across the island of Ireland, Seal Solutions is led by Ray Brennan, a professional with 40 years of experience in waterproofing and the building envelope industry.

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