When it comes to protecting buildings from the devastating effects of fire, the quality and effectiveness of fire stopping systems are paramount. One key area often overlooked is the junction between adjoining party walls, where cavities can allow smoke and flames to spread unchecked. Fortunately, the ARC Masonry Party Wall System offers a cutting-edge solution to this problem, ensuring greater safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.
In this post, we’ll dive into the key features and benefits of the ARC Masonry Party Wall System, and why it’s an essential product for modern masonry construction projects.
What is the ARC Masonry Party Wall System?
The ARC Masonry Party Wall System is a highly effective fire stopping solution designed to prevent the spread of smoke and flames through hidden cavities in masonry party walls. It is composed of nine complementary products, each designed to work seamlessly together to provide a robust barrier against fire.
By sealing critical gaps and junctions within the wall, the system plays a crucial role in preventing fire from spreading between adjoining properties. The system is suitable for both new builds and refurbishment projects, providing long term peace of mind for property owners, builders, and developers alike.
Key Benefits of the ARC Masonry Party Wall System
1. Fire Integrity Beyond the Standards
The ARC Masonry Party Wall System is designed to exceed the fire integrity requirements outlined in the Approved Document B (ADB). This means the system not only meets but often surpasses the minimum standards set for fire safety in party wall constructions.
Additionally, the system is fully compliant with NHBC Chapter 7.2, ensuring that junctions between roofs and compartment or separating walls resist fire spread effectively. As fire regulations continue to evolve, the ARC system also supports compliance with the latest 2024 NHBC guidance, keeping your projects up to date with changing fire safety requirements.
2. Third-Party Certification for Peace of Mind
Trust is crucial when it comes to fire safety, and the ARC Masonry Party Wall System is third-party certified by IFC. This certification confirms that the system has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it performs as advertised, providing builders and developers with the confidence they need to specify the product on their projects.
3. Highly Effective Fire-Stopping
Unlike conventional fire-stopping solutions, which can often be ineffective or difficult to install, the ARC system offers three times the edge sealing effectiveness. This significant improvement ensures that smoke and flames are contained within the cavity and prevents them from spreading through adjacent walls, keeping occupants safe and minimising fire damage.
4. Enhanced Heat Loss Prevention
Fire protection isn’t the only benefit of the ARC Masonry Party Wall System. The system’s innovative design also addresses thermal efficiency, helping to reduce heat loss at critical junctions within the party wall. This is particularly important in terraced housing, where heat loss can be particularly pronounced around party wall cavities.
5. Improved Sound Insulation
In addition to its fire and thermal benefits, the ARC Masonry Party Wall System also reduces sound transmission between adjoining dwellings. This is especially important in urban environments, where noise pollution can be a significant concern. The system helps to minimise noise transfer through the party wall cavity, contributing to a more peaceful living environment for residents.
6. Simplified Installation
The ARC Masonry Party Wall System is designed for simplified installation, making it quicker and easier to fit compared to conventional fire-stopping solutions. This not only reduces labour costs but also ensures a higher quality of installation, minimising the risk of errors or gaps that could compromise the system’s effectiveness.
The ARC Masonry Party Wall System consists of
The ARC T-Barrier Foundation is designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic break at the junction between the external cavity and the party wall cavity at foundation level.
ARC Cavity Stop Sock restricts the spread of smoke and flames within the cavity of external masonry walls.
The ARC T-Barrier is designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic break at the junction between the external cavity and the party wall cavity.
The ARC T-Barrier Pitched Roof is designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic barrier between the top of the party wall blockwork and the underslaters felt.
Designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic break at the party wall between the roof tiles and roof membrane.
ARC Soffit Slab is designed to fill the void within the soffit, providing a fire, thermal and acoustic barrier between dwellings.
ARC Spandrel Barrier seals the top of the party wall cavity, allowing a zero U-value to be achieved when used in conjunction with ARC T-Barrier vertically.
ARC U-Barrier is compressed between the top of the spandrel panel and underside of the roof covering, creating a fire and thermal break.
Ensure your construction projects are safe, compliant, and built to the highest standards. Discover how the ARC Masonry Party Wall System can provide unparalleled fire protection, thermal efficiency, and sound insulation for your builds.
Contact our team today to discuss how this innovative system can enhance your project’s safety and performance.
Request a quote now or visit our website to learn more about the full range of ARC products and their benefits for modern masonry construction.
Oh and go directly to our section on the ARC Masonry Party Wall System here: Click Here
Gilmore Building Supplies – West Midlands.
