Cavity Barriers
Cavity barriers are essential components of passive fire protection systems in buildings. They are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces or cavities within the building envelope. These cavities can include voids in walls, floors, ceilings, and roof assemblies, as well as spaces within cladding systems.
Their primary function is to compartmentalise concealed cavities, preventing the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. By restricting the movement of flames and hot gases, cavity barriers help to limit the extent of fire damage and provide additional time for occupants to evacuate safely.
Cavity barriers are often installed within building cavities that intersect or adjoin means of escape, such as stairwells, corridors, and service ducts. By containing fire and smoke within these cavities, barriers help maintain the integrity of escape routes, ensuring they remain clear and usable during a fire emergency. In addition to safeguarding occupants, cavity barriers help to protect the structural integrity of the building. By preventing the spread of fire through concealed cavities, barriers help to maintain the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, such as walls and floors.
