Despite the growing popularity of PVC outerframes for use with composite doors, where a 30 minute fire door rating is required, specifiers and installers have until now usually had to resort to using either hardwood or metal outerframes. Sheerframe’s fire rating test success, however, offers a new perspective on the combination of materials used to create fire rated doorsets and means that a PVC outerframe can now be used safely in applications such as main doors to apartment blocks.
Using its 20 years experience in PVC framing materials for composite doors, L.B. Plastics has been able to achieve this 30 minute fire rating using standard Sheerframe products with only a few easy-to-apply additional components. This means fabricators can incorporate the manufacture of fire rated outerframes into their standard production process.
L.B. Plastics’ product director David Strang says: “Reaching this fire performance standard on this suite of Sheerframe products is a major breakthrough and has significant implications for how 30 minute fire rated doorsets can be created.
More than 12 months of work went into the product development programme but we were confident from the outset that we had the expertise to achieve our goal.”
Sheerframe meets the fire door standard
The Sheerframe fire rated outerframe offers some significant advantages compared to timber and metal alternatives. Unlike timber, PVC does not support combustion, but it also delivers major thermal, weather performance and maintenance benefits over both timber and metal. It is also significantly more ecologically sound than the tropical hardwoods often used for this application.
“We believe the fire rated Sheerframe outerframe will appeal particularly to public sector specifiers and housebuilders who are increasingly turning to the PVC framed composite door,” continues David. “This should give door makers using the L.B. Plastics system a major commercial advantage.”
In tests completed recently at UKAS approved laboratory BPB, 30 minute approval was granted on Sheerframe outerframes used in combination with composite doors. Passing the tests means the PVC outerframe meets the standard required by BS476: Part 22 1987 - the British Standard relating to the fire resistance of elements used in construction. This is required by Part B of the Building Regulations where doors are within the cavity barrier for example or affording access to an external escape route.
For further information on the 30 minute fire rated Sheerframe outerframe for composite doors, telephone L.B. Plastics on 01773 852311 or visit "http://www.sheerframe.co.uk" www.sheerframe.co.uk.
For further Composite Security Doorset information, please contact:
Performance Doorset Solutions Ltd
Tel: 01706 - 370001
Fax: 01706 - 370002
Email: paul@pdsdoorsets.co.uk |
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