The Use of Beech Hardwood in 60 Minute Fire Door Assemblies

News: The Use of Beech Hardwood in 60 Minute Fire Door Assemblies

The Intumescent Fire Seals Association (IFSA) is aware that doubts have been cast on the fire performance to be expected from Beech hardwood when incorporated in 60 minute fire door assemblies, in the form of frames, lippings or glazing beads.

It is the experience of IFSA members that there is variability in timber, door leaf manufacture, workmanship and installation practices that can affect the performance of most door assemblies, regardless of the species of hardwoods incorporated.

Intumescent seals have been proven to make a positive impact upon the performance of timber based constructions, including door assemblies, and IFSA is furthermore aware that Beech frames, lippings and glazing beads have been included in some 60 minute door assemblies, with positive results, using member companies’ intumescent systems.

IFSA does not support proposed rules restricting the use of particular timbers, as this does not take into account the interaction of materials that are present within door assemblies, not least the proven benefit of intumescent materials. Future innovation would furthermore be stifled. Throughout the industry, the fire resistance of products is determined solely by evaluation of their performance against agreed testing procedures, and this is an approach that is fully embraced by IFSA.

Intumescent Fire Seals Association:

Tel: +44 (0) 1844 276928
Fax: +44 (0) 1844 274002
E-mail: contactus@ifsa.org.uk
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CE Marking of Fire Resisting Doorsets – Update

News: CE Marking of Fire Resisting Doorsets – Update

The Harmonised European Product Standard for fire resisting doorsets (EN 16034) was published in October 2014, completing the group of EN documents which relate to the CE marking of fire resisting doorsets within the scope of the Construction Products Regulations that apply to all member states of the EU. The CE Marking of all construction products is mandatory under European Regulation 305/2011 (Construction Product Regulation) for all products for which there is a harmonised product standard.

The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) C378 Volume 6, dated 13 November 2015, includes the citation of EN 16034 and states that it will be a harmonised standard from 1 September 2016. The citation of EN 16034 also states that the coexistence period, where CE Marking of doorsets is voluntary, ends on 1 September 2019. CE marking of fire resisting doorsets will thus become mandatory during the current validity period of this report.

Under EN 16034 only configurations defined as ‘doorsets’ are able to be CE Marked. The definition and requirements of doorsets as defined for the purpose of CE Marking is complex and the Notified Certification Body (NCB) should be consulted regarding your particular situation. A NCB can start the process of attesting conformity of doorsets now and this is advised given the likely pressure on testing facilities.

For more information click on the following link http://www.ifccertification.com/ce-marking.html

Further guidance may also be sought from the Intumescent Fire Seals Association:

Tel: +44 (0) 1844 276928
Fax: +44 (0) 1844 274002
E-mail: contactus@ifsa.org.uk
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