Inside out

REHAU is advising that contractors consider fire safety regulations more closely alongside acoustic performance when specifying soil and waste drainage solutions for high-rise developments.

With internal building services such as soil and waste drainage systems constituting vital parts of a high-rise development, careful selection of materials and systems can play a key role in preventing fire from spreading through pipework. Though building fire safety and acoustic performance standards are detailed separately in the Building Regulations as part of Approved document B and E, a clear link between both is not set out. Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions said: “With acoustic soil and waste drainage systems, many contractors still regard acoustic performance and fire safety regulations as separate concerns. Yet by considering these factors together and specifying drainage solutions with correctly-installed fire collars, contractors can offer a further line of defence against fire without compromising on acoustic performance.”

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