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Failed Cavity Barriers

From investigation and assessment to effective façade remediation

Defective cavity barriers can compromise the fire performance of an external wall system. Barriers may be missing, incorrectly positioned, damaged or poorly installed, often within concealed areas of the façade.

Establishing the existing construction is therefore an important first step before determining the appropriate remedial approach.

Speak to a Façade Remediation Specialist

What Are Cavity Barriers?

Cavity barriers are designed to restrict the movement of fire and smoke through concealed cavities.

Their position and construction depend on the external wall system.

They can interact with:

  • Cladding
  • Insulation
  • Cavities
  • Floor slabs
  • Compartment walls
  • Windows
  • Curtain walling
  • Fire stopping
  • Other façade interfaces

How Are Failed Cavity Barriers Investigated?

Because cavity barriers are generally concealed, visual inspection alone may not establish their condition.

Investigation may involve:

  • Reviewing existing drawings and reports
  • Visual inspection
  • Targeted opening-up
  • Examination of barrier locations and interfaces
  • Assessment of cladding, insulation and cavity construction

Our dedicated survey team, Trident Facades Surveys, can undertake intrusive façade investigations to establish existing construction and investigate concealed components.

Common Cavity Barrier Defects

Defects can include:

  • Missing barriers
  • Incorrect positioning
  • Gaps or incomplete installation
  • Damaged barriers
  • Poor installation
  • Incorrect components
  • Displacement
  • Defective interfaces

Cavity Barrier Remediation

Where defective cavity barriers are identified, remediation may involve:

  • Installing missing barriers
  • Replacing defective barriers
  • Repairing damaged sections
  • Closing gaps
  • Remediating interfaces
  • Coordinating barriers with insulation
  • Coordinating barriers with cladding
  • Associated fire-stopping works

See our Cavity Barrier Remediation Services.

Cavity Barriers And Wider Façade Remediation

Cavity barrier defects can form part of a wider external wall problem. Investigation may therefore identify associated issues with cladding, insulation, fire stopping or other façade components.

Where cladding is removed, concealed cavity barriers can also become accessible for inspection and remediation.

Investigation → Assessment → Strategy → Design → Remediation

Talk to Trident Facades about failed cavity barriers.

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