Linear Joint Seals - Fire resistance testing and product development

Linear joints between construction components, such as walls and floors, are often found within buildings, perhaps to allow for relative structural movement or because of build tolerances. Where these occur between fire resisting elements it is essential that the base fire performance, and hence compartmentation, is not compromised.

The required fire performance in terms of Integrity and Insulation, for any given situation will be dictated by the presiding building code/legislation, which will also define the relevant test standard against which the conformity assessment must be made. Cambridge Fire Research (CFR) is able to conduct UKAS accredited fire tests to all major European and US standards on linear joint seals as listed below.

Any design and test guidance within the standard should be strictly followed to ensure that compliance is achieved, together with the widest field of application. Dependent on the result in test some standards will offer an automatic extension to scope of the tested design. Otherwise increased scope may be obtained by product assessment. For further guidance on this process please consult CFR. As an Approved Body, CFR test evidence can be used for the purposes of UKCA marking and 3rd-party approval. CFR tests are also recognised for UL certification.