There are various building regulations and codes in which cavity wall closers play a part.
The primary roles of cavity closers are categorised into three key areas:
- Reducing heat loss
- Preventing water ingress
- Improving fire safety
Cavity closers are important in ensuring the finished wall or structure meets minimum requirements in these areas.
Reducing Heat Loss
The reduction of heat loss in buildings is one of the most important things to consider, particularly for modern builds. With the eco-friendliness of buildings increasingly critical, buildings need to be well insulated, without any gaps where heat can escape.
Building regulation Part L (conservation of fuel and power) covers various parts of the build where energy can be lost. To comply with modern standards, you need to ensure you’ve taken the necessary steps to insulate the building at its weakest points.
Cavity closers are a really effective way to eliminate cold bridging around doors and windows. By including cavity closers in your build, you’ll be providing increased insulation in the areas that need it most.
Preventing Water Ingress
A minimum expectation from any building is that it protects what’s inside from moisture and damp. However, this can be an all-too-common problem.
Building regulations Part C outlines how builders must take steps to ensure buildings are protected from both water and weather damage. Similar to issues around insulation, the problem areas in this regard can often be around doors and windows if they’re not adequately protected.
A cavity closer is a fantastic deterrent against damp when used alongside other protections. By providing a barrier between the wall leaves, it can protect from water ingress, helping to eliminate damp.
Protection from Fire
One of the most important things to consider for any cavity wall is its fire protection. Cavities can act as chimneys during the event of a fire, so it’s important they have the right level of protection.
Building regulations part B (Fire Safety) outlines precautions that must be adhered to in dwellings and other buildings to protect occupants from potential fires and also provide a means of escape (and entry for firefighters) if one were to occur.
Specific fire-rated cavity closers can provide additional protection in this area. Cavity closers can act as a way of slowing a fire moving through the cavity wall, offering extra time for occupants and firefighters.
Regular cavity closers can offer some element of fire protection, but this isn’t as much as a fire-rated alternative.
Do You Need a Cavity Closer?
We would always recommend including a cavity closer where possible, as they provide a range of benefits that will improve the longevity and performance of the building. They can be an invaluable part of cavity wall construction, helping the structure as a whole meet many of the requirements listed above.
Here at Fastbuild, you will find everything you need for your next job at great trade prices! With a range of cavity wall products available, including our thermal cavity closer, why not take a look at our range today?
