Spec Finish

Technical 12 www.thefis.org the proposed detail problematic or inapplicable. This commonly occurs at the head and base of walls, where the mid-point section drawings, commonly provided, often offer insufficient detail to define these connections. In relation to the provision of interface details, the design information provided should reflect the site conditions. Movement at the interface should be considered in accordance with the specification and building structural requirements, and this should be allowed for, whilst ensuring that the specified structural, fire, acoustic and thermal performances aremaintained. Interface materials It is essential to consider how the drylining system is connected and also consider the suitability of any interfacing materials in conjunction with the drylining. In many instances, testing of an interface arrangement is not possible under BS/EN Standards for testing, however, evidence of suitability should be provided for any products/material arrangement used within the interface construction and further assessment considered to address bespoke connections. This will include connections with cavity barriers, intumescent materials, fire dampers and any other interfacing trade works or installations. All too often, practical design application is left to the installer to resolve, typically at a stage where there is limited opportunity to introduce changes to structure or setting out. Aside from the increased potential for programme delays or reworking, this can also result in significant, and often undesired, changes to the design intent being required. Where the specialist works contractor has priced from tender package information, excluding site specific interface detailing, unforeseen costs can result, which can usually be avoided by early identification and resolution of individual site requirements. The fire performance capability of a wall is only as good as its weakest point. As an industry, our focus should not only be on enhancing installation quality, but also ensuring that the information provided, upon which we judge our installation On the face of it, specifying drylining seems simple enough; consider the look, performance and cost, and there it is. FIS LAUNCHES SPECIFIERS GUIDE FOR DRYLINING I F only it were that simple there would not be cases where evidence of fire compartmentation could fail, or fail to perform, because the issue wasn’t apparent during the specification process. This FIS specifiers guide for drylining, which is the third in the series of guides, is designed to help specifiers and designers understand the questions that should be addressed before the specification can be produced, how the specification should be structured and which standards should be referenced. Delivering quality and detail first time A well written specification not only ensures the installation meets the client’s requirements, but it also means the specifier’s requirements are less open to interpretation, which is key for the whole supply chain if they are going to deliver the quality and detail first time, on time. This FIS specifiers guide ( www.thefis. org/membership-hub/publications/ specifiers-guides/drylining /) includes top tips when specifying drylining as well as reference material to regulations for safety, fire performance and standards. FIS plans to have CPD material to accompany the guide later in the year. All too often, practical design application is left to the installer to resolve, typically at a stage where there is limited opportunity to introduce changes to structure or setting out. Details of these specialist advisors can be found here www.thefis.org/member-directory/?businesstype=service-provider Personalise the guide Members can apply to have their logo on the guide for use when talking with specifiers by emailing joecilia@thefis.org Technical