Mark Halliday, Head of Technical at ARBO®, part of CARLISLE® Construction Materials, discusses a fabric first approach to façade specification as part of improved building performance
Buildings account for 40% of global carbon emissions; a figure set to double by 2050. A performance-led approach to design and building fabric specification are part of the solution.
Fire safety and performance
Changes to the Building Safety Act (BSA) now require whole project teams to prioritise functionality, buildability, and sustainability.
CARLISLE® prioritised those principles when developing the ARBOSHIELD Pro® Fire-Resistant Façade System – a group of products with Class A or B reaction to fire, and W1 resistance to water penetration.
Correctly specifying and installing products is essential to ensure performance. That’s why the ARBOSHIELD Pro® range has been developed for ease of installation and buildability, with technical and on site support for specifiers and installers.
Performance in detail
Poor performance or installation at structural openings can compromise the airtightness, watertightness and fire safety of the whole façade. Rigorously-tested and compliant systems, that combine performance with ease of installation, 
are essential.
The ARBOSHIELD Pro® External Perimeter Class A Membrane (EPAM) ensures a neat, fire safe, compliant, and trusted installation on all structural openings.
Creating a watertight and airtight seal with certified fire resistance, the ARBOSHIELD Pro® EPAM connects a concrete structural frame or steel frame to SFS sections and exceeds the current Building Regulation and Approved Document B requirements for a fire and weathertight seal that bonds even in -40°C temperatures, futureproofing the project.
ARBO offers a range of sealing solutions, including pasted EPDM, butyl-backed Easy-Stick, Class B FR-RS fire tape, and EPAM. These options cater to diverse EPDM and façade opening sealing and interface requirements based on project criteria.
Sealing for success
Sealants are the unsung hero of façade specification, protecting a building’s structure and aesthetics by preventing water damage and thermal bridging.
ARBO’s sealants, in various colours, are ideal for applications including perimeter pointing, cladding panels and glass-to-glass joints. Where fire safety is essential, the ARBO range of intumescent and fire-resistant mastics and sealants can deliver safety, waterproofing and airtightness performance for expansion joints, glazing, windows and doors, and brick and blockwork.
The benefits of simplification
Selecting products designed to work together, developed for ease of installation, and proven to deliver performance can make a substantial difference to the safety, thermal efficiency, and longevity of the façade.
Please visit: www.arbo.co.uk