IE51693B1 - A fire and smoke barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire barrier (1) for sealing a gap between a dividing wall (2) and a roof of a building prevents the spread of fire and smoke through the gap. The barrier comprises a body of channel section having side webs (12) for securing to the dividing wall (2). A gasket (17) is secured in a fixing groove (16) so as to abut the tiles to seal a gap (3). A fire break member (30) is provided to join tiling laths (8) where portions have been removed to prevent the spread of fire. Other fire break members to prevent the spread of fire across other structural members of the building are provided, e.g. a channel section 70 interconnects roof ridge portions 71 and includes an internal plate 74 for separating adjacent ends of the ridge portions 71.

Description

The present invention relates to a fire barrier, and in particular to a fire barrier for preventing the spread of fire and smoke across gaps between a pair of structural members in a building, for example, between a dividing wall, and the roof of the building. It also relates to a fire break member for joining two flammable members in a building, for example, roofing laths or ridge members adjacent to each wall to prevent the spread of fire through the members across the dividing wall.

In many instances in buildings, when structural members of the building are joined, for various reasons , gaps are left between the structural members . Should a fire occur i n the building, the fire and smoke rapidly spread from one area of the building to another throug h these gaps.

This is a particular problem in terraced and semi-detached houses. Because of the constructional techniques used, the dividing walls separating the houses, in general do not actually abut the roof. Accordingly, a gap is left between the top of the dividing wall and the roof through which fire and smoke can readily spread. In fact, even with the best constructional techniques, it is generally impossible to achieve a fire -and smoke tight joint between the dividing wall and the roof.

Indeed, the spread-of smoke in many instances is evena greater problem than the spread of fire since very often people -3are rendered unconscious by the smoke, thus preventing them from escaping from a subsequent fire. There is therefore a need for a fire barrier which will prevent the spread of fire and smoke in buildings.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a fire and smoke barrier.

According to the invention there is provided a fire barrier for sealing a gap between two structural members of a building, the barrier comprising an elongated body member of fire resistant material for mounting on one structural member, the body member comprising a side member extending outwardly from one face of the body member and longitudinally along the face to abut a side face of the structural member, and an elongated flexible fire resistant sealing member mounted on and extending outwardly from an opposite face of the body member so that the sealing member extends across the gap to abut the other structural member to form a seal.

Preferably, the fire barrier has a pair of side members which extend from each side of the body member to embrace the structural member.

In one embodiment of the invention the body member is adapted for mounting on top of a dividing wall dividing two areas of the building, and the sealing member extends to abut the roof to seal the gap between the top of the wall and the roof. -4Advantageously, the body member is an elongated member of channel shape, having a pair of side webs joined by a connecting web, the side webs forming the side member, and the connecting web having an outwardly facing elongated longitudinal fixing groove of a substantially channel shape from which the sealing member projects.

Furthermore, the invention provides a fire barrier mounted in a gap between two structural members which includes a fire break member to join adjacent ends of a pair of flammable members which extend substantially transversely of the gap to prevent the spread of fire from one of said flammable member to the other, the fire break member comprising an elongated member, of fire resistant material each end of which being adapted to engage one of the said flammable members.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fire barrier according to the invention, -510 Fig. 2 is a partly sectional, perspective view of portion of the fire barrier of Fig. 1 mounted on a dividing wall of a building, Fig. 3 is a side view of the barrier of Fig. 1 also shown mounted on the dividing wall, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of portion of the fire barrier of Fig. 1, also on the dividing wall, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of portion of a roof incorporating the fire barrier of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a partly completed roof incorporating the fire barrier of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fire break member according to the invention, Fie. 8 is a perspective view of a fire break member according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fire break menber according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. . 10 is a according to 20 shown mounted Fig. 11 is a for use w i t h Fig. 12 i s a Fig. 4, and 25 Fig. 13 is a according to Fig. 14 is a ' according to a further embodiment of the invention. -6Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 6 thereof there is provided a fire barrier according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1.

In Figs. 2 to 6 the barrier 1 is shown mounted on the top of a dividing wall 2 which divides two houses of a terrace of houses. The barrier 1 extends the length of the wall 2 on both sides of the apex thereof and seals a gap 3 between the top of the wall 2 and the roofing tiles 5 to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one house 10 to the next. Roofing rafters 6, roofing felt 7 and tiling laths 8 of the roof are shown in Fig. 2.

The fire barrier 1 includes a body member of channel section cold-rolled from sheet metal, having a pair of side webs 12 joined by a connecting web 13. The side webs 12 are adapted to embrace the sides of the dividing wall 2 and are secured thereto. A secondary outwardly facing channel 14 is formed in the connecting web 13 also by cold rolling. A fixing member 15 also of channel section cold rolled from sheet metal is mounted in the secondary channel 14 by means of spot welding. The fixing member 15 forms an outwardly facing fixing groove 16 in which is mounted a sealing member 17 of fire resistant flexible material, in this case a material sold under the Trade name Rockwool. The sealing member 17 extends from the fixing groove lb to abut the tiles 5 (see Fig. 2), thereby, forming an effective fire and smoke barrier between dividing wall 2 and the tiles 5 of the roof. It will be appreciated -7that because the sealing member is of Rockwool, which is a material formed by flexible fibres, the tiles can be pressed down against the Rockwool or vica versa causing the free ends of the Rockwool to deflect outwardly, thereby ensuring an effective seal between the sealing member 17 and the tiles 5.

Two further drain grooves 18 are formed in the secondary channel 14 of the connecting web 13 by side webs 19 of the secondary channel and side webs 20 of the fixing member. The drain grooves 18 receive the free ends of the roofing felt 7 as shown in Fig. 2 and also drain away any water which may leak through the tiles adjacent to the divided wall. It will be appreciated that because the roofing felt is an inflammable material it must be divided adjacent to each side of the wall to prevent the spread of fire through the felt.

A portion of each side web 12 is removed at 23 to accommodate the front and rear walls 24 of the house, see Fig. 3. Needless to say, the fire barrier may be sold in any suitable or desired lengths and the portion removed at 23 could in fact, be removed on site if so desired.

In use, the barrier is mounted on top of the dividing wall 2 as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6. As an added precaution to prevent the possibility of the spread of smoke and fire between the barrier 1 and the top of the wall 2 an additional -8sealing member 21 also of Rockwool is mounted on top of the dividing wall 2 beneath the connecting web 13. This is clearly illustrated in Fig. 2.

In order to reduce still further, the risk of fire spreading across the dividing wall 2, fire break members according to the invention are provided to join timber members which span the dividing wall 2.

Referring to Fig. 2 a fire break member 30 is provided to replace portion of each lath 8 removed above the barrier 1.

The member 30 includes an elongated member 31 of steel material, each end 32 of which defines the cross section of the laths, and engage adjacent ends of each lath. The ends 32 are secured to the laths by nails 33. A fire resistant member, in this case formed by a portion 34 of the elongated member 31 intermediate the ends 32 prevents the spread of fire through the laths 8 across the dividing wall, 2, and also, in this case, acts as a support for the tiles 5.

Fig. 7 illustrates a fire break member 40 according to another embodiment of the invention, this time for mounting on a facia board 41 of the terraced houses, to prevent the spread of fire along and through the facia board adjacent the wall 2. The fire break 40 is illustrated mounted on the facia board in Figs. 5 and 6. The fire break 40 includes an elongated plate member 42. -ΘΑ fire resistant member 44 also of steel projects normal from the plate member 42 and engages a saw cut which is formed through the facia board 41. Holes 46 are provided for securing the member 40 to the facia board 41. Accordingly, the fire break engages the adjacent ends of the facia board 41 and the fire resistant member 44 prevents the spread of fire through the facia board. A notch 45 is removed from the member 40 to accommodate the drain grooves 18 of the barrier 1 on passing through the facia board 41 to drain into a gutter 47, see in particular Figs. 3, 5 and 6.

Fig. 8 illustrates a fire break 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. This particular member is adapted for mounting on a soffit board 51 of the houses adjacent to the dividing wall 2 beneath the fire barrier 1. The member 50 comprises an elongated steel plate 52 which abuts the soffit 51 and a fire resistant plate member 53 which engages a saw cut in the soffit 51 to prevent the spread of fire through the soffit. Holes 54 are provided in the plate 52 for securing the fire break member 50 to the soffit 51. Additional ventilating holes 55 are also provided in the plate 52. Corresponding ventilating holes may be provided in the soffit board 51 for ventilating the attic space. A further advantage of having the ventilating holes is that they will allow smoke to exit from the attic in case of a fire, thereby alerting passers-by to the fire.

Fig. 9 shows another fire break member 60 for mounting on the wall plate 61 of the houses where it crosses the dividing wall 2 adjacent the fire barrier 1. This member -10comprises an elongated steel plate 62 with side member 63 which embrace the wall plate 61. A fire resistant plate 64 normal to the plate 62 engages a saw cut formed in the wall plate 61 to prevent the spread of fire through the wall plate 61. Holes 65 are provided to secure the member 60.

Another fire break member 70 is illustrated in Fig. 10.

This member 70 is adapted for mounting on a ridge member 71 where it passes over the dividing wall 2. The member 70 includes an elongated plate member 72 of steel and side members 73 which engage the ridge member 71. A fire resistant plate 74 also of steel material projects through a saw cut in the ridge member to prevent the spread of fire through the ridge member 71. Holes 75 are provided for securing the member 70 to the ridge 71.

In order to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through a cavity 80 formed between the facia board 41 the soffit board 51 the wall plate 61 and the fire barrier 1, a further barrier member, a fire break block 81 is provided to seal the cavity 30. The block 81 is shown in Fig. Π.

The block 81 is illustrated mounted in the cavity 80 in Fig. 12 and also shown in broken lines in Fig. 4. The member 81 comprises a plurality of layers 82 of Rockwool material which are bonded together. The layers 32, however, may be easily peeled apart to adjust the depth of the block so that a block of any desired depthmay be readily and -11easily obtained. A layer 82 being peeled away from the remainder of the block 81 is illustrated by broken lines in Fig. 11.

A pair of slots 83 is provided in the block 81 to engage the fire resistant plate members 44 and 53 of the facia and the soffit board fire break members 40 and 50 respectively.

Thereby, this prevents the passage of fire and smoke through the cavity 80.

In use, when the dividing wall 2 of the house is built up to roof 1 evel. The layer 21 of Rockwool is positioned and the fire barrier 1 is mounted on top of the wall 2 as described. The roof is then constructed and saw cuts are formed in the wall plates 61, ridge member 71 and subsequently in the facia and soffit board 41 and 51 respectively. The roofing felt 7 is then laid across the rafters 6 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The free ends of the felt 7 terminate in the drain grooves 18 also as illustrated in Fig. 2. The roofing laths terminating on each side of the dividing wall 2 are joined by the fire break members 30.

The fire break member 70 is then secured to the ridge member 71 and the fire break member 60 is secured to the wall plate 61. The block 81 is secured in the cavity 80 and the fire break members 40 and 50 are secured in the facia board and the soffit board respectively so that the fire resistant plates 44 and 53 projects through the respective boards 41 and 51 -12to engage the slots 83 in the block 81.

The tiles are then laid on the roof and secured. A good seal between the sealing member 17 and the tiles 5 is formed by moving the fire barrier 1 upwardly on the wall 2 to ensure that the sealing member 17 securely abuts the tiles 5. The side webs 12 are then secured to the wall 2 by masonry bolts or nails or both. It will be appreciated that because of the flexibility of the sealing member 17, the sealing member is able to accommodate step changes in the width of the gap as a result of the overlapping of the tiles, and also is able to accommodate the fire break members 30.

Referring now to Fig. 13 there is illustrated a fire barrier according to another embodiment of the invention. This barrier is substantially similar to the barrier 1 already described, and like components are identified by the same reference numeral. In this embodiment of the invention the fixing groove 16 for the sealing member 17 is formed in the connecting web 13 by cold rolling. Similarly, draining grooves 18 are also formed by the cold rolling in the web 13. Ar. additional feature of this barrier is that two further inwardly facing grooves 102 are provided one on each side web 12 to accommodate further sealing members 103. The sealing members 103 are also of Rockwool and project from the grooves 102 to abut the sides of the wall 2. This it will be appreciated ensures that smoke and fire cannot -13pass between the barrier 1 and the wall 2, Essentially, this eliminates the need for the additional sealing member 21 which is illustrated in Fig. 1.

A fire barrier according to a further embodiment of the 5 invention is illustrated in Fig. 14. This fire barrier is substantially similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, and similar parts are identified by the same reference numeral. This fire barrier is also manufactured from sheet metal and is formed by cold rolling. It also comprises a secondary channel 14, however, the essential difference between this barrier and that illustrated in Fig. 1 is that the side webs 19 forming the secondary channel are inclined at an angle of approximately 45°. The inclination of the side webs 19 accommodates the forming of the body member.

All the fire barriers and fire break members just described are manufactured from steel or sheet metal, and are subsequently galvanised to avoid corrosion. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that they could be manufactured from other fire resistant materials if desired, and similarly, if desired the galvanising could be omitted.

The advantages of the present invention are many. As well as preventing the spread of fire and smoke from one house to its adjoining house, the fire barrier and in particular the fire -14break member also retard and in many cases prevent the spread of dry rot from one house to the next. Additionally, the invention facilitates house maintainence. For example, where a facia board or soffit board has to be replaced on one house only, this can now readily easily be done, since the soffit and facia board are cut through adjacent the dividing wall to accommodate the fire resistant plates 44 and 53. Similarly, in the case where a lath has to be replaced, this can also be done without effecting the neighbouring house.

A further advantage of the invention is that it provides ventilation into the attic. In cases where ventilating holes are provided in the soffit board to correspond with the ventilating holes 55 in the fire break member 50, direct ventilation into the attic is provided. Additionally, the fire barrier accommodates roof settlement. It will be appreciated, that because the sealing member 17 is flexible, if there is any settlement of the roof relative to the dividing wall 2, this is accommodated by the sealing member 17. It will be appreciated that the sealing member 17 will deform to accommodate the settlement. This overcomes the problem in some existing structures where roof settlement takes place the portions of the roof over the dividing walls are supported on the dividing walls, while the portions spanning between the dividing walls sag. A further advantage of the invention is that it improves the sound proofing between attic areas of adjoining houses.

Although the fire barrier and fire break members have been described for use in a house under construction, it will be appreciated that they could also be used in a house which has been constructed. In which case the tiles above the dividing wall would be removed from the roof and the -15laths cut to terminate on either side of the dividing wall. The fire barrier and fire break members would then be fitted as already described. Needless to say, the slots in the respective members to accommodate the fire resistant plate of each member would have to be provided so that the fire break member could be mounted.

Although, fire barriers and fire break members have been described for use in the terrace of houses, it is envisaged that in certain cases only a fire barrier may be used, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the fire barrier and fire break members could be used in a semi-detached house or in any other building. Indeed, it is envisaged that the fire barrier could be used in other applications besides sealing a gap between a dividing wall and a roof, for example, a gap between walls, a gap between other structural members or the like.

Needless to say, it will be appreciated that although the fire barrier has been described as having a body member of 51683 -16channel section, the body member could be of any suitable section. For example, it may comprise a flat plate member provided it has a side member extending outwardly from one face, to abut a side face of a structural member, and a fixing groove for a sealing member. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the sealing members could be manufactured from fire resistant materials other than Rockwool. For example, they could be of an asbestos fibre material.

It is envisaged that the fire break member for joining the adjacent ends of the laths instead of being formed in one piece could be formed in two longitudinal sections, one of which telescopes into the other for adjustment to accommodate varying widths of dividing walls. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that fire break members of other shapes and constructions could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is further envisaged that in certain cases the fire barrier 1 could be mounted on top of the wall without the need for the additional sealing member 21. It is believed that where the top surface of the dividing wall is sufficiently smooth adequate sealing between the body member of the fire barrier -17and the top wall would be achieved without the need for the additional sealing member.

It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the fire break members for the soffit and facia boards have been illustrated mounted on the outer surface of the respective boards, they could equally well be mounted on the inner side without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore it will be appreciated that although the fire 10 barrier has been described as having drain grooves, these are not necessary and in certain cases may be left out without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A fire barrier for sealing a gap between two structural members of a building, the barrier comprising an elongate body member of fire resistant material for 5 mounting on one structural member, the body member comprising a side member extending outwardly from one face of the body member and longitudinally along the face to abut a side face of the structural member, and an elongate flexible fire resistant sealing member mounted 10 on and extending outwardly from an opposite face of the body member so that the sealing member extends across the gap to abut the other structural member to form a seal.

2. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 1 in which a 15 pair of side members extend from each side of the body member to embrace the structural member.

3. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 2 in which the body member is an elongate member of channel shape, having a pair of side webs joined by a connecting web, 20 the side webs forming the side member, and the connecting web having an outwardly facing elongated longitudinal fixing groove of a substantially channel shape from which the sealing member projects. -194. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 3 in which two further elongate drain grooves of substantially channel shape, outwardly facing from the connecting web extend longitudinally on either side of the fixing groove

4. 5 to receive roofing felt. 5. A fire barrier as claimed in claims 3 or 4 in which a secondary outwardly facing channel is formed in the connecting web of the body member, and the fixing groove is formed by a fixing member of channel section 10 mounted in the secondary channel, the drain grooves being formed between the side webs of the fixing member and the side webs of the secondary channel.

5. 6. A fire barrier as claimed in any of the preceding claims and a wall on which the fire barrier is mounted. 15

6. 7. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 6 in which a further elongate sealing member of fire resistant material is mounted on top of the wall between the wall and the body member.

7. 8. A fire barrier as claimed in any of the preceding 20 claims in which the sealing member is a material sold under the Trade name Rockwool.

8. 9. A fire barrier as claimed in any preceding claim -20when mounted in a gap between two structural members, and which further comprises a fire break member to join adjacent ends of a pair of flammable members extending substantially transversely at the gap to prevent the 5 spread of fire from one of said inflammable members to the other, the fire break member comprising an elongate member, of fire resistant material, each end of which engages one of the said flammable members.

9. 10. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 9 in which the 10 end of the fire break member defines the cross sectional area of the said flammable members and embraces the flammable members.

10. 11. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 9 or 10 in which the fire break member is mounted on a pair of 15 flammable members provided by tiling laths.

11. 12. A fire barrier substantially as described herein and with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 and 12 of the accompanying drawings.

12. 13. A fire barrier substantially as described herein 20 and with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 13 and

13. 14 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A fire barrier as claimed in claim 12 or 13 and -21further including further fire break members substantially as described herein and with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 of the accompanying drawings. 5 15, A fire barrier as claimed in any preceding claim and a tiling lath, or ridge member, or soffit board, or facia board on which the bridging member is mounted.