| A
system that was developed by the Monarfloor Acoustic Systems
division of Icopal has been ap-proved by Robust Details as
the first four-credit separating wall solution for the Code
for Sustain-able Homes. |
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Bridgestop (E-WM-19) is an innovative and easy to install
acoustic system that isolates the two skins of cavity party
walls, preventing an acoustic bridge by the collection of
mortar at the base of the cavity – the key cause of acoustic
test failure. |
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It also isolates the party walls
from the concrete sub-floor, eliminating acoustic flanking,
and where used with a methane or radon barrier ensures the
integrity of the barrier from possible damage from mortar
droppings. |
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Its four-credit accreditation is
significant news for the housebuilding industry seeking Code
credits under Section 7: Health and Well-being, as well as
recognition of Icopal’s market-leading innova-tion in
building acoustics and commitment to developing robust and
sustainable products that also offer cost savings.
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Bridgestop’s properties have
high acoustic damping to absorb more sound energy and reduce
structural flanking, performing approximately 4-5dB better
than solid walls and 8dB better than standard Robust Detail
E-WM-4 walls. National housebuilder Gladedale have already
achieved 53dB (mean value) – a four-credit solution – on one
of their sites via this method. |
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Research by Icopal has also
shown cost savings can be made in materials and labour
because the party walls only require plasterboard of
8kg/m²instead of 12.5kg² for solid Part E solution walls,
saving 4.5kg/m² of gypsum-based board per m². Time is also
saved through easier detailing for step and stagger
constructions. |
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The Roger Bullivant Group, one
of the largest foundation engineering companies in the UK,
has demonstrated additional benefits when clients specify
the Bridgestop system along separating walls used in
conjunction with their precast foundation system. |
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The isolation of the separating
wall at ground floor level allows the foundation to be
installed higher out of the ground than that for a
separating wall being built to the Robust Detail alternative
with a 225mm cavity below ground floor. |
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Roger Bullivant chief engineer
(house foundations) Nigel Rake said: "When the developer is
using Bridgestop, the savings alone from the supply and
installation of the reduced underbuild, which can be as much
as £22 per metre, would more than cover the cost of the
Bridgestop system at £15 per metre. |
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“Also, depending on the number
of separating walls, there can be significant additional
cost and time savings from less excavation and spoil, and
being able to offer a less complicated foundation solution."
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For further information on
Icopal Ltd see
www.roofinfo.co.uk/icopal |
