PROCTOR GROUP LAUNCHES NEW FIRE-RATED EXTERNAL WALL MEMBRANE

Facadeshield FR Class B is the latest addition to Proctor Group’s range of external wall membrane solutions.

The vapour-permeable membrane can be used as the breather membrane in external wall build-ups. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from low-rise timber and steel frame structures to high-rise rainscreen façades and offsite modular systems.

A key focus in the development of Facadeshield FR was achieving the right balance of fire performance, water resistance, ultraviolet resistance and vapour permeability. The membrane meets the definition of vapour permeability set out in BS 5250:2021.

Classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, Facadeshield FR achieves a Euroclass B-s1,d0 reaction to fire rating. This helps projects meet the fire safety requirements of national building regulations.

The membrane has also been assessed against the test methods in BS EN 13859-2 and achieves the highest water resistance classification of W1.

Facadeshield FR’s monolithic construction ensures its water resistance is maintained even after prolonged UV exposure. The membrane has been tested to 5,000 hours of UV exposure, which is longer than many similar products and is one of its key differentiators.

“Delays are an unavoidable reality on many projects today,” said Adam Salt, Head of Business Development at Proctor Group. “That’s why specifiers, main contractors and installers need certainty that, if a delay arises, the breather membrane on a building’s external walls can remain in place without costly removal and reinstallation.”

Proctor Group also supplies recommended tapes to support the installation of Facadeshield FR and can provide expert technical support and toolbox talks. The membrane can be installed with a range of sheathing board substrates, including Proctor A1 Cement Board.

Keira Proctor, Managing Director of Proctor Group, said: “Facadeshield FR completes our comprehensive range of external wall membrane solutions. It sits alongside solutions such as Wraptite, our fully self-adhered, vapour-permeable airtightness system, and Facadeshield A2 for projects that require additional fire performance.”