Seminar Description:

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There are many types of façade systems—each with its own water management strategy, assembly sequence, and materiality. As a result, each requires a different approach to fire safety. In this talk, we’ll explore how façades are compartmentalised and why different systems demand different fire-stopping strategies.

Qualification Information

We’ll look at:

  • Why products originally designed for curtain walling are now the default choice even for precast concrete façades
  • Why EPS-based render systems are the most vulnerable from a regulatory standpoint, largely because they have no cavity
  • The difference between closed-state cavity barriers in rainscreens and fire barriers in traditional brick façades
  • And why zero-spandrel details are still common in the UK, despite known risks.

Course Schedule

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Recommended time allocation: 2-3 hours
Self-paced online study mode tailored for busy professionals
Unlimited individual access to course materials
Structured professional development

    1. How to Navigate the Learning Materials

    2. Seminar Description

    3. Seminar Objectives

    4. IAST Disclaimer

    1. Seminar Recording

    1. General Compartmentation - Interactive Detail

    2. Soffit Compartmentation - Interactive Detail

    3. External Corner Party Wall Compartmentation - Interactive Detail

    4. Insulated Render Systems With Combustible Insulation Compartmentation - Interactive Detail

    1. Test

    1. Join Façade Intelligene

    2. Certificate: Download & Share

About this course

  • Free
  • 15 practice test questions
  • CPD Certificate upon passing the test: 2 hrs

Benefit from free high-quality learning resources

You can support this ongoing work by joining the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST) and Façade Intelligence as an individual or corporate member.

Target Audience:

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This short course forms part of the Free CPD programme offered by the IAST. It can also be taken independently for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or in combination with other Short Courses and Case Studies. The course is tailored for professionals with a strong interest in the technical aspects of modern façades. While it is ideal for those working on, or planning to work on, projects in the United Kingdom, most of the concepts covered are universally applicable and relevant to international audiences.

Qualification Information

This Short Course is designed for:

  • Facade Engineers
  • Design Managers
  • Facade Designers
  • Facade Specialist Contractors’ Employees
  • Business Owners

Who else can benefit from this Short Course?

  • Architects
  • Architectural Technologists
  • Project Managers
  • Quantity Surveyors
  • Estimators
  • Structural Engineers
  • BIM/CAD Engineers
  • Fire Safety Consultants
  • Sustainability Consultants
  • Building Physicists
  • Commercial Managers
  • Technical Sales Consultants

Course Objectives

Qualification Information

By the end of the seminar, participants are expected to be able to:

  • Describe how different façade systems vary in water management, assembly, and material composition.
  • Explain how façade compartmentation works and why fire-stopping strategies differ between systems.
  • Identify where and why curtain wall fire-stopping products are commonly used in other façade types, such as precast systems.
  • Recognise the fire safety and regulatory concerns associated with EPS-based render systems.
  • Recognise the fire safety and regulatory concerns associated with EPS-based render systems.
  • Outline the fire risks associated with zero-spandrel details and their continued use in the UK.