Project: Low rise development built in 2001 by Cosgrave Homes in Kilmainham, Dublin 8 FIRETITE Contractor: Complete Insulation, Santry, Dublin
Consulting Engineers: R.G. Greene & Associates Consulting Engineers
Management Company: Benchmark Property
Scope of Project: Install FIRETITE in existing cavity wall through externally drilled holes. The cavity was previously uninsulated allowing FIRETITE to completely fill the void 100mm cavity
Project area: Approx. 2000m² wall area
Products used: FIRETITE Class A2, s1, d0 mineral based cavity wall insulation

Located close to Dublin city centre this scheme of 119 apartments was constructed in 2001 by Cosgrave Homes. The scheme is three storey low density project with six to eight apartments in each of the six separate buildings.

Challenges

Following a series of independent audits on the apartment complex, it was revealed that there were some fire safety issues. This was made public by the media in Dec 2018 creating uncertainty and stress for all living here. Following these reports, the fire officer conducted an examination of the site and thankfully for the tenants, they chose not to vacate the properties. Owners were given quotations for a variety of remedial work such as lighting, alarm systems and cavity walls.

The consultant engineer R.G. Greene and Benchmark Property were tasked with the challenge of finding solutions to the highlighted problems. Specifying compliant product that can be retrofitted into existing building without causing major upheaval for existing tenants is extremely difficult. Finding a cavity wall insulation that offers fire protection, air tightness, is water repellent, a good insulation value and addresses all the issues associated with the existing challenges has initially proved problematic.

Solution

R.G. Greene turned to FIRETITE Class A2, s1, d0 as the solution to the cavity wall insulation problems. FIRETITE is a fire rated mineral based cavity wall insulation material suitable for new and refurbished cavity walls.

About FIRETITE

FIRETITE is the world’s first component mineral based insulation developed by BASF after many years of extensive research to create this unique formulation.

FIRETITE has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK, is open to vapour diffusion but is water repellent. It contains no harmful pollutants, no internal propellants and has achieved the best EMICODE emissions classification of EC1 plus.

It is a self sealing product that adheres to the masonry walls and provides seamless airtight insulation when complete.

FIRETITE is quick and easy to install by fully trained and approved contractors like John Curtin from Complete Insulation. From the initial introduction of FIRETITE, John has recognised the potential for the product and was keen to add the brand to his portfolio of insulation offerings, stating:

“There’s nothing like it on the market and we see it as a solution to so many cavity wall problems. This project was successful for all involved and we’re looking forward to working on many more in the near future” .