Effective today (1 December 2022), Building Regulations Approved Document B has extended the ban on combustible materials to more residential constructions in England, strengthening fire safety standards further.
The 2022 amendments include new restrictions on materials used within the external surfaces of residential buildings over 11m high and boundary walls of those 11m high and below. This new guidance will encompass cavity weep hole ducts which pass through to the outer surface of the wall, resulting in more low and mid-rise projects requiring Rytons non-combustible metal Rytweep® rather than the traditional plastic component.
Note: Approved Document B 2019 edition incorporating the 2020 amendments will continue to apply where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 1 December 2022.
Update to Relevant Buildings: high-rise buildings with a storey 18m high or more
Hotels, hostels and boarding houses have been added to the list of relevant buildings, joining apartments, student accommodation, care homes, sheltered housing, hospitals, and dormitories in boarding schools. As per Regulation 7(2), relevant buildings require materials forming part of the external walls to be non-combustible – including weep hole ducts.
Update to Residential Purpose Groups 1 and 2: buildings where people sleep on the premises (residential, institutional or hospitality)
Mid-rise buildings more than 11m high
The external surfaces of external walls should comply with European Classification A2-s1, d0 or better. As cavity weep hole ducts pass through to the outer surface, non-combustible components will be required.
Houses, mid-rise and low-rise buildings 11m high or less
The external surfaces of external walls within 1m of the relevant boundary should comply with European Classification B-s3, d2 or better. As plastic materials cannot meet the B-s3, d2 criteria, the ‘better’ non-combustible weep hole duct will be required, here.
For your convenience, here is an updated guide to the Rytweep® for the job.
Rytons A1® Fire-rated Metal Rytweep®
An A1 classified, non-combustible weep hole duct for:
• Any building more than 11m high where people sleep on the premises
(residential, institutional or hospitality).
• Walls within 1m of the boundary for any building 11m high or less where
people sleep on the premises (residential, institutional or hospitality).
Rytons Ultra-clear Rytweep®
A concealed plastic weep hole duct for:
* Excluding walls within 1m of the boundary (see alternative).
Rytons Rytweep® range is available from stockists nationwide.
For supplier details, further information or samples, please do not hesitate to contact Rytons Technical Sales office on 01536 511874 or email admin@rytons.com.
Useful Regulation guides:
- England & Wales: view extracts >>
- Approved Document B: Fire safety (2019 edition incorporating 2020 amendments).
- Approved Document B: Fire safety (2022 amendments) for England.
- The Building Safety Act 2022.
- Scotland: view extracts >>
- Building Standards Scotland Technical Handbook – Domestic: June to November 2022 and from December 2022.
Rytons A1® Fire-rated Rytweep® is part of Rytons A1® Fire-rated Range.
