External Wall Insulation Information
Magenta Living has installed External Wall Insulation (EWI) to a number of properties. I’m writing to reassure you that this is not the same ‘cladding’ that was installed at Grenfell Tower, the scene of the recent tragic fire in London. That particular high rise block was fitted with a ‘Rainscreen’ curtain wall façade system using Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels. I can confirm that none of Magenta Living’s eight high rise blocks, houses or flats have the ACM cladding.
EWI was fitted to your home to improve its thermal performance and help reduce your energy bills. It differs significantly from ACM cladding, and as shown in the diagram below, the basic EWI process involves drilling then fixing an insulation board to the external wall using mechanical fixings. The insulation board can be a form of expanded polystyrene or mineral fibre. On top of this, a layer of cement based render is added and a reinforcing mesh is sunk into the render while it is still wet. Finally, a top coat silicone render is added to the system to give the desired finish. The system is totally enclosed with a ‘weather trim’ fixed to the insulated wall, to form a drip mould to prevent rain gaining access.
The EWI industry is a heavily regulated industry in the UK. Independent bodies including the British Board of Agreement (BBA) and KIWA-BDA are notified bodies and UKAS approved to independently test and certify external wall insulation systems. In other words, they meet the rigours of current UK building regulations.
As part of this independent testing, the systems are tested against a number of elements including water absorption, wind loading and combustibility. In addition to the manufacturers design systems, the installers themselves are also accredited with the PAS2030 or an equivalent quality management system. The Government has confirmed that an independent enquiry will take place into the fire at Grenfell Tower and we obviously await the outcome with great interest. In the mean time I would like to direct you to important fire safety information provided by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), with more detailed information available at www.merseyfire.gov.uk
Plan for a fire in your home – hopefully you will never have to experience the devastation a fire can cause, but, you must be prepared just in case:
- If exit routes such as front and back doors require a key to open then keep keys in an obvious and accessible place ready for use.
- Turn off the TV before you go to bed, don’t rely on the stand by button.
- Close all doors, this will delay the spread of fire but allow enough smoke to escape to activate your smoke detector.
- If you smoke make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished before going to bed.
- Do not leave E-Cigarettes on charge unattended as they can overheat.
- Make sure your kids know what to do if the fire alarm sounds.
- Do not leave cooking unattended, one of the most common causes of fire in the home is cooking related – unattended chip pans and grills being top of the list.
- Check and test your smoke detectors regularly, once a month is sufficient.
- When evacuating, don’t waste time securing valuables, property can be replaced but people can’t.
- Once you are safely out of the building ring the emergency services on 999 and request the Fire Service, if anyone is injured or trapped also ask for the Ambulance Service.
By planning for an emergency you can sleep easy and safe in the knowledge that you know what to do if a fire breaks out. For a free Home Fire Safety Check and fire safety advice contact MFRS on freephone 0800 731 5958.
Finally, did you know that as a resident of Magenta Living you can insure the contents of your home at a discounted rate. For further details contact us on freephone 0808 100 9596.
Denny Beacham
Health & Safety and Environment Manager
Magenta Living
Magenta Living