As everybody knows, fire can be deadly and destroy lives or will damage buildings and the environment. Reducing the risk of fire is vital in the daily actions and decisions we make in our lives.
However, sometimes we rely on standards and regulations and the subsequent understanding of these by the specifiers and installers of appropriate products to ensure our everyday safety. This is particularly the case when chimney breast lining or wall lining systems for cassette and inset fireplaces and stoves in the home are being installed or refurbished.
The published Approved Document J – Combustion appliances and Fuel Storage systems in the Building Regulations provides requirements for the installation of heating appliances in buildings. Requirement J2 states that:
“Combustion appliances and flue pipes shall be so installed, and fireplaces and chimneys be so constructed and installed, as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of people suffering burns or the building catching fire in consequence of their use.”
Within this document, minimum distances are prescribed, and the use of non-combustible lining materials is indicated, and this guidance given must be followed at all times. Particular care should be taken to ensure that hot radiating surfaces are kept clear of combustible materials such as timber.
Despite these guidelines, the market is not always fully educated about what is the correct type of board to use for chimney breast and fireplace linings.
Many installers will just assume that standard fire-rated boards are suitable. However, the reality is that they are not fit for purpose as the sustained intensity of heat, coupled with subsequent cooling after each fire means that unless the board is able to remain dimensionally stable, the board is highly likely to crack.
If the board does crack, it will not only negate the fire resisting characteristics of the board, but it will also need replacing with a fit for purpose board which will cost the householder even more money.
A cracked board as well as making the room in need of redecoration, more importantly, could cause the building to catch fire and put lives at risk. Kemwell FPL Calcium Silicate board overcomes this problem from the outset.
Kemwell FPL Fireplace Lining Calcium Silicate Board is a safe, reliable and robust chimney breast lining system, specifically designed for stoves and cassette and inset fireplaces. The system can resist continuous high temperatures up to 1000°C and the board will remain dimensionally stable and fit for purpose during and after heating. 
To ensure householder safety, compliance with the required HETAS standards is vital, both in terms of product selection and correct installation. Therefore, ALL the components of a fireplace lining system need to be compatible and fire safe. The Kemwell FPL calcium silicate board system is A1 non-combustible, the highest level of fire performance.
We understand the complex and stringent requirements of the building and construction industry and our products provide homeowners, architects, developers, and contractors with adaptability and performance benefits to enable safe and innovative designs to be easily realised.
FEATURES
Fire Resistance
Kemwell FPL boards can resist continuous high temperatures of up to 1000°C. Kemwell FPL is designed specifically to comply with Building Regulations Part J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems).
Moisture Resistant
Boards will not deteriorate when used in damp or humid conditions and will not encourage mould growth. The boards are also rot proof. Performance characteristics are not degraded by age or moisture.
Vermin Resistant
Boards remain unaffected by rodent, termite and insect attack.
Thermal Characteristics
FPL boards thermal conductivity is 0.20W/mK (approx.) at 20°C. This reduces heat loss and allows emitted heat to be distributed evenly within the room.
Easy Workability
Boards are quick and easy to install and can be cut with traditional woodworking equipment and installed using standard fixings and Kemwell approved glue.
Smooth Surface
If plastering or wallpapering is required, the board should be fully sealed using an inorganic primer suitable for use at elevated temperatures. Kemwell FPL can be decorated using silicate based paints, prior to painting the boards should be sealed using an inorganic primer.
Chemical Stability
Kemwell FPL is a chemically inert calcium silicate board, unaffected by contact with most chemicals and resistant to dilute acids and alkalis. Boards do not contain any bonding agents, which could emit irritating odours or affect the adhesion to the board in a negative way
If you would like to find out more, please visit our experts on stand C31 of the Hearth & Home Expo in Harrogate between 9-11th June 2019.
More on Kemwell FPL Fireplace Lining Calcium Silicate Board.
