TCB

ARC TCB is designed to be compression fitted within the wall cavity. Typically the product is first be fixed through the flanges to the timber frame structure, with the brick work then laid creating the cavity and compressing the ARC TCB to its required fit. Alternatively it can be built in as brickwork progresses. Where ARC TCB is used within the party wall cavity itself, it will be necessary to fit the product as the timber kit is erected. Care should be taken when handling the product to ensure that the mineral wool isn’t damaged.

Option 1 – use the flanges to fix the cavity barrier to the timber kit prior to brickwork (vertical or horizontal installs):

» Using the polythene flanges, fix the ARC TCB to the timber frame inner leaf. Clout nails or staples should be used at approx. 150mm centres.

Vertical application: use both flanges. Horizontal application: it is only necessary to use the flange running along the top of the barrier

» At the end of a run, or at a corner, lengths of barrier should be cut to the required length, and then tightly butt jointed ensuring no gaps remain.

» Brickwork can now be completed, closing in the barrier within the cavity. Care must be taken that the brick work is accurate and that the cavity created is of a suitable width for the barrier installed.

Option 2 – Build in as brickwork progresses (suited best to horizontal installs):

» Build the brickwork up to the level the barrier will be installed, ensuring the width of the cavity is correct. Allow the brickwork to set, before push fitting the barrier into place and under the correct compression.

» At the end of a run, or at a corner, lengths of barrier should be cut to the required length, and then tightly butt jointed ensuring no gaps remain.

General Tips & Advice:

» The coloured polythene encapsulation and flanges do not contribute to the performance of the cavity barrier, but can help hold the barrier in place until the brick work is completed, while offering weather protection and product identification. The polythene must be left in place for these purposes, however if the polythene becomes torn or damaged, or the flanges are not fixed, there is no cause for concern.

» It is the compression fit of the cavity barrier installed into an appropriately sized cavity, as per the guidance on this datasheet, that creates a correct and robust install. The cavity width must be accurate and match the design width for the cavity barrier that has been installed.

» You should not attempt to squash the barrier before installation. Although this can make the barrier easier to fit, it is likely to cause gaps and may damage the barrier, resulting in reduced performance