What is StubGuard®?
In the wake of Grenfell and the introduction of the combustible cladding ban of 2018, fire safety and thermal performance in modern construction have become the highest, non-negotiable priorities when developing housing, especially in high-rise buildings where balcony connections present unique challenges.
What is StubGuard®?
Presented with the challenge of protecting the horizontal fire barrier while effectively penetrating it to allow for a balcony connection, Sapphire has created an innovative solution: the StubGuard®.
StubGuard® seamlessly integrates into horizontal cavity barriers, fixed via wrap compression for a secure fit on balcony anchors and is suitable for cavities up to 300mm wide.
Fire barrier and thermal performance benefits of StubGuard®
StubGuard® is an essential component of the cavity barrier system when connecting a balcony, and helps developers meet strict fire safety regulations, including Gateway 2.
Certified under Certifire® and tested to BS EN 1366-4, StubGuard® provides a compliant and reliable fire-stopping solution while simplifying the installation process.
StubGuard® is designed to protect the continuity of the fire barrier by acting as a consistent fire protection element. This eliminates the need for down stands, maintains a seamless protective layer, and has effective fire-stopping integrity and insulation for up to 120 minutes.
When used with Sapphire’s new G25 steel stub, the need for a wraparound of the I-beam is reduced, making it easier to integrate into the facade due to a smaller profile streamlined abutments. Thanks to our dedicated research and development team, we’ve been able to optimise the chi (χ) value per connection, reducing thermal bridging and enhancing overall building performance.
StubGuard® is often included with Sapphire balcony anchors and can be requested for most projects, allowing projects to benefit from this advanced fire-stopping technology. Now available with a smaller profile on our G25 anchor steel stubs, simplified abutments, and proven fire performance, it is a game-changer for achieving compliance without complexity.
For further details, we can provide full test reports upon request. To explore the science behind fire safety in balcony design, read the full StubGuard® data sheet now.
