BBA certification assessment process helps Siderise develop its unique cavity tray solution 

Founded in 1972, Siderise, a well-known innovator and manufacturer of thermal, acoustic and passive fire protection products and materials, selected to work with the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to not only gain third party certification but also to seek the expert advice that the BBA process brings.  As result, Siderise obtained BBA Agrément certification for their unique aluminium encased stone wool cavity tray solution for external masonry walls.   

Due to changes in legislation regarding a ban on the use of combustible materials in high-rise residential and other ‘relevant’ buildings, the R&D team at Siderise saw a gap in the market for a robust and compliant cavity tray solution. As stewards of best practice, Siderise sought to obtain independent certification for its solution despite it not being a mandatory requirement.  

Graham Laws, R&D Director for Siderise who led the certification process and worked closely with the BBA team explained, “We found working with the BBA invaluable. With our design being completely different to traditional cavity trays, it was certainly put through its paces. We were challenged hard on several matters and although the process was rigorous, we ended up with a more durable and robust product, one that we are very proud of.”   

The unique Siderise CT Cavity Tray was created to provide a high-performance yet cost-effective innovation for masonry external leaf and steel framed backed walls that would comply with the forthcoming regulatory changes. The solution comprises a single flexible aluminium angled tray bridge component with an integral non-combustible stone wool insulation core that sits above the cavity barrier or firestop. It is designed to provide a continuous path across the wall cavity for directing moisture away from the inner leaf towards the outer skin to keep buildings dry and reduce the risk of damp and mould. Factors that can cause serious problems for properties and their occupants.  

The patented ready-to-fit factory-engineered cavity tray has a running length of 1m with a 50mm overlap joint. It is classified as ‘A2-s1, d0’ to BS EN 13501-1, satisfying the requirements of Regulation 7(2) as outlined in Approved Document B (England).   

The Certification Process  

The team at Siderise began the process with the BBA in 2022. Seeking third-party certification and testing, Siderise chose the BBA due to their high regard and recognition within the industry. Through expert guidance and the rigorous certification process working in collaboration with the BBA, Siderise refined and improved the product’s strength and quality, and enhanced the product’s overall design and installation practicability.  

During the process, the BBA visited both Siderise’s manufacturing plant in Wales to witness the end-to-end manufacturing process, and construction sites to examine the ‘real world’ installation processes. Comprehensive assessment criteria included behaviour in relation to fire and compressive load, resistance to the passage of water, use with cavity wall insulation, joint watertightness, mortar adhesion, temperature cycling, accelerated aging and additional advanced weathering testing.  

Graham further added, “The BBA helped us work on a number of factors, including low temperature and adverse weather conditions. Robustness in relation to falling debris, and compatibility with building materials was also considered. They played a key role in assisting in the evaluation of the component materials of the CT Cavity Tray for shear and flexural strength testing. They additionally helped with the clarification of installation instructions to enable correct procedures to be followed. During the process the BBA was also able to help with suggestions for a more aggressive adhesive used for joints to ensure that the end product was more robust and durable.”  

Conclusion  

The BBA Agrément Certificate clearly demonstrates that the Siderise CT Cavity Tray meets UK building and CDM regulations and has been assessed to provide durability for the lifetime of the building, provided it has been installed and maintained in accordance with the details contained in the certificate. This enables a trusted, compliant and fit for purpose product that can be safely and confidently specified by contractors for use in all buildings. 

By working with the BBA and receiving regular inspection and audit visits, Siderise has greater insight into changing industry regulations, which it can appropriately apply to its products and processes to help provide essential confidence and credibility for its products in the construction industry.