MechSlip, the innovative brick slip cladding system developed by Ibstock Kevington and Ash & Lacy, has been awarded BBA certification, incorporating a third-party assured A1 Fire Rating.
The certification is an important step forward for the MechSlip solution, as it means it can be specified and installed with confidence on high-rise residential buildings above 18 metres. The accreditation affords MechSlip compliance with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, which addresses fire safety matters within and around buildings.
Born out of a partnership between the UK’s largest brickwork special shape and masonry fabrication company, Ibstock Kevington, and Ash & Lacy, specialists in engineered building envelope systems, MechSlip is totally unique to the UK market.
Extremely lightweight, the mechanically fixed brick slip system delivers all the benefits of a natural clay brick but is more than 50% lighter than traditional masonry, reducing structural loads. What’s more, it is the first brick system to use ibstock Brick and contain no combustible parts – a key safety consideration.
What’s more, the system is adaptable to being assembled off-site and delivered to developments ready to install – an innovation that is both labour saving and cost effective.
Iain Durrant, Managing Director at Ibstock Kevington, said: “The MechSlip system is the result of prolonged investment and collaboration between Ibstock Kevington and Ash & Lacy, and represents a game changing solution for architects and specifiers. Achieving BBA certification is a vital step forward for the product. Stringently tested in a real world testing environment, achieving one of the highest fire safety ratings available means MechSlip can be specified and installed with utmost confidence.”
Adam Taylor, Commercial Director at Ash & Lacy added: “Lightweight, easy-to-install, aesthetically pleasing and rigorously tested, MechSlip represents a total package solution for architects and specifiers. The collaboration between Ibstock Kevington and Ash & Lacy has enabled us to combine our individual expertise, to create a cladding system that meets the exacting needs of the architect and specifier of today.”
