Performance in Use

LSF structures fully comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations and leading warranty providers. Performance covers structural, fire, acoustics, thermal, air-tightness, weather-tightness, shrinkage, programme and accuracy.

Performance of LSF is assessed through rigorous testing and it should be noted that a tested ‘system approach’ is preferred rather than a tested product.

When meeting the Building Regulations steel frame is more than ABLE

A STRUCTURE – LSF structures, with their well understood section properties are capable of being optimally engineered to ensure highly efficient material use with a reduction in materials of up to 50%. In addition to high strength to weight ratio, LSF systems with widely distributed points of connection, are also ideally suited to design to avoid the risk of disproportionate collapse.

B- FIRE – LSF frames are non-combustible and will not contribute to spread of fire during construction. Fire performance of LSF systems is based on extensive testing. LSF walls and cassette floors are protected using plasterboard for up to two hours. Composite metal deck/concrete floors have an inherent fire rating, with ratings of upwards of two hours achievable.

C- THERMAL – as steel is an extremely good conductor of heat, thermal bridging is a key consideration with LSF wall systems. All LSF systems use warm frame principles, whereby insulation is placed outside the frame, keeping the frame warm and eliminating the risk of interstitial condensation. Similar principles are applied at junctions to reduce linear thermal losses and maintain durability.

E- ACOUSTICS – LSF systems rely on isolating the structure of the building from the finishes, thus reducing the amount of acoustic energy transferred between different areas of the structure. Robust and reliable acoustic performance is achieved, using well established and tested principles, further aided by the dimensional accuracy inherent in LSF structures.

LSF systems fully meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations in the whole of the UK.

There are differences between the England and Wales Regulations and Scottish Technical Standards/Northern Ireland Building Regulations which need to be considered.

As an overview the following Approved Documents in The Building Regulations (England and Wales) are listed as an example of those that will affect light steel frame construction:

Approved Document A - Structure

Satisfied by the submission of structural calculations

Approved Document B - Fire Safety (Volume 1 Dwelling Houses) and Approved Document B - Fire Safety (Volume 2 Buildings other than Dwelling Houses)

Satisfied by ensure adequate means of escape, separation of compartments, the prevention of spread of fire and protection of the structural elements.

Approved Document C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture

Provision of DPC’s, cavity trays and weep holes in the external cladding.

Approved Document E – Resistance to Sound

Good attention to detail; to prevent the passage of sound.

Approved Document K – Protection from Collision, Falling and Impact

Applies to stairs and other work at height.

Approved Document L1 and L2 – Conservation of Fuel and Power

Satisfied through the performance of the fabric of the structure including U-Values, SAP Calculations etc.

Approved Document Q – Security in Dwellings

Meeting the requirement of SBD (Secured by Design) will also be required.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS