ASFP launches TG14: Passive fire protection for the external envelope

ASFP is creating a new technical task group (14) in support of passive fire protection’s relationship with the external building envelope. After significant consultation with representative bodies who support the cladding, façade and external envelope sectors, it has become very clear that ASFP and members can add significant value to improvement in the design and construction sectors by producing a new ASFP Colour Book in support of this complex part of a buildings critical constituent element(s).

The ASFP’s interest is not in the external envelope product element(s) in isolation, although the types, their material build-up, performance and the joining together of will be qualified in any guide. ASFP’s interest, and where it sees adding significant value, is in what sits behind the external envelope and that interfaces with the building structure. As an example, such products as cavity barriers or installation methods such as penetrations through the external envelope.

One often does not appreciate the void behind the walls of the space we occupy in a building, as much as the same applies to what sits behind the external elements of the same. There’s a gap, a space containing complex relationships between the external envelope and the building structure, comprising joints, interfaces, separation, and protection.  Unseen and often overlooked in terms of its overall importance, especially when it comes to passive fire protection, these complex interfaces are the subject of the ASFP’s next member Technical Group, TG14.

The group will propose, discuss, and define what best practice looks like in terms of the products, performances, designs, interfaces, and methods that are designed-in, specified, and installed in this critical part of the overall building structure.  The subject of the external envelope has been something that some have moved away from in recent years, but the ASFP considers the subject too important to ignore, so is running towards the challenges it poses.

The first meeting and launch event will take place at ASFP HQ in January 2026.