WABASH, Ind. – The High-Rise Insulation Experts at Thermafiber continue to innovate with the introduction of a new perimeter fire containment system. The patent pending No Backer Bar design incorporates years of research and testing to completely eliminate the backer bar used to compress the Safing insulation at the slab edge in a curtain wall fire containment assembly. This game-changing system is UL fire rated for both 2 and 3 hours. The design of this system also allows for thicker mineral wool insulation without increasing the mullion depth, which provides additional R-value and energy conservation.

"Traditional perimeter fire containment systems require a reinforcement member, typically a steel backer bar or hat channel, to be installed at the floor slab level," says Jim Shriver, Director of Technical Services and inventor of the new system. "The new fire rated system eliminates this backer bar, cutting installation time and saving money. It's beneficial to curtain wall manufacturers that install spandrel insulation in their factories. It's also beneficial to contractors doing field installation of perimeter fire containment systems."

The No Backer Bar system incorporates several components of Thermafiber's patented Impasse system. The Impasse system was designed to use fewer insulation hangers than traditional systems. Fewer hangers allow for quicker installation and less piercing of curtain wall mullions. One critical component of the No Backer Bar system is a new Thermafiber product called FireLedge. FireLedge is a pre-fabricated mineral wool piece that provides additional support and fire resistance to the system, allowing the traditional backer bar to be removed. A formal launch of the FireLedge product is planned for early 2012.

Like all Thermafiber products and systems, the No Backer Bar system will be supported by the Thermafiber Insolutions team which provides clients with custom CAD drawings, technical support and engineering judgments.