ARBOSHIELD Pro^® – Fire-Resistant Façade System

ARBOSHIELD Pro^® combines Class A and Class B reaction to fire breather membranes, Class A Air & Vapour Control layer and Class A and Class B interface sealing membranes with a suite of ancillary products to provide one integrated façade solution. High weather performance and airtightness can also be achieved, depending on specification requirements.

Compatible system components help simplify specification, installation and compliance across façade applications.

In England, the fire performance of external walls is governed by Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010 and the guidance in Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Under the Building Safety Act 2022, higher-risk buildings also pass through three regulatory Gateways – and every specification decision has to be recorded in the golden thread of building information.

• Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) 18m and above (Regulation 7(2)): in relevant buildings containing dwellings, residential rooms or institutions such as hospitals and care homes – materials in the external wall must achieve Class A2-s1,d0 or A1. Membranes are listed among the exemptions in Regulation 7(3), but must still meet the minimum set by Approved Document B.

• Membranes in the external wall (Approved Document B): membranes used as part of the external wall construction above ground level should achieve at least Class B-s3,d0.

• Residential buildings above 11m: Approved Document B recommends Class A2-s1,d0 materials in the external wall, or a wall system that meets the performance criteria of BR 135 when tested to BS 8414.

• Beyond the minimum: many clients, insurers and principal designers now specify Class A2-s1,d0 throughout – including membranes – to simplify approval at Gateway 2.

ARBOSHIELD Pro® covers both options: a Class A system (A2-s1,d0) and a Class B system (B-s1,d0) – both independently classified to EN 13501-1.

This overview applies to England and is for guidance only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regulations. Always confirm requirements with the project's fire consultants and building control.

Which ARBOSHIELD Pro® system fits your building? The overview below summarises the minimum requirements for façade membranes in England and our recommendation.

• Relevant buildings 18m and above (residential, student accommodation, care homes, hospitals)
  Membranes: exempt from A2 under Regulation 7(3), minimum Class B-s3,d0 (Approved Document B); A2-s1,d0 widely specified for Gateway 2.
  → Recommended: Class A system – Class A W1 Breather Membrane, Class A AVCL, ARPS, High Tack Sealing Tapes

• Residential buildings above 11m
  Membranes: minimum Class B-s3,d0; external wall: A2-s1,d0 or BS 8414 / BR 135.
  → Recommended: Class A or Class B system, depending on client and insurer requirements

• Schools and other complex buildings (any height)
  Membranes: minimum Class B-s3,d0; check client and funding-body requirements.
  → Recommended: Class A system

• Commercial, industrial and retail buildings below 18m
  Membranes: minimum Class B-s3,d0 above ground level.
  → Recommended: Class B system – Class B W1 Breather Membrane, BRPS, FSR 40

Not sure which system fits your project? Our technical team is here to support your specification.

What do Gateways, the golden thread and the 18m threshold mean for your façade specification? Our free White Paper explains the Building Safety Act:

• Gateways 1–3: what has to be demonstrated at planning, before construction and at completion

• The golden thread: which product and specification information must be kept – and by whom

• The 18m threshold: which buildings count as higher-risk and what changes for façade products

Technical documents for your specification:

• ARBOSHIELD Pro® system – technical data sheet (PDF)

• Class A W1 Breather Membrane (PDF)

• Class B W1 Breather Membrane (PDF)

• Class A Air & Vapour Control Layer (PDF)

• ARPS – A-Rated Pasted System (PDF)

• BRPS – B-Rated Pasted System (PDF)

• ARBOSHIELD Pro® FSR 40 (PDF)

ARBOSHIELD Pro^® fire-resistant systems can be used in both new build and refurbishment installations across commercial, industrial, residential and retail environments.

• Effectively weather-proof and fire-protect curtain walling, large scale façades, or modular and off-site construction methods.

• Independently tested and certified to EN 13501-1, offering either Class A2-s1,d0 or Class B-s1,d0 reaction to fire classifications

The ARBOSHIELD Pro^® fire‑resistant systems range has been carefully developed to address updated regulations and guidance affecting high‑rise residential developments, schools, hospitals and other complex buildings.

By combining fully compatible Class A and Class B membranes, perimeter seals and ancillary products within one system, ARBOSHIELD Pro^® helps specifiers to achieve proven fire performance, weather protection and long‑term durability across a wide range of façade constructions.

We have expanded our ARBOSHIELD Pro^® range with two new pasted system additions, significantly broadening our portfolio of leading fire-rated membrane systems for façades.

• ARBOSHIELD Pro^® Class A2 Pasted System (ARPS): Provides a non-combustible EPDM alternative seal and interface sealing membrane for windows and structural openings, achieving an A2-s1, d0 fire classification for ultimate safety.

• ARBOSHIELD Pro^® Class B Pasted System (BRPS): A high-performance EPDM alternative delivering a B-s1, d0 classification. 

• Tested and Certified: Independently tested and certified to EN 13501-1, the comprehensive range offers the widest selection of high-performance façade solutions, ideal for schools, hospitals, and residential blocks.

At CARLISLE^® ACADEMY, we offer product training delivered by professionals for industry professionals. Our product training covers technical know-how of the product, industry best practices and the most efficient safe way to install our products.

For architects and designers, we have CPD courses which are accredited and cover a range of topics on correct sealant selection, roofing and facades.