FILOform launches WallMax sealing system for UK data centres

FILOform has introduced WallMax, a mechanical sealing solution designed to protect UK data centres from the risks associated with ingress.

WallMax has already been installed across multiple sites in Europe and Asia and is now available in the UK through FILOform's national distribution network. The availability is supported by local technical assistance and a turnkey service designed to meet the requirements of mission-critical infrastructure.

Data centres require controlled, high-performance environments, and every structural penetration made for power and data cabling or pipework must be properly sealed to prevent potential ingress. Such penetrations, left unsealed or inadequately sealed, can provide hidden entry points for water, gas, dust, rodents, and even fire. As the density of infrastructure and energy demands rise, these risks are amplified, increasing the potential impact of any failure.

Water ingress is noted as one of the most frequent and financially damaging threats to data centre operations. Even small leaks can be enough to cause short circuits, equipment failure, and periods of downtime, resulting in loss of revenue, disruption to service contracts, and reputational harm for operators. According to FILOform, penetrations in walls and floors are often overlooked sources of risk, but the WallMax system aims to address them with improved accuracy and ease.

Rodents are identified as another risk to data centre environments. Mice and rats can use small openings to access buildings, particularly in areas where warmth, shelter, or food is available. Once inside, they are capable of causing direct damage to vital infrastructure by gnawing through cables, conduits, insulation, and fibre-optic lines. Damage from rodents can remain undetected until a failure disrupts operations, at which point the costs of downtime and repair may be considerable. FILOform describes WallMax as a pressure-tight solution that blocks the entry of rodents and protects sensitive infrastructure.

The WallMax system features a modular design intended to help installers achieve a reliable mechanical seal. The sealing modules feature a multi-layer, colour-coded design that facilitates faster and more precise configuration at the installation site. The modules use a "peel to seal" approach, with installers removing colour-coded layers until the correct size for a cable or pipe is reached. This method is designed to facilitate clear identification, accurate fitting, and immediate confirmation of a complete seal.

Finn McCrory, Product Manager at FILOform, said, "We're excited to bring a solution to the UK market that combines engineering precision with installer-friendly features. WallMax represents a real step forward in improving compliance, consistency, and speed compared to traditional sealing methods."

WallMax is described as suitable for not only the data centre sector but also a range of applications, including rail, energy, water, telecommunications, commercial construction, and industrial facilities. The system can be adapted for use wherever multiple services enter a building or structure.

Features include the ability for frames and modules to be mounted, reconfigured, or expanded as requirements change on site. Different sizes and numbers of modules can accommodate various combinations of pipes and cables. WallMax can be used for both retrofitting existing premises and in new builds, and is adaptable to pre-cast or core-drilled openings.

McCrory added, "In the UK, WallMax is only available through FILOform's distribution partners — meaning it comes with our full technical support package. From early-stage specification through to installation, we work closely with contractors to simplify sealing, reduce install time, and deliver peace of mind."

The WallMax solution holds international certifications, having undergone testing and approval for fire protection, as well as resistance to water and gas ingress. This compliance is designed to meet the stringent regulations required by mission-critical environments, such as data centres, where operational integrity is a top priority. Space optimisation has also been considered, with each WallMax seal allowing for multiple cables or wires to pass through a compact opening.

For installations that are complex or constrained for space, FILOform provides a frame design and customisation service to ensure adherence to regulatory and site-specific requirements. The company intends for WallMax to set a new standard in mechanical sealing for critical infrastructure, supported by its modular design, technical validation, and national support structure.