Fire-resistant materials are crucial in new build and refurbishment building projects because they help prevent, delay, and reduce fire damage, ultimately protecting lives, property, and structural integrity.
Here’s why:
Life safety and occupant protection: fire-resistant materials slow down the spread of flames, allowing more time for occupants to evacuate safely. They reduce smoke and toxic gas emissions, which are the leading causes of fire-related deaths.
Structural integrity and building stability: materials that withstand high temperatures help prevent buildings from collapsing during a fire. Fire-resistant walls, ceilings, and columns maintain their strength, ensuring escape routes remain intact.
Compliance with fire safety regulations: most building codes (e.g. NFPA, IBC, BS 476, EN 1364) require fire-resistant materials in critical areas like stairwells, walls, and ceilings. Compliance ensures buildings meet legal and insurance standards.
Minimising property damage and economic loss: fire-resistant materials help contain fires to one area, limiting destruction and reducing repair costs. They protect electrical and mechanical systems, preventing further hazards in the case of fire breaking out.
Protection of critical infrastructure: in commercial and industrial buildings, fire-resistant materials protect data centres, electrical rooms, and fuel storage from catastrophic damage. They help safeguard emergency escape routes and fire exits.
Enhancing firefighting efforts: slower fire spread provides firefighters with more time to control and extinguish the flames before the structure is compromised.
Where are fire-resistant materials commonly used?
• Fire-rated walls and ceilings
• Fire doors and partitions
• Fireproof coatings for steel structures
• Fire protection in floor separation
• Insulated fire-resistant glass
In summary, fire-resistant materials are essential in making buildings safer, more durable, and compliant with fire safety regulations, significantly reducing the risks posed by fire.
Fire-resistant building boards, like EnviraBoard, are designed to withstand fire and high temperatures for a specified period without igniting, melting, or structurally failing. Fire-resistant boards help slow the spread of flames, reduce heat transfer, and maintain structural integrity during a fire.
Key characteristics of fire-resistant building boards:
– Non-combustible or low flammability
– Slow the spread of fire by acting as a barrier
– Withstand heat exposure for a rated duration (e.g. 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes)
– May emit less smoke and toxic fumes compared to standard materials
– Often tested and rated according to industry standards (e.g. ASTM, BS, or UL fire ratings)
EnviraBoard fire classification
– Reaction to fire: A2-s1,d0
– Fire protective class: K10
– Fire resistance classification: EI 60
– Fire resistant time: more than 60 minutes
For more information about the fire resistant performance of EnviraBoard, please contact the team to discuss your requirements.
