Steel buildings and fire protection
Fire protection for the structure and cladding of a steel building is crucial to ensuring the safety and durability of the building in the event of a fire. Effective protection of the building’s structure from fire not only prevents rapid fire spread but also provides sufficient evacuation time and minimizes damage.
Fire safety is based on several fire protection aspects: fire reaction class, fire resistance, and smoke-tightness of materials and structures.
Fire reaction class
The fire reaction class defines how a material reacts to fire—whether it ignites easily, contributes to fire and smoke spread, and how quickly it burns. The classification of building materials according to fire reaction is determined by the EN 13501-1 standard, which includes Euroclass designations ranging from:
- A1 – Non-combustible materials,
- F – Highly flammable materials.
Each class corresponds to a different level of combustibility, as well as the emission of smoke and flaming droplets.
Fire resistance
Fire resistance refers to the ability of a structure or material to maintain its load-bearing and protective functions for a specified period during a fire. Fire resistance ratings are indicated by the letters REI followed by the number of minutes (e.g., R30, R60, R120), where:
- R – Fire load-bearing capacity: how long the structure retains its load-bearing properties during a fire.
- E – Fire integrity: whether the structure prevents flames and hot gases from penetrating.
- I – Fire insulation: the structure’s ability to limit heat transfer.
Smoke-tightness
Smoke-tightness refers to the ability of materials and structural elements to prevent the spread of smoke during a fire. Smoke poses one of the most significant dangers during a fire as it contains toxic substances that can threaten human health and life.
Materials are also categorized based on smoke emission (e.g., s1 – minimal emission, s2 – moderate emission, s3 – high emission) and the release of flaming droplets (d0 – no flaming droplets, d1 – few flaming droplets, d2 – significant flaming droplets).
Fire protection for steel structures
To ensure fire safety, we use intumescent paints that create an insulating protective layer when exposed to high temperatures. The benefits of these paints include easy application, aesthetic finishes, and compatibility with various types of buildings.
When exposed to heat, these paints expand and form a thick protective layer that insulates the steel, slowing its heating. This prolongs the mechanical integrity of the steel, allowing more time for safe evacuation and firefighting efforts.
Sandwich panels and fire protection
Sandwich panels are a popular building material, especially for structures such as steel buildings, warehouses, and industrial buildings. Their lightweight design, quick installation, and excellent insulation properties make them a favorite choice across many industries. However, due to their specific characteristics, fire protection for sandwich panels must be addressed at the building design stage.
Choosing the right insulation core, adhering to regulations, and implementing additional protections help minimize fire risk and safeguard both people and property.
Key factors in fire protection for sandwich panels
Insulation core
- Polyurethane Foam (PUR/PIR):
- PUR is flammable and may emit toxic smoke when burned. PIR, a modified version of PUR, offers improved fire resistance but still falls short of mineral wool.
- Mineral Wool:
- A non-combustible material that provides the highest level of fire protection. Panels with mineral wool cores are used in buildings requiring high fire resistance ratings.
Tailored solutions for every building
Each building requires an individual approach. Consult with us to choose the solution that best meets legal requirements and the specific needs of your structure. This ensures your building will not only be functional but, above all, safe.