FIRE RESISTANT BOARDS

Fire resistant boards are specially designed panels that, through the use of appropriate components with fire-resistant properties in the correct composition, offer a designated fire reaction time, such as 30, 60, 90, or 240 minutes. They can be used either in the construction of electrical and mechanical ductwork enclosures, fire rated bulkheads, walls or ceilings where space is limited. Fire boards provide fire protection and robust finish while protecting structural steel columns and beams with a pleasing squared finish. Thanks to their low thermal conductivity and high heat absorption, combined with low shrinkage to keep their integrity, they make sure that on the other side of the board, the temperatures remain low for a long period of time. Fireproof boards are lightweight and can be processed with traditional wood tools. They can be cut, drilled and ground, which greatly facilitates the construction process. 

  30 | 60 | 90 | 240 | BOARDS FIRE RATING | A1

The fire resistance is always expressed in minutes, usually in classes that are multiples of 30 minutes. 

For instance:

 30 MINUTE FIRE-RESISTANT BOARDS

These specially crafted boards are built to withstand fire for a duration of 30 minutes, providing a foundational level of fire resistance. They are commonly used in various residential and commercial environments, particularly in areas where the risk to occupants is relatively moderate. As an example, these 30-minute fire-resistant boards are frequently installed in floor-ceiling partitions within homes

Variants available in the UK include:

• 30-minute Masterboard
• 30-minute Knauf
• British Gypsum
• Siniat Fire Plasterboard

 60 MINUTE FIRE-RESISTANT BOARDS

With an enhanced capability to resist fire, these boards have the endurance to withstand flames for a complete hour (60min). They are frequently utilized in environments where longer evacuation times may be necessary, such as hospitals or schools, and are often mandated for residential ceiling installations in the UK. These boards also find application in spaces like stairwells, multi-story building corridors, and rooms housing flammable substances.

Variants available in the UK include:

• 60-minute Supalux Promat
• 60-minute Rockwool RWA45 Black Tissue Faced
• 60-minute Glasroc F Multiboard British Gypsum (GRG)
• 60-minute Cembrit FR.

 90 MINUTE FIRE-RESISTANT BOARDS

Boasting an extended fire endurance of 90 minutes, these boards play a pivotal role in high-risk zones or locations where quick evacuation could be difficult. Their installation is frequently required in hospitals, educational institutions, tall buildings, and sites storing dangerous materials or vital infrastructure.

Variants available in the UK include:

• 90-minute Y-Wall
• 90-minute RCM Multipurpose
• 90-minute STS
• 90-minute Promat Promatect®-250

 240 MINUTE FIRE-RESISTANT BOARDS

These boards are the most robust, capable of enduring fire for an extensive four-hour period (240min). They find application in high-risk environments where fire safety is paramount, such as airports, tunnels, and military installations.

Variants available in the UK include:

• 240-minute Supalux
• 240-minute Monolux-500/800
• 240-minute Promat Promatect-MST
• 240-minute Promat Promafour
• 240-minute Promat Vermiculux-S
• 240-minute Promat Promatect®-H

FIRE BOARDS MANUFACTURERS | PRODUCTS

Fire protection boards are manufactured by leading brands and are suitable for use in any project where additional fire proofing measures might need to be taken.

In terms of  fire protection boards, Promat, Kemwell, British Gypsum, Rockwool, Vitcas and Knauf are the commonly recognised brands. 

MASTERBOARD

Masterboard is a Class O building board with limited combustibility providing up to 30 minutes fire protection. This board is also suitable for external use in semi-exposed applications, whilst adding its fire rating qualities. 

SUPALUX

Supalux is Class O fire rated for surface spread of flame as well as being a non-combustible, high performance board. Providing up to 240 minutes fire protection to any project, Supalux also provides moisture resistance in damp and humid environments. Supalux is commonly used for internal partitions, external walls, internal walls, ceilings and non-combustible linings. 

CEMBRIT FR

Cembrit FR is a versatile, Class A1 fire rated internal lining board suitable for partition walls, ceilings and floors. Cembrit FR will provide up to 120 minutes of fire resistance when used on the structure with insulation or 60 minutes when used without insulation. Cembrit FR building boards are lightweight and robust, making them ideal for offsite construction. 

YWALL

Ywall is a non-combustible cement/calcium building board that can be used for applications that require a slightly lighter board with improved fire properties. Ywall offers very similar properties to that of cement particle board, however due to the calcium additives, it offers a much greater fire resistance. This fire protection board has a smooth surface on the front and rough face on the back. 

GLASROC F

Glasroc F FireCase Fire Protection Board British Gypsum is a highly versatile, non-combustible, Class A1 and Class 0 glass-reinforced gypsum based plasterboard used mostly as part of the FIRECASE frameless structural steel encasement system, giving up to 120 minutes fire protection and in the GypLyner ENCASE system, achieving up to 180 minutes fire protection.

MONOLUX-500/800

Promat MONOLUX-500 (MST-500) is a robust low thermal conductivity rigid fire protection board specifically formulated without asbestos and mineral fibres for use in constructions and insulation linings. Monolux 500 High Performance Board is a tough and durable, resistant to impact damage fire panel providing up to 240 minutes fire resistance.

KNAUF FIRE PANEL

Knauf Fire Panel is a high-quality gypsum based plasterboard with additives for fire performance that is suitable for Fire-Rated partitions and any other drylining application where fire rating is crucial.

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