Fire-resistant building materials can withstand extreme temperatures, preventing or slowing the spread of heat and hot gases that ignite flames. Here we look at the critical role they play in building envelope restoration, and the key materials used to help stem the spread and damage of fire.
What are fire-rated materials in Canada?
The National Building Code of Canada rates fire resistance based on “the time in minutes or hours that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria…” Construction assemblies create barriers called fire separations, which form a fire compartment for areas that require a fire-resistance rating.
The material classification is based on fire rating measurements using testing methods and criteria based on the material type and its function. This might include whether materials must be load-bearing, insulating, or structural. For example, surface tests measure the spread of flame and combustibility.
What types of fire-resistant materials are used in building envelope restoration?
Essential fire-resistant materials used in building envelope restoration withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of flames, including:
- Fire resistant glass for windows and curtain walls
- Fire-retardant wood
- Fire-resistant doors and hardware
- Fire-resistant coatings
- Fire-resistant insulation
- Concrete and masonry
- Intumescent coatings which form a protective insulating layer when exposed to high temperatures creating a shield for underlying materials
- Fireproof sealants for joints and gaps to stem the passage of flames and smoke
- Steel coated with fire resistant materials for added protection against high temperatures
- Fire-resistant insulation such as mineral wool and fiberglass
What are examples of fire-resistant cladding materials?
Fire-resistant cladding used in building restoration plays a critical role in preventing the spread of fire from nearby buildings, including:
- Fibre cement siding
- Metal cladding
- Masonry veneers
- Polycarbonate panels
- Aggregate stone
- Insulated concrete forms
How do fire-resistant materials improve safety on construction sites?
Construction sites elevate fire risks where the heavy machinery, construction materials, and daily tasks present unique challenges including:
- The use of flammable materials
- Hot work that produces heat and sparks such as welding, cutting, and grinding
- Electrical hazards such as overloaded circuits, improper equipment use or faulty wiring
- Lack of training
Use of fire-resistant materials provide more time for workers to escape the building should any of the above issues start a fire. In hand with comprehensive fire safety training for construction crews, risks are greatly reduced.
What are the benefits of using fire-resistant materials in building envelope restorations?
Fire-resistant materials offer many advantages for building envelope restoration projects including:
- Enhancing safety and protection of occupants, construction workers, and firefighters
- Protecting property from fire and smoke damage
- Reducing the intensity and spread of fire
- Helping to maintain structural integrity during and following a fire
- Improving eco-friendliness by reducing the need for demolition and waste production following a fire
- Improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort
- Reduction in thermal bridges to reduce heat loss and gain
- Increasing property value
- Possible reduction in insurance premiums
At Welldone Inc. our safety-first culture includes risk management and intense fire safety training to protect your property from fire during the restoration process. We adhere to all fire and building code standards as a COR™ certified construction company.
Speak to our team today to learn how WellDone Inc. helps high-rise and low-rise condominium buildings, rental apartment buildings, hotels, and commercial buildings protect and prolong the life of key building envelope components using fire-resistant materials.