22.08.2024
Passive fire protection in drywall construction
Fire protection is a key element in modern construction. Selecting appropriate materials, good design, and proper installation of the systems play an important role in achieving effective fire safety. Essentially, we can differentiate two main types of protection: active and passive. While active protection is important and has its place in an event of a fire, this article will focus on passive fire protection.
What is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection includes all measures and materials used to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within buildings and to ensure safe evacuation routes. Unlike active fire protection, these measures are integrated into the buildings structure and do not require activation or human intervention to function effectively.
To ensure the safety of occupants and protect the integrity of the building in an event of a fire, it is important to contain the fire to the smallest possible area. The only way to achieve this, once the fire has reached a stage of full development, is to construct walls, ceilings, floors, etc., that are capable of withstanding this aggressive impact and block the passage of heat, flames, or toxic gases to the other side.
Another aspect of passive fire protection is securing the building in case of a fire nearby and separating large, densely built areas with firebreaks made from non-combustible materials with class of reaction to fire A1. This ensures that in the event of fire, the damage will be minimized, and firefighting efforts will be more effectively focused on just one section of the building.
Why is Gypsum the Right Choice for Fire Protection?
When selecting building materials for a project, it’s not just a choice between aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness but also a strategic decision to create a healthy and safe environment with enhanced fire safety. The natural fire-resistant properties of gypsum, along with the design flexibility it offers, make this product a vital component in modern construction, especially in spaces with increased risk of fire. Gypsum contains over 21% chemically bound water in its structure, also known as crystalline water. When exposed to high temperatures, gypsum releases this water as steam, effectively slowing down the spread of fire. This unique characteristic provides crucial additional minutes for evacuation, potentially saving lives. Moreover, gypsum is a natural mineral that does not produce toxic fumes when heated, ensuring that the air remains safe to breath during a fire.
Application in Drywall Construction
The choice of construction materials for drywall is important and must be approached responsibly, as our health depends on it. The gypsum boards of Technogips Pro are reinforced with fiberglass and other additives, have higher density, and are specially designed to meet increased fire resistance requirements. All profiles, fasteners, accessories, and mineral wool from our product range are class A1 fire reaction rated.
Technogips Pro’s certified systems include Partition Walls, Suspended Ceilings, and Shaft Walls, which provide a high level of fire protection. They are carefully designed and tested in accredited European laboratories and guarantee fire protection ratings of up to 180 minutes.
With Technogips Pro’s system solutions, you can be sure that your projects will be protected and built in accordance with the highest safety standards. Trust Technogips Pro for your passive fire protection and ensure the safety of your buildings and their occupants.