What is fire resistant insulation or fireproof insulation?

Specially designed insulation which offers protection against flames and withstand heat is known as fire resistant insulation or fire proof insulation material. Fire-resistant insulation material slows the spread of fire and protects the building. Fireproofing is more and more common choice of people nowadays for insulating commercial, domestic and industrial buildings. Fire-resistant insulation material is specially designed to resist high temperature and ensure no toxic smoke is released if it does encounter flames.

These materials slow down the spread of flame and protect the structure of building providing enough time for people to escape the property in case of fire.

Rating of fire resistance insulation

Fire rated insulation materials are classified in various ratings as follows

• A1- non-combustible
• A2- limited combustible
• B-F - Low- high contribution to fire

The ‘S’ part relates to total ‘Smoke propagation’, in the first ten minutes of exposure to flames.

There is the point of determining a ‘smoke’ index:

• S1 = a little or no smoke
• S2 = quite a lot of smoke
• S3 = significant smoke

The ‘D’ part relates to ‘Flaming droplets’ during the first ten minutes of exposure to flame. 
The indicator to determine flaming droplet is:

• D0 = no flaming droplets
• D1 = some or few flaming droplets
• D2 = quite a lot of flaming droplets

Types of fire-rated insulation materials

• Mineral wool - fibreglass insulation

Mineral wool is also known as stone wool or rock wool and is an ideal material because it is non-combustible and does not conduct heat at all. This material can resist temperatures above 1000 degree Celsius.

Fiberglass insulation have natural heat resistant properties making it an ideal material to use in high-temperature areas. Fiberglass does not burn but it may melt in temperature exceeding 100 degree Celsius. Fibreglass slabs and fireproof insulation rolls have a class A1 fire rating and are non-combustible.

• Foil & Multifoil insulation

Foil and multifoil insulation materials have excellent fire rating for fire propagation and spread of flame. They are specially designed and tested to the highest standards and is fully certified to use in the United Kingdom.

• Insulated Boards

Fire Resistant plasterboards utilise various fire retardant additives and a high-density core to enhance their fireproof qualities. Fireboard or Fire-resistant plasterboard offers better protection against fire when it is compared to other plasterboards. In high fire hazard areas, it is advised by the governing bodies to use Fire insulation boards or fireproof insulation sheets. Fire performance of the house is based on complete systems such as a partition, wall, ceiling membrane or floor, therefore insulated plasterboard cannot be considered on their own in terms of fire protection. Celotex 100mm has rated class 1 in surface spread of fire and rated E in reaction to fire.

• Expanding foam

Fire-rated expanding foam can provide up to 240 minutes of fire rating and is used as an efficient seal against gas and smoke. Expanding spray foam insulation has grown fast as one of the most popular options over time because of its cost-effectiveness. They comply will all relevant building regulations and can be used on commercial, residential and industrial properties.

• Passive fire protection

This term refers to cavity fire barrier, cavity stop sock such as arc cavity stop. These products are used to bridge gaps between wall cavities. Under the action of the heat they expand and insulate wall sections to reduce the spread of smoke. 

Benefits of fireproof insulation material

• Fire protection
• Non-combustible
• No Toxic smoke
• Lightweight
• Cost-effective
• Easy and quick install
• Provide thermal insulation
• Acoustic performance

Fire safety and building regulation

Building regulations specify a set of rules and regulations when it comes to fire safety. They have specified rules for detached houses and even stricter rules for terraced houses. Fire Safety Approved Document B building regulation in England covers fire safety matters within and around buildings. Building regulation have stated various precautionary measures which are to be followed when building a new house. Some of the most commons ones are listed below:

• Providing escape routes
• Preventing or restricting the spread of fire from

1. To or from neighbouring house
2. Inside the house

• Providing access route for fire brigade

Places where you can use fire rated insulation

• Floors
• Roofs
• Ceilings
• Loft Insulation
• Suspended ceilings
• Stud wall
• Cladding
• Interior wall
• Cavity barriers (Cavity Closers)
• Heat, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Heat resistant products

Up to 99 per cent of product manufactured in the UK are in compliance with strict building regulations, only the relevant authority has the power to edit those. Whether ones buys pvc, tape, a pack of slab or loft roll insulation. Of course it is sometimes difficult to compare performances when so many options and factors (such as proper storage) are on the table.