Different Types of Fire-Resistant Building Materials
Whether you’re a contractor or builder looking for ways to protect your building designs or a homeowner trying to safeguard your home, familiarize yourself with the different types of fire-resistant materials. These materials can help make your building safer and provide protection in the event of a fire.
Concrete
Concrete is a common building material prized for both its durability and natural fire resistance. Concrete has a noncombustible makeup with low thermal conductivity, which contributes to its fire resistance. Its thermal conductivity is even lower than that of steel, which is another common building material. Just be sure to note the particular makeup of the concrete you’re building with, as some concrete mixes can contain more aggregate. Natural aggregates tend to expand when they experience heat, which can make for a poor building material.
Intumescent Paints
Intumescent paints are a crucial part of building safety during the design and construction stages. These paints provide passive fire protection that can help stop the spread of flames during an emergency. Contractors and builders apply intumescent paints to the structural materials of the building that are the most sensitive to fire damage. Coating the building’s structural supports with intumescent paints helps preserve the building’s structural integrity even during a hazardous fire event.
Fire-Resistant Glass
Fire-resistant glass is a common building material for homes, commercial buildings, and more. This is because any type of building can have fire risks regardless of its location, application, or size. Fire-resistant glass is a safe product for windows to reduce the risk of breakage during a fire. Dual-paned glass windows can even provide other benefits, such as energy efficiency. Tempered glass windows are heat-treated to hold up to tough conditions, such as impacts and heat.
Fire-Treated Natural Products
Finally, some natural products that are traditionally weak to fire conditions can be improved with the heat-treating process. There are certain fire-resistant chemicals in the construction industry that professionals use to treat traditionally weak materials, such as cellulose and other plant-based materials. Chemically treated materials are less flammable, which can provide more time for escape and flame control during a fire.
Fires can greatly harm any type of building, whether you’re concerned about your residential home or a commercial building. Fortunately, these various types of fire-resistant building materials are here to keep your home or business safe in the event of a fire.
