How to Stop Fire and Heat from Spreading
As a business owner, you have a tremendous amount of responsibility. That includes keeping workers safe while protecting assets. Typically, the two main things that people in your position worry about are fires and explosions. However, heat caused by either of these is just as dangerous. This is where fire-resistant boards and panels could make all the difference.
What Is a Fire-Resistant Board?
This type of board resists both fire and the transmission of heat qualities combined with low shrinkage allow them to maintain integrity even during a devastating fire event. Fire resistant boards are typically mounted to framing members, with one or more layers of boards installed to achieve the required fire resistance rating. The higher the hourly rating required, typically results in a greater total thickness of the fire-resistant boards.
A reputable company can make prefabricated fire-rated enclosures based on existing wall designs of the same material. Once installed, they keep the temperature on one side low for a specific amount of time. Choose a product with the hourly fire resistance rating based on the type of fire your company might experience. For instance, if you process or handle chemicals, you may require fire resistance ratings of 3 or even 4 hours.
What Is a Fire-Resistant Panel?
Fire resistant panels are fabricated with a high density, non-combustible, mineral wool core with thin sheet metal sheets bonded to each face of the panel using a special adhesive. The panels are delivered to site ready to install. The panels are simply to be installed into top and bottom tracks on the job site to create an almost instant fire barrier.
It should be noted that all mineral wool core panels are not necessarily fire rated. To achieve a fire-resistance rating, the panels need to be tested to specific fire test standards.
There are similar looking thermal panels for walls that are designed to limit the transmission of heat, but will not be able stop the spread of a fire. Panels for drive in freezers and refrigerators in food processing plants, or for constructing air handling plenums, are examples where a thermal panel would be an appropriate product for the application when fire resistance is not required.
So, here’s what it comes down to. Whether installing fire-resistant boards or panels around a key piece of machinery, or to compartmentalize the interior of a building, work with a trusted source. That way, you can choose from many different protective products to achieve your required level and type of protection you require.
Just imagine your workers in an area of the company when a fire breaks out. Unable to escape, these individuals would need to wait for the firefighters to arrive. During that time, they can stay safe, thanks to the room’s walls constructed of fire resistant boards or panels, along with the fire rated doors. While the heat of the fire intensifies on one side of the wall, the other side maintains a low temperature.
Buy from a Trusted Source
It’s important to work with a trusted source for a fire-resistant enclosure, fire resistance panels, and thermal panels for walls. Along with saving money, you’ll feel 100 percent confident in the product’s integrity. Otherwise, you could end up dealing with an additional risk beyond fire and heat.
You see, it’s nearly impossible to predict the response of subpar boards. They could become deformed, crack, or shrink. If any of those things happen, they can’t function as intended. However, if you contact us at DuraSystems, we guarantee superior products that provide excellent protection.
