Fire Ratings For Insulation
In South Africa, insulation fire ratings are crucial for ensuring safety in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Fire ratings indicate how a material reacts to fire and its ability to prevent or slow its spread. Here’s a breakdown of fire ratings and how different insulation products in South Africa measure up:
1. Fire Rating Standards in South Africa
- SANS 10400-T: This standard governs fire protection in buildings and includes requirements for fire ratings of materials.
- SANS 428: Specifies fire performance classification for materials, including non-combustibility and reaction to fire.
- EN 13501-1: European standard often referenced for reaction to fire classification in South Africa.
Fire ratings typically include:
- A1: Non-combustible, no contribution to fire
- A2: Non-combustible, but may produce some smoke or flaming particles
- B: Limited contribution to fire spread, low fire growth rate, limited smoke production
- C: Moderate contribution to fire spread, moderate fire growth rate, moderate smoke production
- D: High contribution to fire spread, high fire growth rate, significant smoke production
- E: High contribution to fire, easily flammable
- F: High contribution to fire, easily flammable
See our Insulation Price List
2. Fire Ratings for Common Insulation Materials in South Africa
- Fire Rating: A1 (non-combustible).
- Knauf Earthwool, a glass mineral wool insulation, is non-combustible and ideal for areas requiring high fire safety standards.
- Applications: Roofs, walls, and floors.
- Fire Rating: A1 (non-combustible).
- Made from glass wool, Aerolite is inherently non-combustible and does not contribute to the spread of flames.
- Applications: Residential, commercial, and industrial roof insulation.
- Fire Rating: A1 (non-combustible).
- Rockwool is made from stone wool, making it resistant to fire and capable of withstanding temperatures over 1000°C.
- Applications: High-risk areas, fire barriers, walls, and roofs.
- Fire Rating: A1 (non-combustible).
- Made from non-combustible glass wool, CavityBatt has excellent fire resistance and does not contribute to flame spread.
- Applications: Specifically designed for cavity walls, offering both thermal and acoustic insulation while meeting fire safety requirements.
- Key Benefits: Non-combustible, durable, and effective in reducing energy costs and improving building safety.
- Fire Rating: A1 (non-combustible).
- Factorylite is made from non-combustible glass wool with a reflective foil facing for added thermal performance. It does not burn or contribute to the spread of fire.
- Applications: Commonly used in industrial and commercial roofing systems where fire safety and energy efficiency are critical.
- Key Benefits: High fire resistance, superior thermal performance, and suitable for industrial environments.
- Fire Rating: B/B1/2 (SANS 428).
- Fabufill is made from recycled polyester. It will not ignite easily and shrinks away from flames, reducing the risk of fire spread.
- Applications: Used in residential and commercial ceilings, walls, and floors for thermal insulation.
- Key Benefits: Eco-friendly, lightweight, and effective for sound and thermal insulation while being safe for fire-sensitive areas.
- Fire Rating: B/B1/2 (SANS 428).
- Made from recycled PET. It will melt and shrink away from flames without igniting easily or spreading fire.
- Applications: Ceiling insulation in residential and commercial properties.
8. XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Insulation
- Fire Rating: B/B1/2/H&V (SP & USP).
- While some XPS boards are treated with fire retardants, they will burn when exposed to high heat but do not spread flames easily.
- Applications: Ceilings, walls, and floors in residential and commercial settings.
- Fire Rating: B/B1/2/H (SP & USP) .
- EPS is combustible unless treated with fire-retardant additives, which improve its performance.
- Applications: Insulated panels, ceiling insulation, and cavity wall insulation.
- Fire Rating: B/B1/2 H (SANS 428).
- Made from recycled paper treated with fire-retardant chemicals, cellulose can slow the spread of fire but remains combustible.
- Applications: Attics and walls in eco-friendly construction.
Understanding Insulation Fire Ratings
Understanding insulation fire ratings is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of your building in South Africa. Whether you’re choosing A-class, non-combustible options like Aerolite, Rockwool, or Knauf, or B-class rated products like Isotherm, Fabufill, and Cellulose, it’s essential to balance fire safety with thermal and acoustic performance. Always ensure that your chosen insulation meets SANS standards and is installed correctly to maximize its fire-resistant properties. By selecting the right insulation, you can create a safer, more energy-efficient environment for your home or business.