Fire-rated panels: fire resistance ratings, approval submissions and installation notes

On projects that require fire safety approval, the envelope material is no longer just an aesthetic or budget choice — it decides whether the submission is approved. This article covers what a client needs to know about the fire performance of panels.

1. Core materials and how they behave in fire

• Rock wool: non-combustible and stable above 1000°C — the highest level of fire safety.
• PIR: forms a protective char when exposed to flame, limiting spread and reducing smoke.
• PU: moderate fire performance, suitable for projects not subject to approval.
• EPS: needs careful consideration against current regulations before use anywhere with a fire requirement.

Panel lines for areas with fire-protection requirements

2. How a fire resistance rating is determined

The fire resistance of a fire-separating element is established by testing a complete specimen and is expressed in minutes (EI 60, EI 90, EI 120…). That figure belongs to the whole system — panel, framing, jointing accessories and the way it is installed — not to the panel on its own.

3. The documents to have ready

• Conformity certificates and fire resistance test results for the wall and roof systems.
• Detailed construction drawings accompanying the test results.
• Works certificates for each batch delivered.

4. What to watch during installation

Pipe and cable penetrations and movement joints are the weak points most often missed — they need to be filled with proper fire-stopping material. Panel-to-panel joints must use the specified joint type and the specified fixings.

Conclusion

Fire performance is a question of the whole system, not the material alone. Choosing a supplier with complete test documentation and construction guidance makes approval and handover go far more smoothly.