Keeping Buildings Safe With Knauf Frameless Encasement System
Whilst we hope it’s never required, fire protection is a critical component for fire safety in buildings. Most importantly, it helps protect the lives of anyone using the building, but it can also reduce the financial impact of damage to buildings and contents if a fire does breakout.
What is Passive Fire Protection?
A vital part of any fire protection strategy is passive fire protection (PFP). It is built into the building’s structure and plays a preventive role that allows a structure to resist a fire for a given time. This is done by:
Limiting the spread of fire and smoke
Protecting escape routes
Protecting the building structure
What is the Difference Between Passive Fire Protection and Active Fire Protection?
Fire protection in buildings needs two types of protection: Active Fire Protection (eg. fire alarms or sprinkler system) and Passive Fire Protection. Active Fire Protection relates to the detection and extinction of a fire whilst Passive Fire Protection relates to the containment of a fire.
Why does the Steel structure need protection?
Steel loses strength at temperatures over 550°C, so systems that protect the structural steels from the excessive heat associated with fire, are vital to prevent the building from collapsing.
Glass Reinforced Gypsum boards (such as Knauf Fireboard) are widely used for structural fire protection in the UK and Ireland. They are used both when the protection system is in full view and where it is concealed.
GRG boards give a clean “boxed” appearance, with the added advantage that the installation is a dry trade meaning it is less likely to have significant impacts on other build programme activities. Boards also offer the security of guaranteed thicknesses and performance due to the manufacturing process.
What is the Knauf system that protects structural steels?
Knauf’s Frameless Fire Encasement system protects the steel from heat on all sides whilst maximising the sellable floor space of the building. The Knauf Fire Encasement solution simply consists of Knauf Fireboard stapled to itself at abutting corners. It can be easily finished with a number of coatings and linings including Knauf Airless Finish so it matches adjoining elements.
How does the Fireboard system perform?
Knauf Fireboard is a fleece-lined, glass reinforced gypsum board available in a range of thicknesses to suit all installation requirements.
With reaction to fire A1, according to EN 13501-1, there is no need for additional coatings on structural steel to provide up to 4 hours of fire protection.
Available in 15, 20, 25 and 30mm thicknesses means you can minimise the footprint, simply use the different board thicknesses to achieve the desired fire rating.
How can I finish the system?
On exposed encasements, Knauf Fireboard-Spachtel (Joint Filler) can also be used as a finish, providing a smooth surface for decoration if required.
Suitable coatings for the system include wallpapers, plaster, top coats (such as Knauf Airless Finish), full surface skim and paint (using suitable primer for silicate-based emulsion paints).
How can I find out more?
You can download the brochure or contact your local CCF branch for more information.