Fire Resistant Plasterboards

Fire Resistant Plasterboards, often referred to as fire-rated boards, fireline boards, or simply Type F boards in the UK, are a specialised type of drywall designed to provide enhanced protection against the spread of fire. They are a critical component in fire safety construction, particularly in commercial buildings, multi-occupancy housing, and in areas requiring specific fire separation, such as lift shafts, stairwells, and separating walls/ceilings.

These boards share a core structure with standard plasterboard but incorporate key modifications to delay fire penetration:

• The central core is composed primarily of gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate).
• Crucially, the gypsum core is reinforced with glass fibre or other non-combustible additives (such as vermiculite). These fibres help to hold the core together for longer when exposed to heat, maintaining the board's structural integrity.
  
• The inherent fire resistance of gypsum is due to the presence of chemically combined water. When exposed to heat, this water is slowly released as steam—a process called calcination or dehydration. This process effectively keeps the unexposed side of the board relatively cool for a significant period (typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, depending on the thickness and system). This delay prevents the fire from spreading to adjacent rooms or structures.

Key features

• Features a gypsum core reinforced with glass fibre or other non-combustible additives (like vermiculite) to enhance structural integrity under heat.
• Specifically designed to provide a predetermined period of fire resistance and integrity (e.g., 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes), crucial for safe evacuation.
• Resistance is achieved through the dehydration (calcination) of the gypsum core, which releases chemically combined water as steam to keep the unexposed side cool.
  
• Easily distinguishable from standard boards, they typically feature a pink or red-tinged paper face in the UK.
  
• Commonly available in 12.5mm and 15mm thicknesses, with the thicker boards generally offering higher fire resistance ratings.
  
• Essential for constructing fire-rated partition walls, ceilings, and other separating elements in commercial, residential, and multi-occupancy buildings.
  
• Must comply with British and European standards, such as BS EN 520, to ensure certified performance.
  
• Often referred to by trade names or as fire-rated boards or Type F boards.

The main benefit of using fire resistant plasterboards is not necessarily to stop the fire completely, but to provide a crucial period of integrity and insulation. This vital delay allows occupants more time to evacuate safely and gives fire services time to respond before the structure becomes compromised.