Exploring the Benefits of Fireproof Wall Panels for Commercial Buildings

Whether you own or lease a commercial building, safety is one of the top priorities. Fire safety, for sure, ranks high on that list. Fire incidents can have disastrous effects on both life and property, often resulting in irreplaceable losses and financial implications. Therefore, to ensure your commercial property is protected against fire, it is important to be mindful of the construction material and abide by the set guidelines and regulations. Here, fire separations in the form of fire-rated or fireproof wall panels can help contain the fire and minimize the extent of infrastructural damage. 

Let us understand more about the use and benefits of fireproof wall panels in commercial buildings. 

What Are Fireproof Wall Panels?

Fire-rated wall panels, also known as fireproof or fire-resistant wall panels, are specially engineered panels that have exceptional fire-resistant properties. Usually, these panels are made of materials that have been rigorously tested and certified to withstand or contain the spread of fire and also provide a barrier against flames and smoke. They have a thick flame-resistant core that is covered or surrounded by laminated metal sheets, working as both insulation and wall. These panels find extensive use in industrial or commercial buildings to improve fire safety measures. 

Primarily, these fire-rated panels are made of fire-resistant or non-combustible materials, including steel, mineral wool, gypsum, cement, etc. Because of their innate fire-resistant property, these materials can withstand high temperatures without getting ignited or increasing the spread of fire. 

What About Fire Rating and R-value 

The fire rating of these panels depends on the thickness and composition. It is indicative of the duration of how long the panels can resist or withstand fire without collapsing or losing the ability to protect property or people. 

The fire rating is provided on the basis of standard fire tests and comprises three factors. 

• Structural adequacy: It is the measure of the ability of a material to support its own weight and the weight of any people or objects during a fire.
• Integrity: It is the measure of the ability of a material to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Insulation: It is the measure of the ability of a material to prevent the passage of heat from the side of the fire to the non-fire side. 

The fire rating is determined by the lowest of the three components discussed above. For instance, a material that has a structural adequacy rating of 40 minutes, an integrity rating of 30 minutes, and an insulation rating of 60 minutes, will have a fire rating of 30 minutes.  

Additionally, the R-value of an insulating material measures how effectively a specific material can resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is. Generally, the R-value is measured per inch of thickness. 

What Are the Benefits of Fireproof Wall Panels for Commercial Buildings

Here are some of the notable benefits of fire-resistant wall panels that make them a preferred choice in the construction of commercial buildings. 

• Exceptional fire-resistant property 

Fireproof wall panels, because of their inherent fire-resistant property, are able to contain the spread of fire and withstand high temperatures. Non-combustible material in the panels acts as an effective barrier by delaying the progress of flames and limiting fire damage. This gives time for building occupants to safely evacuate the building in the event of a fire. 

• Better insulation

The fire-resistant wall panels also have excellent thermal insulation. This means they minimise heat transfer, helping you improve the energy efficiency of the construction and cost savings on energy bills. With added insulation, you are able to maintain the desired indoor temperature. Moreover, they also offer acoustic insulation, resulting in quieter spaces inside the building. 

• Improved structural stability

These panels also offer improved structural stability, durability and strength. This reduces the risk of building collapse during a fire incident, allowing occupants and responders to take rescue measures. 

• Quick and easy installation

Another significant advantage of fireproof wall panels is quick and easy installation. Since they are modular and prefabricated, you save on labour, cost, and installation time. This means there is minimal disruption of business operations and you can get started in significantly less time. 

• Aesthetics and versatility

Although fire safety is the primary factor in choosing fireproof wall panels, they also enhance the aesthetics and versatility of the building. Many manufacturers offer custom wall panels with varying thicknesses, colours, textures, or finishes to enhance the visual appeal of the construction. Whether it’s an office space, hotel, restaurant, or supermarket, builders can ensure safety regulations while maintaining the desired look. 

• Low maintenance and longevity

These panels are highly cost-effective in the long term due to low maintenance. They are not only resistant to fire but also act as an effective barrier against moisture, mold, pests, bacterial growth, etc. This means building owners or managers do not need to spend resources on repairing or replacing the fireproof wall panels frequently. 

Rinac’s FM-Approved Firearmet Sandwich Panels: A Superior Alternative

Rianc’s FM-approved Firearmet sandwich panels have been engineered with state-of-the-art, environment-friendly foaming technology for superior insulation and fire resistance properties using Elastopir. 

Here’s what makes it the preferred alternative for various industries. 

• Made of CFC-free rigid polyisocyanurate foaming material (an average density of 42 kg/m3)  sandwiched between metal surfaces
• high-temperature stability
• Stability and safety 
• Lamination of pre-painted galvanized steel (PPGS) stainless steel (SS) or a combination of both with a thickness of 0.5 mm
• FM approval class 4880, 4881, and 4471
• Quality-controlled manufacturing as per the ISO and EN 14509 standard

Final Words 

Fireproof wall panels are proving to be a game-changer in the construction of commercial buildings. Offering a plethora of benefits in terms of safety, energy efficiency, economics, durability, longevity, installation, and aesthetics, they improve the functionality of a construction. Moreover, low maintenance and versatility make them an ideal choice for commercial and industrial spaces. 

Take the right step towards the safety and protection of your commercial buildings and choose fireproof wall panels in your construction. To know more about how Rinac can help you address your fire safety needs, get in touch with us today!