Fire protection of building materials is a central component of modern construction projects. In addition to energy efficiency and statics, the fire behaviour of the materials used is crucial to the safety of buildings and their users.

It is not just a question of whether a building material burns or not. The decisive factor is how materials behave in the event of a fire, how quickly the fire spreads and what influence they have on smoke development and temperature. For insulation materials and building envelope components in particular, it is therefore important to consider fire behaviour not in isolation, but in the overall structural context.

Why the fire protection of building materials is crucial

Every second counts in the event of a fire. The fire protection of building materials has a decisive influence:

• the spread of fire
• the smoke development
• the temperature development
• the stability of components

An unsuitable material can cause a fire to spread quickly and escape routes to be impaired. This is why the right choice of building materials is a central component of a safe building concept. For planners, fabricators and building owners, this means that the choice of materials not only influences the technical design, but also safety in the event of an emergency. The earlier the topic of fire protection of building materials is included in the planning, the more reliably requirements can be implemented.

You can also find out more about the importance of tested insulation materials in use in our Contribution to SAGLAN glass wool and their tested safety.

Classification of building materials in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the fire protection of building materials is categorised according to the specifications of the VKF (Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers).

The RF1 classification (non-combustible) is of particular importance here. Materials in this category:

• do not contribute to fire development

• do not develop burning drips

• remain stable even at high temperatures

Class RF1 building materials are used in safety-relevant areas and form the basis for a reliable fire protection concept. The classification provides orientation in planning and helps to select materials specifically according to their fire protection properties. This categorisation is an important component of design safety, especially for more complex components.

Glass wool as a non-combustible insulating material

Our SAGLAN glass wool is a non-combustible building material and fulfils the requirements of the RF1 classification for the fire protection of building materials.

The features at a glance:

• non-flammable (RF1)
• Temperature resistant
• Dimensionally stable in case of fire
• No burning dripping

This makes glass wool particularly suitable for applications with high fire protection requirements, for example in façades, ceilings or technical installations.

Our SAGLAN glass wool reliably fulfils these requirements and actively contributes to the safety of building envelopes. In addition to the fire behaviour, it is also crucial that the insulation material can be used reliably in practice. Where high demands on safety and design come together, tested and non-combustible solutions are particularly important.

More than just material: fire protection as a system

It is not just the individual building material that is decisive for fire protection, but the entire component. In practice, it has been shown time and again that even a high-quality building material can only be fully effective if connections, transitions and penetrations are also properly resolved. The decisive factor is therefore not just the material, but the functioning interaction of all components.

Important factors are:

• Correct combination of materials
• Clean execution of connections
• Safe solution for penetrations
• Coordinated system components

System solutions offer clear added value compared to individual components. A well thought-out system reduces risks and ensures safe implementation on the construction site. Especially for façades, ceilings and complex connection situations, a harmonised structure creates more security in planning, tendering and implementation.

We also show why system solutions are crucial in our Contribution to façade systems.

Planning security through tested solutions

It is crucial for planners and fabricators to rely on tested and harmonised solutions. This applies in particular where there are high demands on verifications, component safety and clean execution. Tested solutions reduce uncertainties and create clarity for all project participants.

Advantages:

• Clear proof of fire behaviour
• High execution reliability
• Compliance with legal requirements
• Fewer planning and execution risks

Additional requirements for buildings can also be found in the model regulations of the cantons: MuKen.

Conclusion

The fire protection of building materials is a central component of modern construction projects. It is not only the classification, but also the behaviour in the event of a fire that determines the safety of a building.

Non-combustible insulation materials such as glass wool make a decisive contribution here. They increase safety, improve planning and ensure long-lasting, reliable buildings. Those who think about fire protection at an early stage and rely on harmonised solutions create a reliable basis for safe construction projects.

Contact our specialist advisors for suitable solutions.