Increasing Building Safety With Fire Rated Panels

Safety is a key consideration in any building design, and fire protection should be a top priority when it comes to commercial construction. As the demand for occupant safety grows, fire rated panels are becoming an essential building component to ensure the highest-performing structure possible. 

By preventing the spread of fire, allowing increased evacuation times and meeting stringent building codes, fire-resistant infill panels can take your designs to the next level. 

What Are Fire Rated Panels?

Made from non-combustible or fire-retardant materials, fire rated panels are specialized building materials designed to slow the spread of fire and meet fire code regulations in commercial buildings. 

In terms of construction, fire rated panels are most typically used for:

• Fire Rated Partitions and Walls: Fire rated panels in office buildings, hospitals and schools are used to compartmentalize fire and reduce smoke.
• Exterior Cladding and Facades: Spandrel panels and rainscreen systems provide fire protection without detracting from the building’s aesthetic appeal.
• Escape Routes and Stairwells: Fire rated panels ensure safe evacuation during an emergency.
• Industrial and Data Centers: Electrical rooms and server spaces need fire rated enclosures to protect important and sensitive information.

Understanding Fire Ratings and Standards

To fully understand the need for fire rated panels and the necessity of including them in the design and building processes, you need to first understand fire ratings and standards.

Fire ratings and standards in commercial construction define how materials, assemblies and systems resist fire, smoke and heat for a specified duration. Compliance ensures life safety, structural integrity and adherence to building codes.

Time-Based Classification

Expressed in minutes or hours, fire ratings measure how long a material or assembly can withstand fire exposure before failing. Time-based fire ratings apply to:

• Walls and Partitions: Fire rated drywall, masonry or panel systems
• Ceilings and Floors: Fire-resistant suspended ceilings and floor assemblies
• Doors and Windows: Fire rated glazing and steel doors
• Structural Elements: Fireproofed steel columns and beams

Key Fire Standards

International and U.S. fire standard codes include:

• ASTM E119 (UL 263): This is a fire-resistance test for walls, floors, roofs and structural components.
• ASTM E84: This test determines surface burning characteristics, specifically smoke development and flame spread, of building materials. 
• NFPA 285: This includes fire propagation test for exterior wall assemblies, which is critical for combustible cladding systems.
• NFPA 252 / UL 10B & 10C: These are fire testing for doors and windows.
• NFPA 251 / ANSI UL 1709: These test fire protection for structural steel in high-risk environments.
• IBC (International Building Code): This governs fire-resistance requirements for commercial buildings in the U.S.

How Fire Rated Panels Are Tested

Fire rated infill panels are tested through rigorous procedures that assess how the assembled panel withstands fire exposure while maintaining structural integrity and limiting heat transfer.

Testing includes subjecting panels to controlled fire conditions in a furnace. The infill panels are installed in a test frame that replicates real-world applications, and their performance is measured based on criteria like flame spread, insulation efficiency and load-bearing capacity.

During the fire resistance test, thermocouples monitor temperature rise. Measurements and observations determine if the panel resists ignition, prevents structural failure and maintains compartmentation.

Only infill panels that meet or exceed the codes and standards set by governing authorities receive fire ratings, allowing you to trust that a fire rated panel meets the strict criteria for building codes and safety requirements.

Different Types of Fire Rated Panels

All fire rated panels are not created equal. The material of the panel and its insulation vary, and each type of fire rated panel is designed to meet different fire protection and thermal performance needs in commercial buildings. 

Choosing the right type of fire rated panel depends on factors like building function, fire-rating requirements and design aesthetics.

MapeStop 

MapeStop fire rated panels are architectural panels with a high insulation value that are available in all architectural finishes to achieve specific aesthetic designs. 

They are Class A Fire rated per ASTM E84 and come in two options: 

• 15/20 Minute Panels: Ideal for doors, transoms, window replacements, curtain walls and spandrel areas, these panels have a time rating of 15-20 minutes.
• Non-Combustible Panels: These panels have a Zero’ Flame Spread Rating (per ASTM E84) and No Foam Plastic Insulation (NFPA 285) to create a non-combustible solution. These panels are ideal for buildings with stringent fire-resistance requirements like high rises and commercial spaces. 

Comparing Fire Rated Panel Materials

Fire rated infill panels use various insulation materials that all have unique properties. When comparing fire rated panels, be sure to evaluate each insulation’s fire resistance, thermal performance and structural benefits.

• Mineral Wool: This is a popular choice due to its non-combustibility, excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing properties, making it ideal for curtain wall applications.
• Gypsum Board Substrates: Typically used as an interior substrate to meet fire codes, gypsum board substrates prevent fire and heat from spreading. This allows more time for a safe evacuation and for emergency personnel to arrive. 

How to Choose the Right Fire Rated Panel

When choosing the right fire rated panel for a particular project, several factors should be considered to maintain the project’s design integrity while prioritizing the best fire protection. 

Always consider these factors when choosing the right fire rated panel for your project.

Building Height

When selecting a fire rated infill panel for a building, the structure’s height plays a critical role in determining the appropriate fire-resistance rating.

Taller buildings have unique fire safety requirements due to the increased potential for fire spread and longer evacuation times. For tall building projects, the fire rated infill panels must provide adequate protection for both the building’s occupants and its structural integrity.

The higher the building, the more stringent the fire-resistance rating is needed to ensure the panels can withstand exposure to extreme temperatures for extended periods.

Fire Load

Fire load is a crucial consideration when choosing a fire rated infill panel because it directly impacts the material’s ability to withstand and contain a fire.

Fire load refers to the amount of combustible material present within a given area, including furnishings, finishes and structural components, which can contribute to the intensity and duration of a fire.

In areas with a higher fire load, the infill panels must be selected to withstand the potential heat release and prevent the fire from spreading.

Codes

Building and fire codes, which vary by location, dictate the fire-resistance rating needed based on factors like the building’s height, occupancy type and the specific risks associated with its function.

Creating a design that meets these regulations is essential for ensuring occupant safety and achieving compliance with local and national fire safety standards.

Failure to meet the required fire ratings could result in penalties, delays or even jeopardize the building’s occupancy approval.

Improve Building Safety And Do It With Style

Mapes fire rated panels are designed to meet modern design aesthetics and provide the highest quality fire protection for occupant and building safety. 

MapeStop fire-resistant panels are the ideal solution for fire rated glazing applications. They can be custom-designed with various substrates and insulations to meet design requirements and building codes, including IBC and NFPA 285.

Discover the range of fire rated Mapes panels or browse the Mapes Selection Guide to find a solution that provides protection for the building without sacrificing style.