Fire Protection: STS 12mm Construction Boards

Whether you are a dab hand at DIY or a national construction company, the premise is the same; Safe and reliable materials are key to any job done well and safely. With a known need to bring safer materials and systems to the UK construction world, STS took a look at the fire performance of construction boards and the importance of both when choosing safer materials. 

Recent fire tragendies have sent shockwaves worldwide and since then, legislation has been put in place to improve the safety of materials used within the construction of buildings. The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, highlighted that all materials must have a European Fire Rating of Class A1 or A2 and that all wooden materials are not to be used as cladding on building over 18m in height. Until recently, European countries had differing classifications when it came to fire performance of construction materials. Now there is a singular classification across Europe to enable ease of testing and conformity or results.

The report also tells us that it is the build-up of the system that is important, not just the boards or materials alone. You may have a fire rated product but when included as part of a build-up, it may not hold the same fire properties – meaning burn time is crucial.

The STS Construction Board is a heavy duty, fibre cement board with Euro Class A1 Fire Rating, meaning it is non-combustible and is ideal for both internal and external applications. We recently tested our boards at to BS 476.22 (Non load bearing party wall) and are please to say our build up achieved a 118-minute burn time. This build up was just the 12mm STS Construction Boards, Rockwool and Timber studs.

Other fire protective applications of the STS Construction Board include:

• Fire Protection Wall Boards (Party Walls)
• Stove Surrounds
• Boiler & Electrical Circuit Board Backer
• Oil Tank Surround (External)
• Fire Resistant Ceiling Board
• Thatched Roof Liner
• Timber Cladding Receiver Board
• Roof Space Fire Wall/Spandrel Panel  

There are still big changes that need to be made to improve and maintain the standards of the industry as a whole. We believe that setting good standards and maintaining quality control and codes of practice helps to promote a safe industry and strong, reliable and safe products. 

This blog is courtesy of STS Ltd. 

Shop for STS Construction boards and accessories here.