Which materials are fireproof

Despite this, brick has endured as the most popular fire-resistant material for buildings, being widely used for external walls and other common building elements. Stone suffers under the effects of fire and is prone to disintegration when suddenly cooled. Based on the specific type of stone, the exothermic reactions can vary greatly. For example, granite explodes when exposed to heat — and therefore requires extensive risk management when used as a construction material.

While wood is known as a common conductor of heat, timber that is used in heavy construction can be reasonably fire-resistant. The fire resistance levels of building materials will often differ following the addition of surface chemicals such as ammonium phosphate, sulphate, and zinc chloride. Timber can also be painted to provide an extra layer of fire protection. This reminds us that it is important to distinguish between raw materials and structural materials that have often been treated as part of the design and construction process.

Fire-retardant materials should not be confused with fire-resistant materials. Fire-retardant materials are designed to burn much more slowly, in comparison to some of their more flammable counterparts such as plywood and fibreboard. Steel is well known for its enduring structural integrity and high tensile strength.

Steel buildings are resistant to degradation, withstanding the adverse effects of termites, rust and rot. However, steel is not so able to hold out against the temperatures of fire. When exposed to fire for too long, steel beams will sag and the columns will buckle, causing the structure to collapse.

For this reason, fire protection is a crucial factor in the design of steel structures. Site owners and project managers should consult with fire protection experts from the outset.

These experts can then recommend measures such as intumescent paint to improve the fire resistance rating of structural steel. This paint forms a carbonaceous layer when subjected to extreme temperatures, offering an additional layer of protection to steel beams.

To find out more, consult our guide to structural steel fireproofing. It can cover any structural material, such as brick or wood. It usually consists of two or three coats over metal reinforcing mesh. A one-inch 2. Roof eaves overhangs are a fire hazard, but they can be protected with an encasement of fire-resistant material. Stucco is often recommended as one of the best materials for boxing in hazardous eaves.

Because of the versatility in finishing techniques, stucco can come in various colors and textures. This means that it's easily adaptable to various architectural styles, including Prairie School, Mediterranean, Tudor and Southwestern. This way, you don't have to sacrifice beauty for practical fire-resistant protection.

Many structural materials will require underlying gypsum sheathing in order to achieve a good fire-resistant rating, and gypsum board is the most commonly used fire-resistant interior finish.

Gypsum board, also known as drywall , consists of a layer of gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper. Type X gypsum board is specially treated with additives to further improve its fire-resistive qualities. The paper on the exterior of the type X gypsum board burns slowly and doesn't contribute to fire spread. In addition, gypsum board has a noncombustible core that contains chemically combined water in calcium sulfate.

When affected by fire, the first thing that happens is that this water comes out as steam. This effectively impedes the transfer of heat through the gypsum board. And even after the water is gone, the gypsum core continues to resist fire penetration for a time.

Builders often use multiple layers of gypsum board to increase the fire-resistance rating. If we learned anything from the popular children's tale of the "Three Little Pigs," it's that you should make your house out of brick. This isn't such bad advice. Brick is not only resistant to a big bad wolf's huffing and puffing -- it's also resistant to fires.

As bricks are made in a fire kiln, they're already highly resistant to fire. However, it's true that individual bricks are much more fire-resistant than a brick wall. A brick wall is held together with mortar, which is less effective. Nevertheless, brick is commonly cited as among the best building materials for fire protection. This char foam then insulates the fuel from oxygen and, to some extent, heat, Carroll said.

Flame retardant use has mushroomed since the s, but it has sparked a controversy over the past few decades because of its potential toxicity. Brominated fire retardant chemicals, banned in the U.

That meant the chemical could potentially leave the mattress and end up in the dust or air, where it could be inhaled or ingested. That's cause for concern, because these chemicals are linked to a slew of health problems; for instance they might disrupt thyroid function, interrupt the immune system and increase cancer risk, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

In contrast, brominated fire retardants are smaller molecules that can easily leave materials and objects. Can fire resistant materials and flame retardants be relied upon for fire safety? They do work well, but think of them as the second line of defense, Carroll said. Although it may seem like rather simple advice, keep fire, such as candles, out of bedrooms and carefully tend to stoves and other fire sources in the kitchen.

Editor's Note: This story was updated on Sept. When they are used in construction, however, their level of fire resistance is affected by the mortar that is used to hold them together. Despite this, brick remains one of the most fire-resistant building materials in common use, and it can be extremely effective at preventing disasters. Gypsum is a non-toxic mineral that is used in gypsum board, also known as drywall.