Core Fire Performance Factors to get Right
A facade is more than its outer skin. Fire resistance depends on the performance of the entire wall build-up, with each layer working together to delay fire spread and protect lives.
Material Non-Combustibility
Materials like aluminium, steel and fibre cement are deemed non-combustible. Choosing non-combustible cladding is an important first step, but it is only part of the solution. Real performance depends on how these materials work together with layers, coatings and fixings to create a complete wall system.
Wall Build-Up and Layers
What sits behind the cladding matters as much as the surface. Layers of sheathing and insulation add protection. Using gypsum or fibre cement sheathing boards can make a big difference, improving how long the wall resists fire. This is why hospitals and schools often include gypsum. Those layers act as a buffer, slowing fire and buying valuable time.
Spread of Flame and Coating Systems
Even when the base material is FR aluminium cladding, coatings influence how flames behave. A timber-look finish, for example, must be tested to confirm it will not allow flames to spread too quickly. Coatings also affect durability and appearance, so they must be chosen with care. Sculptform finishes are backed by test data, giving you confidence that the look you want also supports compliance.
Cavity Barriers and Compartmentation
Ventilated facades create cavities, and those gaps can act like hidden channels for fire and smoke. To control this hidden risk, cavity barriers and intumescent closers divide the gaps into safe compartments.
Cavity barriers are fire-stopping strips hidden inside the gap behind a ventilated facade. They break the cavity into smaller sections, stopping fire and smoke from racing through. While intumescent closers expand when exposed to heat, swelling to seal the gap and block flames. Together, they act like invisible walls that slow fire and smoke, helping to stop fire from spreading up and across the building. Without them, even the best fire-resistant cladding cannot perform as intended.
Substructure Fixings and Joints
Rails, clips and fixings may seem like small details, but they are critical to fire performance. These parts need to match the fire strategy for the project; otherwise, they can become weak spots.
Openings and penetrations, like service holes or cut-outs, are especially vulnerable. If they are not detailed correctly, fire and smoke can pass through quickly. Careful planning with the fire engineer helps ensure every joint and fixing supports the overall safety of the wall.
