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Building sustainably

Fire

Fire is an emotive subject and is one of the first issues raised when timber frame construction is discussed. However, timber frame buildings must meet the same fire regulations as all other types of construction and therefore pose no greater risk to their inhabitants.

All structural elements are well protected by plasterboard. Plasterboard has excellent fire resistant properties and 'absorbs' heat as part of a chemical reaction, which serves to protect the timber beneath.

Increased fire resistance can be achieved simply by using thicker plasterboard, by using multiple layers or by using special fire resisting boards. Plasterboard also meets the requirements for Class 0 and Class 1 internal surface linings.

For example, a 30 minute fire resisting partition is provided by timber studs at 600mm centres faced on each side a single layer of 12.5mm thick plasterboard and 60 minutes fire resistance is provided simply by increasing the plaster-board to two layers. However, most party walls also have to provide acoustic performance and the design of timber frame party walls takes account of both requirements.

In the unlikely event of a fire starting within the construction, firestops and cavity barriers prevent fire spread through concealed areas. Firestops are fitted within the structure at locations such as party walls and floors and other separating areas. Cavity barriers are fitted within cavities at locations including party walls, party floors, verge or ceiling level and around openings for doors, windows, extracts etc. In Scotland they are also required at eaves level.

Timber stud partitions and timber joist floors have been used for many years as fire separating elements and their performance has been proven time and time again in test and real fire situations. Full scale fire tests undertaken on the six storey Timber Frame 2000 research project showed compartmentation and building integrity maintained throughout the test.

TRADA and BRE fire safety research concluded that "Timber frame performs as well as other construction in fire and life safety is at no greater risk".

For more information www.timber-frame.org