Fire wall plasterboard

[seasickstevie]

I'm replacing a stud wall which is an entrance to a flat on second floor.

naturally it will need to provide an adequate fire break.

What board should be used on each side (stairwell & entrance hall)?

 

[FrankandEarl]

I hope others have a bit more Fire-Regs knowledge to offer ... but I will say that Buidlings Fire Regs are often concerned with having a "place of safety/ passage" within a building. That means the common stairwell in 90% of cases, with flats.

So, there is an obligation to stop fumes and fire exiting a flat ...and compromising the "well of safety". You may find that it has to be 60 minute board... but I am not sure, could be 30 is OK. But it would be both sides, imho.

Either way, joins will have to be tight/sealed. The letter of the law says that common doors to stairwell should be Closers too.

 

[hotrod]

From the information you've given you need to provide a 30min Fire check to the walls. There are, however a number of variables that may come into play so speak to your local BCO or consult Approved Doc B Vol2 to ensure you don't need to provide 60 mins.

Most common 'Fire check' boards are the pink faced ones, Fireline and Firecheck depending on manufacturer. All builders merchants will stock them. Standard boards still give you fire resistance but I don't know if it will be enough in your situation.

Your BCO should be more than happy to advise.

 

[^woody^]

Fire precautions generally only apply to buildings higher than two storeys

If this is a three or more storey property, then for fire protection adjacent to communal areas, you should be looking a 1hr minimum - this is because if the fire is blocking the main escape route (ie communal landing/stairs) it may sometimes be necessary to remain in a flat untill rescue arrives.

Doors to communal areas should also be self closing and have intumescent seals.

But as this is replacement work, it will only have to be to the original standard as when built.

The fire protection is the wall as a whole, so you would not normally put a higher specification board on one side only - unless that board acheives the total protection required.

Apart from the fire aspect, the biggest concern is security, so you don't really want plasterboard on the outside.

 

[seasickstevie]

Thanks for the replys. I think it's as well to go for the 1hr idea (whether BC insists or not). The wall was infact only hardboard before and no-one's ever commented.

Must admit I hadn't thought of the security issue

I guess I need something behind the outside PB to give a physical barrier. Any suggestions? (other than steel plate)

 

[^woody^]

Whatever board is chosen for the external face, I would fix a 12mm ply sheet to the studwork first, and fill the wall with rockwool too