Poor fire planning in construction is no joke. We’ve seen the effects of how deadly it can be. All one has to do is look to the London Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, where the building caught fire and 72 people died, later being revealed that the building severely lacked proper fire infrastructure.
That’s where fire-rated plasterboard is a life-saving device which performs under the pressure of high heat. Fire-rated plasterboard is a requirement in many areas of building in Australia, protecting both residential and commercial buildings.
Here, the team at Plaster Wholesalers explores fire-rated plasterboard to ensure safety in construction.
What is fire-rated plasterboard?
Fire-rated plasterboard is specifically designed with additives to enhance fire resistance properties. These additives prevent a fire from burning quickly, slowing down fire transfer to other rooms and allowing occupants of a building more time to escape before the fire burns through.
Fire-rated plasterboard is commonly reinforced with a fibre-glass gypsum core – a material known for its excellent fire-resistance quality.
Where is it required?
Fire-rated plasterboard is required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in several applications of commercial and residential buildings. The BCA states that a minimum of 13mm fire-rated plasterboard must be used in several areas of commercial and multi-storey residential buildings. You can read about where fire-stop is required here.
But other than legally required applications, fire-rated plasterboard can also be used to increase safety in non-mandatory areas. We recommend builders to choose fire-rated plasterboard wherever possible, giving homeowners peace of mind and increasing fire safety.
What are the benefits of fire-rated plasterboard?
The main benefits of fire-rated plasterboard are relatively self-explanatory, but it also possesses some secondary benefits:
- Upholds compliance
Other than being a life-saving construction material, fire-rated plasterboard helps builders and project organisers comply with Australian building codes, avoiding hefty penalties.
- Improved acoustics
Fire-rated plasterboard also doubles up as an acoustics enhancer. The thickness of fire-rated plasterboard (generally between 13mm and 16mm), reduces sound transfer between rooms, making residential properties more comfortable and commercial buildings more private.
Which brands to look out for
Only choose a high-quality product made by reputable plasterboard brands when it comes to fire-rated plasterboard.
Plaster Wholesalers’ product of choice is FireStop by USG Boral. This fire-rated ceiling and wall system is designed to maintain its integrity whilst exposed to flame and is the smarter choice for businesses or industries that are potential high fire risk situations.
Need fire-resistant plasterboard? Stop in at Plaster Wholesalers. We’re Melbourne’s leading team for specialty plasterboard like fire-rated, wet-area and acoustic options.
With over 30 years in the game, we know what makes great plasterboard – and what makes great service, too. Our friendly, helpful team is here to answer any questions about your plasterboard needs. Visit one of our locations today.
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