Exterior Walls

Energy saving is an increasing aspect for all sectors, as well as for commercial buildings. Since it is known that buildings lose energy through exterior walls and roofs, the new constructions are equipped with building materials that have respective isolating properties. Due to the low heat transfer capacity, XPS & EPS foam boards are used widely on exterior walls & roofs. That has an unfavorable impact on the fire protection of the building, since organic-based foam boards have poor fire resistance. According to NFPA the exterior walls have to be non-combustible , and if supporting any loads then have to be at least 60 minutes fire-resistant. If the usage of XPs & EPs is non-avoidable,then it should be well isolated from the fire exposures, both from inside and outside. Therefore fire protection engineers should check carefully the thickness of the isolation and the physical properties of the foam boards. Only listed and labeled materials shall be used.