Fire-stable ceilings, in buildings of today - and tomorrow

Flexible solutions
One of the greatest advantages that Interalu's climate ceilings provide is flexibility. Interalu's climate ceilings adapt to the building - not vice versa. Their layout also takes possible future adjustments into account. All Interalu metal and climate ceilings that are placed on the office market therefore guarantee 30 minutes of stability in case of fire. Fire stability refers to the capacity of a building element - the metal ceiling in this case - to withstand a fire on one or more sides without losing structural stability. In simple words: the ceiling must be prevented from collapsing for a certain time period. 

Carlo Miers, Commercial Director at Interalu, says: "It is true that the law only requires a fire stability of 30 minutes for the escape routes and corridors of the office building. But what if the office is leased or sold and the space planner decides to opt for a different modular office layout? Consequence: the corridor will be shifted and the same fire stability is no longer guaranteed. Our advice: make sure office ceilings are fire-stable all over. A future-proof solution that also eliminates doubts about what should be installed where."  

But fire safety remains a complex issue. Rules vary according to the building, rooms, height and occupancy. Carlo Miers: "The applicable standards and laws are changed at regular intervals. New Royal Decrees mean new points of interest. Moreover, each country has its own specific practices and regulations with regard to fire safety in office buildings. This often poses an even greater challenge for international architects. 

As a specialist in climate ceilings, we feel that it is our duty to be in a position to adequately inform and advise architects and contractors in this regard. This is precisely why we have hired an in-house fire expert at Interalu, who also takes internal training courses on fire safety extremely seriously. This ensures that our employees have the most up-to-date information. And they can obviously advise our customers, and rescue them from this tangle of legal regulations." Note that fire safety is not limited to fire stability but is also concerned with reaction to fire, including the speed with which fire spreads and smoke develops. "Here as well, we offer advice and solutions that comply with all applicable requirements and regulations." Customised and tailor-made for each project.