In the construction of any safe, modern building in Saudi Arabia, passive fire protection is a non-negotiable requirement. This system of “built-in” fire safety relies on compartmentation—limiting the spread of fire and smoke to allow time for evacuation. The primary tool for achieving this is the Fire-Board.

A fire-board, or fire-rated board, is not just a standard sheet of plasterboard. It is a high-performance, non-combustible building board specifically engineered, tested, and certified to provide a precise level of fire resistance, typically from 30 to 240 minutes. Understanding their function is essential for achieving compliance with the Saudi Building Code (SBC).

What is the Function of a Fire-Board?

A fire-board’s job is to act as a physical barrier against fire. It is designed to maintain its structural integrity for a specified time, even when exposed to extreme heat. Its primary functions are:

• Insulation: It prevents the temperature on the “non-fire” side of the board from rising to a point where it could ignite other materials.
• Integrity: It prevents the passage of flames and hot gases.
• Structural Protection: When used to encase steel, it insulates the steel from heat, preventing it from reaching its critical failure temperature (approx. 550°C) and collapsing.

Common Applications of Fire-Rated Boards

As a core part of our passive fire protection services, we install fire-boards in numerous critical applications:

• Fire-Rated Partitions: Building 1-hour or 2-hour rated walls to separate offices, apartments, or hotel rooms.
• Structural Steel Encasement: Boxing in steel columns and beams to protect them from failure.
• Fire-Rated Ductwork: Creating self-supporting ventilation or smoke-extraction ducts, or wrapping existing metal ducts to give them a fire rating.
• Service Penetration Seals: Used as a “pattress” or slab seal for large openings with multiple cables and pipes.
• Fire-Rated Ceilings: Protecting the floor slab above and services in the ceiling void.

Common Types of Fire-Boards Used in KSA

Not all boards are the same. The selection depends on the application, moisture exposure, and the fire rating required.

Why Fire-Boards are Critical for SBC Compliance

The Saudi Building Code (SBC 201 – Fire Protection) mandates fire compartmentation. It requires that buildings are divided into “fire compartments” using walls, floors, and ceilings with a specific fire-resistance rating.

Fire-Boards are the primary, tested, and certified material used to create these rated assemblies. Using a standard, non-rated board is a direct violation of the code and will result in a failed inspection by the Saudi Civil Defense. The system’s certification (e.g., from Underwriters Laboratories (UL)) is only valid if the *entire assembly*—including the specific board, fixings, and installation method—is used.

“A fire-board is not just a building material; it’s a life-safety-engineered system. Its correct specification and installation are fundamental to protecting lives and property.”

Conclusion: The Foundation of Fire Safety

High-performance Fire-Boards are a fundamental building block of modern, code-compliant construction in Saudi Arabia. As our past projects demonstrate, their correct application is a specialized skill. By choosing the right board and ensuring its certified installation, you are building a resilient, safe, and compliant structure that will pass inspection and perform as designed when it matters most.

Need expert advice on specifying or installing fire-rated boards for your KSA project?

Consult with Our Passive Fire Protection Specialists