What Are Architectural Metal Works? A Guide for KSA Projects

In Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious architectural projects, from soaring towers in Riyadh to luxury hotels in Jeddah, architectural metal works define the standard of quality and modern design. This is not the same as structural steel, which forms the building’s skeleton. Instead, architectural metalwork is the high-finish, precision-crafted “jewelry” of the building—the elements you see, touch, and admire. It is …

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Inspection & Maintenance of Fire-Board Systems: A KSA Facility Manager’s Guide

The installation of Fire-Board systems—from walls to steel encasement—is a critical step in making a building safe. But passive fire protection is not a “set it and forget it” system. Its integrity is constantly at risk from post-construction work, such as new cable installations, minor renovations, or even simple wear and tear. A 2-hour rated wall with a new, unsealed …

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Fire-Boards for High-Impact & Wet Areas: A Guide to Durable Solutions

Standard fire-rated gypsum is an excellent product for most dry, interior walls. But what about high-traffic corridors, plant rooms, exterior shafts, or commercial kitchens in KSA? These environments demand a Fire-Board that can withstand moisture, humidity, and physical impact without compromising its fire rating. Using the wrong board in these areas will lead to degradation, mold, and system failure, even …

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Fire-Boards and the Saudi Building Code (SBC): A Compliance Guide

In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Building Code (SBC), particularly SBC 201 (Fire Protection), is the law governing building safety. A core principle of the SBC is “compartmentation”—the division of a building into fire-resistant compartments. Fire-Boards are the primary material used to build these compartments, but simply using a board with a “fire-rated” sticker is not enough to be compliant. The …

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Types of Fire-Boards: Fire Gypsum vs. Calcium Silicate vs. Mineral Wool

When a project in Saudi Arabia calls for a Fire-Board, it’s critical to know that this is not a single product. The term covers a range of engineered boards, each with a different composition, performance level, and ideal application. Using the wrong board for the job can lead to a non-compliant installation, added cost, or failure under fire conditions. The …

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Fire-Rated Ductwork in KSA: Using Fire-Boards for HVAC & Smoke Ducts

In a fire, an unprotected HVAC (air conditioning) system is a superhighway for fire, smoke, and toxic gases. It can spread a fire from one compartment to another in seconds. The Saudi Building Code (SBC) mandates that ducts passing through fire-rated walls or floors must be protected. While mechanical fire dampers are one solution, an increasingly common and robust solution …

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Structural Steel Protection with Fire-Boards: A KSA Compliance Guide

In modern Saudi construction, structural steel is the backbone of most high-rise towers, malls, and large-span structures. But steel has a critical weakness: it loses over 50% of its strength at approximately 550°C. In a fire, an unprotected steel frame can collapse in as little as 15-20 minutes. Fire-Boards are a primary solution to this problem, providing a clean, durable, …

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Fire-Board Systems for Walls & Ceilings in KSA: Achieving 1 & 2-Hour Ratings

In any KSA commercial or residential building, the separation of spaces is a key fire safety strategy. The Saudi Building Code (SBC) mandates that walls and ceilings separating different tenants, apartments, or critical escape routes (like corridors) must have a specific fire-resistance rating. Fire-Boards are the primary material used to build these “fire-rated assemblies.” A simple, single-layer plasterboard wall will …

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