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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What Are Fire-Boards? An Essential Guide to Passive Fire Protection in KSA

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. …

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