There are many types of building construction. Each one has its set of benefits, drawbacks, and fire resistance ratings. Understanding these ratings is important for business owners who want to make sure their property is safe in the event of a fire.
Building construction has come a long way over the years, with new materials, building estimator software and techniques being developed all the time. Different types of buildings are now able to be constructed for different purposes.
Each comes with its fire resistance ratings. Discover five of the most common building construction types and their corresponding fire resistance ratings.
Why Is Fire Resistance Important in a Building?
Fire resistance is an important consideration in the construction of any building. The ability of a material to resist fire can mean the difference between a small fire that is quickly extinguished and a catastrophic blaze that destroys the whole structure.
Fire resistance is measured by how long material can withstand exposure to fire before it fails. It is often expressed in terms of minutes or hours.
For example, a material that has a fire resistance-rating of 30 minutes would be expected to maintain its structural integrity for at least 30 minutes when exposed to fire. In some cases, materials with high fire-resistance ratings can protect for much longer periods.
For instance, concrete walls have been known to protect against fires for several hours. The importance of fire resistance varies depending on the type of building. By using materials with high fire-resistance ratings, engineers and architects can help ensure that buildings can withstand exposure to fire.
Which Type of Construction Is the Most Fire Resistant?
There are different types of construction materials that can be used to build a fire-resistant building. Some are more effective than others at resisting fire damage. Which type of construction is most resistant to fire? Let’s take a look.
Type 1: Fire-Resistive
It is the most fire-resistant type of construction. This type of construction is typically found in high-rise buildings. The walls, floors, and ceilings in fire-resistive construction are all made from materials that are resistant to fire.
Type 2: Non-Combustible
Non-combustible construction is the second most fire-resistant type of construction. This type of construction is typically found in low-rise buildings. The walls, floors, and ceilings in non-combustible construction are all made from materials that do not burn.
Type 3: Ordinary
Ordinary combustible construction is the third most fire-resistant type of construction. This type of construction is typically found in wood-frame buildings. The walls, floors, and ceilings in ordinary combustible construction are made from materials that burn, but the burning is limited to the surface of the material.
Type 4: Heavy Timber
Heavy timber construction is the fourth most fire-resistant type of construction. This type of construction is typically found in buildings that are built with large timbers. The walls, floors, and ceilings in heavy timber construction are made from materials that burn slowly and evenly, resulting in a lower level of damage in a fire.
Type 5: Wood-Framed
Wood frame construction is the fifth most fire-resistant type of construction. This type of construction is typically found in houses and other small buildings. The walls, floors, and ceilings in wood-frame construction are made from materials that burn quickly and easily, resulting in a higher level of damage in a fire.
Business owners should consult with a fire safety expert to determine the best type of construction for their property. Understanding fire resistance ratings is an important part of keeping your business safe from fire. Contact local fire department for more information on fire safety in your area.