Fire Performance and Safety

DURAMAX, A PVC WALL PANEL SOLUTION FOR EVERY INDUSTRY

Fire Safety You Can Trust

Duramax PVC Panels are engineered to meet and exceed fire safety standards, providing peace of mind for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our panels are crafted with high-quality materials designed to resist fire and minimize the spread of flames, ensuring the safety of your facility and occupants.

Features of Duramax Fire-Resistant PVC Panels

Class A Fire Rating

Duramax PVC Panels have been rigorously tested to achieve a Class A fire rating, the highest classification for fire resistance. This ensures minimal flame spread and smoke development, making our panels suitable for sensitive environments.

Flame Spread Index: 25
Smoke Developed Index: up to 450

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Duramax PVC Panels and Fire-Rated Wall Assemblies

Fire-resistant walls are essential in containing fire within a specific area, preventing it from spreading to adjacent rooms for a designated period. The requirements for code-compliant, fire-rated wall assemblies vary based on factors such as building occupancy, intended use, and local building codes. For instance, walls separating a residential garage from a living space typically have stricter fire resistance requirements compared to those of a detached garage or a utility room.

Duramax PVC Panels alone do not meet the criteria for fire-rated wall assemblies where such assemblies are required by code. To ensure compliance, Duramax PVC Panels should be installed over an approved fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly. Here are examples of commonly used fire-rated wall assemblies and their components:

Fire-Rated Garage Separation Wall

Design: A fire-rated assembly using a 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board designed to separate a residential garage from a living area.
Details: The gypsum board acts as a fire barrier, while Duramax PVC Panels can be installed on top for a hygienic, durable, and low-maintenance surface finish.

One-Hour Fire-Rated Wall Assembly

Design:Includes 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board installed on both sides of 2x4 wood studs, filled with insulation.
Additional Steps: Joints and penetrations are sealed with fire-rated caulk. Duramax PVC Panels can be applied over this assembly to enhance durability and cleanliness.

These are general examples and may require customization based on specific building codes, local regulations, and the intended use of the space.

Compliance and Customization

In residential and commercial construction, foam insulation is often used to enhance energy efficiency. However, its combustible nature makes the installation of thermal barriers a critical safety requirement. Thermal barriers act as a protective layer, delaying the spread of fire and providing occupants additional time to evacuate.

Duramax PVC Panels cannot be used as a substitute for thermal barriers. When foam insulation is part of the construction, a thermal barrier—such as gypsum board, thermal coatings, intumescent paints, or other approved materials—must be installed before adding Duramax PVC Panels. This ensures compliance with building codes and enhances the fire resistance of the structure.

For any fire-rated assembly, it’s essential to consult with local code authorities and follow approved designs and specifications to meet fire safety standards. Duramax PVC Panels provide an excellent finishing option for fire-rated assemblies, offering added benefits such as water resistance, ease of cleaning, and longevity.

Fire Performance and Safety

DURAMAX, A PVC WALL PANEL SOLUTION FOR EVERY INDUSTRY