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Walls

Fire resistance

Fire resistance is how long a building element keeps its load-bearing capacity, integrity and insulation in a standard fire test, expressed in Europe as classes such as REI 60.

Also known as fire rating, fire resistance class, REI 60, EI 60, fire-rated wall, fire compartment

In European classification R stands for load-bearing capacity, E for integrity (no flames or hot gases pass) and I for insulation (the unexposed side stays cool); the number is the minutes the element holds. A wall between fire compartments might need EI 60, for example.

Timber-framed walls reach their fire resistance mainly through fire-rated gypsum boards, the number of board layers, their fixing and non-combustible insulation in the cavity.

Related terms
Gypsum boardGypsum board (plasterboard, drywall) is a sheet of gypsum plaster between paper or fibre facings, used for interior linings and fire protection. Partition wallA partition wall divides the space inside a building; it may be load-bearing or not, and is usually a stud frame boarded on both sides. Mineral woolMineral wool is insulation made from glass or stone fibres, sold as batts, rolls or loose fill and used to fill the cavities between studs and joists.
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