Fire is one of the first issues raised when timber frame construction is discussed. However, timber frame buildings must meet the same fire regulations as all other types of construction and therefore pose no greater risk to their inhabitants.

Timber stud partitions and timber joist floors have been used for many years as fire separating elements and their performance has been proven time and time again in test and real fire situations. Timber has a high and predictable performance in fire because timber chars at a slow and known rate of ~ 40mm per hour. More importantly, it retains its structural integrity.

If the fire classification of the construction has to be increased it can be done by using PAROC stone wool in timber structures.

For example:

According to the addition method, a partition wall with 95mm timber studs and 12mm chip board on both sides, gives the following fire performance:

a) without insulation (air gap) = 24.0 minutes

b) with 95mm glass wool insulation = 29.7 minutes

c) with 95mm stone wool insulation = 69.0 minutes