Unmatched possibilities for a fire-resistant facade

Fire resistance

It is a commonly known term, fire resistance. For our employees and customers, however, fire resistance goes much further. Both in the development of new and existing products, much attention is paid to this. Being able to guarantee and safeguard safety involves many rules, tests, reports and checks. In addition, it is important that fire resistance is not at the expense of other qualities such as: thermal insulation, acoustic insulation or, for example, durability.

Fire resistance is about ensuring the safety of people. Preventing the spread of fire and smoke is an important component in the design of our products. This is measured and classified according to standardized test methods and criteria. Different degrees of fire resistance have been established. These are determined based on the time the building element or structure can withstand fire and heat. Thirty minutes, 1000°C. These extreme conditions are the ultimate test to ensure safety.

Fire resistance is regulation

To ensure safety and set a standard for the entire chain, various regulations and laws have been established by the government. For example, since 2019, a regulation has been in force that states that all products for fire resistance in exterior walls must carry a CE declaration. To obtain this declaration, our window and door systems must comply with the NEN 16034 product standard. This describes the method by which it can be determined, by an independent party, whether a window or door system with pivoting parts meets the specified requirements. Our systems have undergone various tests, including a fire test where the objects are exposed to high temperatures. Can they withstand these temperatures for more than half an hour? Only then can a certificate be awarded to that particular component.

Fire-resistant window and door system RT 72 HI+ FR

With the RT 72 HI+ FR system, Kawneer has developed a cradle-to-cradle certified product with fire resistance ratings E 30, EI2 20, EI2 30 and EW30. This modular profile system can be used for both window and door systems and has a high-quality insulation value. Modular systems help to facilitate the production and installation of building elements, as they consist of standard components that can be combined in different configurations. Without compromising transparency or freedom of design, this system is future-ready, durable and fire-safe.

RT 72 HI+ FR: Fire safety and flexibility in one system 

The application of window and door systems tested for fire resistance according to European standards are limited to the frameworks of these standards. In practice, there is often a need for a larger area of application. Think for example of larger window sizes, windows in curtain walls, combinations of windows and doors and so on. To meet that need, Extended Application (EXAP) reports can provide a solution. Additional statements from accredited laboratories and fire tests enable the profile systems to be used safely and responsibly in a larger area of application.

With the expanded EXAP, the RT 72 HI+ FR offers the most extensive fire-resistant application possibilities in the market. For example, the systems are tested for large dimensions of up to 1600 x 3000mm and can be combined with Kawneer's other fire-resistant facade systems. In addition, the RT 72 HI+ FR has a very high insulation value and the system is available in virtually any design within the RT range.