A Guide to A1 Non-Combustible Boards

When fire performance is an important part of a building project, choosing the right board can be critical. With so many different types of fire-resistant, fire-rated and non-combustible boards available, it can be difficult to know which product is suitable for a particular application.

You may be looking for an A1 non-combustible board, a solution for external wall insulation, or a material that provides fire, thermal and acoustic insulation.

Marmox Fireboard is a non-combustible board designed for applications where fire performance and insulation are important.

Can Marmox Fireboard provide 60-minute fire resistance?

Marmox Fireboard has been assessed as part of a rendered external wall construction providing 60 minutes of fire resistance, classified to EN 13501-2.

This provides a tested solution for external wall applications where a specific period of fire resistance is required.

The system combines the A1 non-combustible Fireboard with a compatible rendered wall construction, providing both non-combustible materials and tested fire-resistance performance.

It is important to distinguish this from Fireboard's A1 reaction to fire classification. A1 describes the reaction of the board to fire, while EN 13501-2 relates to the fire-resistance performance of the complete construction.

Where a project requires a specific fire-resistance period, the construction should be specified in accordance with the tested system and its installation requirements.

Can I use a non-combustible board for external wall insulation?

External wall insulation systems can present particular challenges where fire performance is a requirement.

Marmox Fireboard combines a non-combustible stone wool core with a reinforced cement-based surface, making it suitable for consideration in applications where an A1 classified board (EN 13501-1) is required as part of an external rendered wall build-up.

The board provides a stable surface for compatible render systems while also contributing thermal insulation to the wall.

As with any external wall system, the complete construction should be assessed and specified to meet the relevant project requirements.

Can a fire protection board also provide acoustic insulation?

Yes. In some applications, it makes sense to consider fire performance, thermal insulation and acoustic performance together rather than treating them as separate requirements.

Marmox Fireboard uses a stone wool core, which provides thermal and acoustic insulation alongside its non-combustible properties.

This can make Fireboard useful where several performance requirements need to be addressed within the same wall or construction.

Where can Marmox Fireboard be used?

Marmox Fireboard can be considered for a range of applications where a combination of fire performance and insulation is required.

Typical applications include:

• Fire protection applications
• Internal wall applications
• Ceiling applications where appropriate for the specified construction
• External wall insulation
• Render and plaster systems
• Acoustic insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Refurbishment projects
• New-build construction

Fireboard is available in a range of thicknesses to suit different requirements.

Fireboard fire performance and testing

Marmox Fireboard has an A1 reaction to fire classification.

Its fire performance has been assessed using the following recognised test methods:

These tests form part of the evidence supporting Fireboard's A1 classification.

It is important to distinguish reaction to fire from fire resistance.

A1 describes how a material reacts when exposed to fire. It does not, by itself, give a fire-resistance rating such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

Fire resistance relates to the performance of a complete construction or system for a specified period. As outlined above, Marmox Fireboard has been assessed as part of a rendered external wall construction providing 60 minutes of fire resistance to EN 13501-2.

Where a project has a specific fire-resistance requirement, the complete wall, ceiling or construction build-up should be assessed against the relevant requirements.

In summary – why choose Marmox Fireboard?

Fireboard is designed to provide several performance benefits within one board:

A1 non-combustible

Fireboard has an A1 reaction to fire classification, the highest classification for reaction to fire.

60-minute fire resistance

Fireboard has been assessed as part of a rendered external wall construction providing 60 minutes of fire resistance, classified to EN 13501-2.

Fire performance

Its fire performance has been assessed using recognised test methods including EN 1182, EN 1716 and EN 13823.

Thermal insulation

The stone wool core provides thermal insulation as part of the board's overall construction.

Acoustic insulation

The stone wool core can also help provide acoustic insulation within a suitable construction.

Strong reinforced surface

The cement-based reinforced surface provides a durable substrate for compatible plaster, render and other finishing systems.

Internal and external applications

Fireboard can be considered for a range of applications both inside and outside the building, subject to the requirements of the complete construction.