When construction or renovating a building, understanding the differences between smoke v/s fire barrier is important for ensuring safety and compliance with the building codes.
Both the barriers play a significant role in protecting the structures and their occupants from fire and smoke.
What are smoke barriers?
Smoke barriers are designed to resist the movement of smoke within the building. They are important for managing smoke’s spread during a fire, allowing the occupants more time to evacuate safely and minimizing smoke inhalation risks. These barriers are usually made from materials like sheet metal, glass, gypsum board that can
withstand smoke for a period of specified time by local safety codes.
What are the key features of smoke barriers?
The smoke barriers restrict smoke movement. They are made of non-combustible or limited combustible materials. They are sealed tightly to prevent smoke leakage and are often integrated into HVAC systems to control smoke flow.
also read:- How Does Fireproofing Safeguard Steel Structures?
What are Fire Barriers?
Fire barriers are designed to resist the spread of fire and provide a rated resistance to fire and heat. They compartmentalize fire, limiting its spread to other parts of the building. This containment provides critical time for evacuation and for emergency services to respond. Fire barriers are composed of fire resistant materials like concrete, protected steel or fire rated drywall.
What are the key features of fire barriers?
The fire barriers are designed to withstand fire for a certain period, typically ranging from half an hour to several hours. They help to maintain the structural integrity during a fire. The barriers must be continuous with no openings that could allow fire to pass except for required building services protected by fire dampers or fire-rated doors.
How to choose the right barriers?
When considering smoke v/s fire barrier for your building here are some of the significant things to consider –
- Building usage: The choice between smoke and fire barriers often depends on building’s function. For instance, hospitals and schools may prioritize smoke barriers to protect vulnerable occupants from smoke inhalation during evacuation.
- Layout of the building: Large buildings with complex layouts may need a blend of both the barriers to effectively compartmentalize different zones for smoke and fire containment.
- Local building codes: It is important to choose the barrier in sync with local regulations and building codes. The codes specify where and what type of barrier is required based on the size of the building, usage and other safety considerations.
Choosing between smoke and fire barriers depends on aforesaid factors. It is advisable to consult with fire safety professionals and adhere to local codes that will guide you in making informed choice for your building and ensure safety and compliance.
FAQs
1.What is a smoke barrier?
A smoke barrier is a construction designed to restrict the movement of smoke within a building during a fire.
2.What are the examples of smoke barrier?
Examples of smoke barriers include sheet metal, gypsum board walls and glass partitions.
3. What is a fire barrier?
A fire barrier is a construction designed to prevent the spread of fire by providing a rated resistance to heat and fire.
4. What are the examples of fire barrier?
Examples of fire barriers are fire-rated drywall, concrete walls and protected steel enclosures.