With the new DuPont™ Tyvek® FireCurb® fire-retardant breathable membranes, we can ensure a higher level of safety for buildings. Building materials behave differently in a fire, so a fire-retardant breathable membrane plays an important role in protecting buildings. It gives residents more time to evacuate safely, which can help save lives.
Tyvek® FireCurb® – a top-class fire-resistant membrane
In response to the industry’s need to increase building safety, DuPont has developed Tyvek® FireCurb® Housewrap – fire-resistant, breathable membranes manufactured using new, patented technology. These membranes comply with European fire class B according to the European Commission’s classification of the reaction to fire of construction products (EN13501-1).
By improving the water-impermeable but vapor-permeable Tyvek® membranes with an additional fire-resistant coating, they now meet Euroclass B requirements, rather than just Class E, which is met by standard breathable membranes.
What is Euroclass B fire rating?
Class B according to EN13501-1 classifies the reaction of building materials to fire. This class replaces the UK standard BS476 (parts 6 and 7).
Class B materials:
- Have very low flammability
- Emits little heat and smoke
- Has little or no effect on the spread of fire
In comparison, Class E materials only meet the minimum flammability requirements.
Test standards
In order for a membrane to meet Class B requirements, it must successfully pass:
- Product flammability test – determines the flammability of the membrane when exposed to a small flame source.
- Single burning item (SBI) test – determines how the product affects the spread of fire when a single item is burning in the corner of a room.
Current solutions on the market
Most construction products contain flame retardants that reduce flammability. They can be integrated into the product composition or applied as an additional coating. Previous flame retardants were often halogenated (chlorine or bromine-based), but they emit toxic fumes when burned.
The Tyvek® FireCurb® membrane is an environmentally friendly alternative that does not contain halogenated organic substances and provides high fire resistance.
Advantages of DuPont™ Tyvek® FireCurb® Housewrap membranes:
- Strength and durability characteristic of Tyvek® membranes
- Water resistance, vapor permeability
- Fire-retardant properties
- Suitable for all types of buildings: multi-story, roof structures, ventilated facades, wooden frame structures
Areas of application:
- Ventilated facades of multi-story buildings
- Limiting the spread of fire between floors
- Open ventilated facades
- Increased protection against small sources of fire (e.g., cigarettes)
- Construction of wooden frame buildings
- Roof structures
- Better fire protection during and after construction
Why try it today?
Tyvek® FireCurb® membranes provide a higher level of fire safety and meet the strict requirements of the European Commission for construction products. Their use provides additional protection in a variety of construction situations, making them an ideal investment in building safety.