Structural Fire Protection Boarding

Structural fire protection boarding involves the installation of fire-rated board systems to steel beams, columns and soffits to increase their fire resistance. These systems use specialist boards, typically calcium silicate or vermiculite-based products, that are fixed around the structural element to create a protective enclosure. In the event of a fire, the boarding acts as a thermal barrier, slowing heat transfer to the steel and extending the time before the structure reaches its critical temperature. 

Fire-rated boarding is commonly specified where intumescent coatings are not suitable, such as in areas requiring higher fire ratings of up to 240 minutes, where steelwork is in a concealed location, or where the fire strategy requires a non-reactive passive protection system. Boarding systems are tested to BS EN standards and must be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s tested details. 

Installation: Our installers are FIRAS-certified and experienced in the full range of structural boarding applications. We work with products from leading manufacturers including Promat, Siniat and Knauf, selecting and installing the correct board type, thickness and fixing specification for each individual detail. We cover beams, columns, hollow sections, castellated and cellular beams, plate girders, connection details and soffit encasements, including complex geometries where standard details require adaptation within the scope of the manufacturer’s approval. 

Every board is cut, fitted and fixed in accordance with the tested detail, with particular attention to joint treatment, corner details, fixing centres and any required intumescent sealant at junctions. Where boarding meets other fire-rated elements such as compartment walls, floors or other passive fire protection systems, we ensure continuity of the fire line is maintained without gaps or untested interfaces. 

Working Around Other Trades: Structural boarding is often one of the last passive fire protection elements to be installed, which means it frequently has to work around services, containment, ductwork and other installations already in place. We plan our methodology to accommodate these constraints, phasing the work to suit the wider programme and coordinating with other trades to maintain access and avoid rework. Where access is restricted at height, in risers, in plant rooms or in confined ceiling voids; we plan the approach accordingly and ensure the installation can be carried out safely and to the required standard.