In commercial new construction, designing with an eye toward fire safety is of the utmost importance. Everything from electrical plans to building egress are built on a foundation of either preventing fires from starting in the first place, or limiting flame spread and keeping occupants safe if one does. Failure to comply with fire-related building codes can be disastrous. The UK’s Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017 exemplifies the tragic results of eschewing fire codes.
Building material selection plays an important role in these fire safety efforts. Even in commercial buildings that incorporate active fire suppression systems, both interior and exterior wall assemblies are essential for preventing flame spread and increasing egress time for occupants.