What Is Fire-Resistant Framing? Where Is It Used?

What Is Fire-Resistant Framing? Where Is It Used?

Fire safety is not merely a preference in building projects; it is a mandatory engineering requirement for the protection of life and property. One of the most critical building components in this context is fire-resistant framing systems.
So, what is fire-resistant framing, how does it work, and in which projects should it be preferred?

In this article, we examine fire-resistant framing systems from technical, regulatory, and practical perspectives.

What Is Fire-Resistant Framing?

Fire-resistant framing refers to systems composed of special aluminum or steel profiles that limit the passage of flames, smoke, and heat for a specific period during a fire, providing valuable time for evacuation and emergency response.

These systems are designed as a complete solution consisting of:

• Special alloy aluminum profiles

• Fire-resistant glass

• Intumescent seals that expand under heat

• Certified hardware and connection components

What matters is not only the material itself, but that the entire system has been tested and certified as a whole.

What Do EI30, EI60, EI90, and EI120 Mean?

The most common classifications in fire-resistant framing systems are EI ratings.

• E (Integrity): Resistance to flame and smoke penetration

• I (Insulation): Resistance to heat transfer

For example, an EI60 fire-resistant framing system prevents the passage of flames, smoke, and heat for 60 minutes during a fire.

These durations:

• Allow sufficient time for evacuation

• Delay the spread of fire

• Minimize structural damage

Where Is Fire-Resistant Framing Used?

Fire-resistant framing systems are especially preferred in high-risk and high-occupancy buildings, such as:

• 🏥 Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• 🏨 Hotels

• 🛍 Shopping malls

• 🏭 Industrial facilities

• 🏫 Universities and schools

• 🏢 Office buildings and business centers

• ⛽ Fuel and energy facilities

They are mandatory particularly in fire stairwells, escape corridors, partition systems, and critical transition areas.

Difference Between Fire-Resistant Aluminum Framing and Standard Framing

These two systems are often confused, but there are significant differences between them:

⚠️ Important: Installing fire-rated glass into a standard aluminum frame does not make the system fire-resistant.
All components must be tested together as part of the same certified system.

Certification and Regulatory Compliance

Fire-resistant framing systems are tested and certified in accordance with European standards such as:

• EN 1634-1

• EN 13501-2

In Türkiye, regulations including:

• The Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings

• Project approval processes

• Inspection and occupancy permit stages

make these systems mandatory.

Non-certified applications may lead to:

• Project rejection

• Occupancy permit issues

• Legal liabilities

Fire-Resistant Glazed Framing Systems

As transparency plays an important role in modern architecture, fire-resistant glazed framing systems are widely preferred.

These systems include:

• Multi-layer fire-resistant glass

• Heat-reactive intumescent gel layers

• Specialized gaskets and seals

Advantages:

• Safety combined with aesthetics

• Natural daylight

• Compatibility with modern architectural designs

How to Choose the Right System?

When selecting a fire-resistant framing system, the following questions must be addressed:

• What is the required EI rating?

• What is the project type (hospital, hotel, shopping mall)?

• Are valid certifications available?

• Is there sufficient experience in installation and application?

It should never be forgotten that:
The best product delivers maximum performance only when applied correctly in the right project.

Our Approach at ACP Building Systems

In fire-resistant framing systems, we do not only supply products — we take ownership of the entire process:

• Project evaluation

• Technical consultancy

• Selection of certified systems

• Installation and application

• Post-installation inspection

In every project, we work with:

• The same quality standards

• The same engineering discipline

• The same sense of responsibility

Because we know that:
Fire safety cannot be postponed.

Conclusion

Fire-resistant framing systems are one of the most critical yet often unseen safety layers of a building. Proper system selection and correct application can save lives in the event of a fire.

Door and framing systems are not just passages they reflect the safety and the spirit of a building.

Get More Information About Certified Fire-Resistant Solutions

📧 Email: info@acpyapi.com.tr
📞 Phone: +90 (312) 348 68 68
📱 Mobile: +90 (533) 230 21 61