A common question we get asked is: ‘Are there any other options other than precast panels for my firewall’? The answer is yes - but it depends on your circumstances as to whether they are a better option than tilt panel. Typically, the two other options are either GIB Fyreline® or KOROK fire and acoustic wall systems. Each product has its pro’s and con’s – and it is worth asking three questions when considering each product:
Concrete tilt – or precast panel, is very commonly used as a firewall right across NZ. Concrete is a very good material for fire protection and consequently is used for boundary firewalls when a building is built very close to a neighbour.
As a generalisation tilt panel is more of an investment than GIB or KOROK. However, this doesn’t always hold true. Tilt panel is usually more cost effective in the following situations:
If you like things to be robust and durable, then it is hard to beat concrete panels. Concrete will absorb bumps and knocks from machinery extremely well with minimal damage and It can be sealed and painted, which provides a surface that is easy to clean and keep free of dust and dirt build-up.
As tilt panels are universally regarded as durable and low maintenance, potential future buyers do look favourably to buildings that are going to have fewer repair bills in the future. This means they are a ‘premium feature’ and typically command a better purchase price. Concrete panels also provide excellent sound insulation.
GIB Fyreline® is another option that can work well in the right application. It is generally readily available and can be fitted by any builder and painted to give a tidy smart finish.
Generally speaking, GIB is the lowest cost option particularly in the below applications:
GIB is easily damaged and if it is damaged, it can be repaired and re-stopped to ensure it retains its fire protection properties. In office applications, damage is likely to be infrequent and minor so this may not be so relevant. However, in workshops and warehouses that have moving forklifts and equipment damage can occur quite easily. This can be mitigated by lining over the GIB in a thick plywood to take the knocks and scrapes.
For firewalls in offices GIB is a great option and has no real impact on resale values. However, if GIB is used as the firewall for a workshop and has been damaged this can be unattractive to potential buyers due to the ongoing maintenance.
KOROK (previously known as Speedwall) fire and acoustic wall systems are made from aerated concrete encased in a galvanised steel formwork. Each section fits into each other to make a wall.
This depends heavily on the location as well as the height of the walls. The panel can also have limitations and may need to be combined with layers of GIB to achieve the fire protection requirements. It is best to have a discussion with the Attika team on what the options may be.
As each section is made of aerated concrete and enclosed in steel they are quite resistant to knocks and scrapes. Plus, if a couple of sections are damaged, they can be removed and replaced. However, if GIB needs to be incorporated to achieve the correct fire rating this is also susceptible to damage.
KOROK panels can be made in a selection of pre-coloured steel so they can look quite sharp. They also have acoustic properties so can be a good option for minimising sound transfer. One great application of KOROK is for fire-rated partition walls to divide up a building into tenancies. This gives a firewall between different tenants and also a noise barrier. As the sections all slip together the wall can also be easily moved in the future to accommodate tenants who expand or downsize.
For large scale industrial buildings that are over 7m high and over 1500m2 we would strongly recommend tilt panels, as it is typically the most economical in the long-term. Plus, it gives an extra bonus of increasing the durability of your building and minimising maintenance. We would also typically recommend panels for firewalls that need to be 2 way or 180-minute + rating.
For office firewalls, GIB is a great option as it is easy to use and cost-effective. GIB can also be good if some minor fire protection is required in a warehouse or factory.
For intertenancy walls, KOROK can be a great option as it can be moved as requirements change.
You are best to discuss your options with the Attika team. We have a broad knowledge of the fire code and can talk through the options particular to your site and requirements.