High pressure laminate is one of the safest surface materials for public buildings from a fire safety point of view. Its manufacturing process and structural properties make it a reliable choice for spaces with high safety requirements. Laminate meets stringent fire safety standards and behaves better than many other surface materials in the event of a fire.
What makes high-pressure laminate fire-safe in public buildings?
High pressure laminate fire safety is based on its specific manufacturing process and structure. The material is made from sheets of fibre paper impregnated with phenolic and melamine resins and pressed together under high pressure and temperature. This process creates a dense, homogeneous structure that resists ignition and flame spread.
The resins used in the manufacturing process form a chemical bond that makes the material highly resistant to heat. High-pressure laminate will not melt or drip combustible material in the event of a fire, which is a significant safety advantage in public spaces.
The top layer of laminate often contains flame retardant additives that improve its ability to resist ignition. The dense structure of the material also restricts the ingress of oxygen, which slows down the combustion process significantly compared to more porous materials.
What fire safety requirements must high-pressure laminate meet in public buildings?
High-pressure laminates for public buildings must comply with EN 13501-1 standard fire safety classifications. The most commonly required rating is B-s2,d0, which means limited flammability, low smoke generation and no combustible droplets. For more demanding applications, a rating of A2-s1,d0 may be required, corresponding to the properties of a virtually non-combustible material.
In Finland, building regulations require certain fire safety properties for public space surface materials, depending on the use of the space and the number of people in it. Schools, hospitals and shopping centres have the highest requirements for surface materials.
In addition, the materials must meet the requirements of the REACH Regulation with regard to chemical substances. High-quality high-pressure laminates also meet indoor air classifications, which is important for the health of public spaces.
How does high-pressure laminate behave in a fire compared to other surface materials?
High-pressure laminate behaviour in fire much safer than many other surface materials. It does not melt or drip combustible material like plastic surfaces, and does not catch fire as easily as wood or textiles. Smoke generation is low compared to plastic surfaces, which improves the chances of escape in the event of a fire.
Wooden surfaces are more easily ignited and can contribute to flame spread. Metals do not burn, but can conduct heat and cause burns. Plastic surfaces can melt and drip hot material, increasing the risk of injury.
High-pressure laminate also does not release significant amounts of toxic gases when it burns, unlike many synthetic materials. This is particularly important in public spaces where there may be large numbers of people and long evacuation times.
In which public spaces is high pressure laminate the best choice for fire safety?
High pressure laminate is suitable for excellently for all public spaces where fire safety is a priority. Schools and nurseries benefit from its safe features and easy cleanability. Hospitals and care institutions appreciate the material's hygiene and fire safety.
In office buildings, high pressure laminate offers a safe choice for wall surfaces, furniture and partitions. In shopping centres and public buildings, the material can withstand heavy use while maintaining its safety properties.
High-pressure laminate is particularly useful in escape routes and corridors where fire safety is critical. The material's ability not to promote flame spread makes it an ideal choice for these applications. In kitchens and wet rooms, the laminate also combines fire safety with moisture resistance.
Fire safety in public spaces requires careful material selection. High-pressure laminates offer a reliable solution combining safety, sustainability and aesthetics. The right choice of laminate will meet the most stringent safety requirements while maintaining practicality. We provide expert guidance on material selection, that support your project's safety objectives and design solutions.