The fire performance of a facade does not depend solely on the products making up its structure (rails, clips, etc.), but on the entire system implemented. Fire tests are thus carried out on a complete configuration, combining the Grad® structure with the cladding Boards used, in order to evaluate the real behavior of the whole system.
Tested and certified products
At Grad, safety is a priority. The SBI (Single Burning Item) test allows us to accurately evaluate the fire behavior of our products under real fire conditions. This test, in accordance with European standards, measures flame spread, smoke production, and any falling of flaming debris. By conducting it, we guarantee not only the regulatory compliance of our solutions, but also enhanced safety for end users, anticipating fire-related risks right from product design.
Understanding the SBI test
The test aims to simulate the start of a fire with a small flame source. It evaluates:
– Flame spread
– Heat release
– Smoke production
– Falling flaming debris
The cladding sample is mounted in a corner. A small gas flame is applied to a corner for 20 minutes.
The following are measured:
THR600s (Total Heat Release in 600 seconds).
This test measures the total amount of heat released by the material during the first 10 minutes of the test.
FIGRA (Fire Growth Rate Index), which measures the rate at which the fire develops on the material.
SMOGRA (Smoke Growth Rate Index), which measures the rate of smoke production during combustion.
The amount of smoke and flaming droplets or particles.
The measurement of these various elements yields a classification made up of numbers and letters, as shown in the example of our 26/140 thermo-spruce Boards
B – s1, d0
Reaction to fire
A = non-combustible
F = no performance determined
Flaming droplets/particles (d0, d1, d2)
d0 = no flaming droplets
d2 = multiple droplets
Smoke production (s1, s2, s3)
s1 = low smoke
s3 = high smoke
Innovation serving safety: Pyroclip
The Pyroclip is an innovative evolution of the Grad® clip to improve the fire reaction of your cladding. It offers long-term retention of cladding elements against fire while delivering mechanical performance exceeding minimum standard requirements.
The result of extensive R&D work, the Pyroclip follows the same philosophy as the Grad® clip. Factory pre-mounted on non-combustible aluminium profiles, it provides both matchless installation speed and perfect finishes.
Fire Test performed with standard clip
Fire Test performed with Pyroclip
Tested configurations
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 26 x 140 mm |
| Fire treatment | Woodsafe |
| Spacing between Boards | overlapping |
| Air Board | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip fixed on plywood |
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 26 x 68 mm |
| Fire treatment | Woodsafe |
| Spacing between Boards | 6 - 32 mm |
| Rear airflow | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip fixed on fibre cement board |
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 26 x 40 mm |
| Fire treatment | Burnblock |
| Spacing between Boards | 7 mm |
| Air Board | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip |
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 20 to 42 x 40 to 140 mm |
| Fire treatment | Burnblock |
| Spacing between Boards | 4 - 40 mm |
| Air Board | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip fixed on fibre cement board |
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 26 x 119 mm |
| Fire treatment | - |
| Spacing between Boards | 5 mm |
| Air Board | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip |
| Installation direction | Vertical |
|---|---|
| Board dimension | 20 x 64 mm |
| Fire treatment | - |
| Spacing between Boards | 5 mm |
| Air Board | 20 mm, aluminium shim |
| Cladding composition | Flat rail + Pyroclip |
Documentation
A configuration to test?
Do you have a project requiring a suitable solution in terms of fire resistance or wish to test your Boards with our system? Contact our Design Office or our sales team: we will assist you in choosing the configuration and, if needed, in carrying out an SBI test.