Q: Describe the product — how does it work? What applications can it be used in?
A: Boral fire-rated lightweight building solutions utilise proprietary Firestop® plasterboard to achieve the required fire resistance level (FRL). The energy of the fire is absorbed through the release of water within the plasterboard core. The level of fire protection depends on plasterboard thickness and the number of layers.
Boral fire-rated lightweight building solutions comprise a wide range of wall, ceiling and column/beam protection systems. Boral bushfire protection solutions comprise selected systems that satisfy fire rating requirements for BAL-FZ under AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas.
Q: How is the product installed? Does it have any special installation requirements?
A: All Boral fire-rated plasterboard systems must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions outlined in the relevant company publications. These publications can be found on the Boral website at www.boral.com.au or ordered through Boral TecASSIST 1800 811 222.
Q: What is the product made of?
A: Boral Firestop® plasterboard consists of a gypsum core sandwiched between two layers of paper linerboard. Fire resistant properties of Firestop® plasterboard are enhanced through the addition of fibreglass strands and vermiculite to the gypsum core.
Q: Is the design new or have any unique or innovative features?
A: Boral lightweight systems for bushfire protection encompass a number of innovative solutions such as OutRwall and Fireclad external wall systems and the Partiwall separating wall system. New separating wall systems have also been specifically developed to satisfy the requirements of AS 3959-2009 for attached and adjacent roofed structures.
Q: Is the design original? If so, how?
A: Boral has pioneered many new applications for plasterboard systems in Australia, including fire-rated external walls such as OutRwall and Fireclad, as well as Partiwall panelised separating wall system.
Q: Does the product have any ratings?
A: Boral lightweight building solutions for bushfire protection satisfy the fire rating requirements of AS 3959-2009. For specific fire ratings please refer to the Boral bushfire protection brochure.
Q: What accreditation has this product been awarded? What key industry standards does it meet/exceed?
A: All Boral fire rated lightweight building solutions are supported by test reports and professional certifications as required by the Building Code of Australia. The recommended OutRwall and Fireclad external wall systems are designed to achieve FRL 60/60/60, which is in excess of the minimum fire- rating requirements specified in AS 3959-2009.
Q: Is the product environmentally friendly? If so, how?
A: Boral lightweight building solutions offer a number of environmental advantages compared to traditional construction. These include low embodied energy, high thermal ratings (with cavity insulation) and the possibility to use plasterboard off-cuts for soil conditioning.
Q: Does the product save energy, heat, water (or other resources), when used?
A: Insulated lightweight building systems help to protect against external temperature fluctuations and thus allow to reduce energy consumption due to heating and cooling.
Q: How does the product compare to similar products?
A: Boral is the first building materials manufacturer to offer a comprehensive suit of systems that satisfy the requirements of AS 3959-2009.
For more information:
TecASSIST: 1800 811 222
www.boral.com.au/bushfireprotection
