Building Design Considerations For Fire Protection

Fire safety is a crucial part of building design and construction. Modern safety codes help protect residential and commercial buildings from poor planning and prevent devastating emergency events. Here is a quick list of some of the building design considerations that come from modern fire protection standards. These elements are crucial for any builder or architect to know to follow fire codes and standards.

 
Building Layout

Architects must always consider the building’s layout and how it will impact fire escape routes when developing their designs. For example, many stairwells feature fire exits that an architect planned and drafted into the building’s layout. Emergency exits commonly exist in stairwells for escape during fire events. Architects must also consider the location of stairs and exits because other transport options, such as elevators, aren’t operational during a fire emergency.

 
Materials Used in Construction Plans

Substantial planning goes into the materials that make up buildings. Architects and construction experts plan everything from the skeleton of the building to the outer walls and siding. Depending on the type of building, some professionals may choose varied materials based on their fire ratings and resistances. For example, steel is a common material in modern buildings. However, it tends to warp when heated. Because of this, many architects choose alternative materials or reinforce the steel with fire-resistant construction materials or coatings.

 
Incorporate Fire-Resistant Paint and Coatings

Many contractors use fire-retardant coatings and paint, or intumescent paints, when building materials need fire-resistant reinforcements. These coatings provide a protective layer that prevents flames from spreading to the base materials for a certain period. This preventative measure gives the building’s inhabitants more time to escape during a fire emergency. Depending on how long the type of fire-resistant paint lasts, future building owners will need to schedule re-applications to ensure the materials keep their fire protection.

It’s crucial to know the design considerations that help provide fire protection when you’re an architect or someone who works with commercial building designs and construction. Remember these fire safety considerations for your next design or construction project.