In this evolving landscape, Matt Jones, Head of Fire Protection at ROCKWOOL UK, discusses the importance of focusing on the fundamentals: specifying non-combustible materials and tested solutions, increasing understanding and prioritising early collaboration with experts.
Passive fire protection
At the heart of this approach is stone wool insulation. ROCKWOOL insulation products are made from volcanic basalt rock, which is inherently non-combustible. Specifying products that harness this innate quality of basalt rock and achieve a Euroclass A1 or A2-s1, d0 non-combustible reaction to fire rating is a straightforward way to help minimise fire hazards within the building envelope and mitigate risk.
For more specialist applications, we offer FirePro®, a range of fire stopping solutions. The FirePro range features fire stopping products that have been tested in applications, including linear joint seals and service penetrations, providing proven fire resistance which prevents the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases between compartments. This means that designers and fire protection stakeholders can use the FirePro range to help align their solutions with the overall framework for managing safety risks required to comply with the Building Safety Act. In addition to the FirePro range, we offer solutions for fire protecting structural elements and building services such as steel beams, concrete soffits and fire-rated ductwork.
Our Fire Stopping Standard Details Guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the performance parameters of our passive fire protection products, and it works best when used alongside early engagement with our specialist fire team.
Technical fire consultancy
A key strength of ROCKWOOL is our dedicated fire consultancy team. We have specialists covering the entirety of the UK, providing technical guidance and hands-on support to architects, contractors, specifiers and consultants. Our technical team also includes members with specific expertise in passive fire protection.
This knowledge means we can be deeply involved in every phase of a building’s lifecycle, providing detailed technical and design advice tailored to project-specific needs. From attending and leading design team meetings to addressing on-site challenges, we work collaboratively with stakeholders to provide guidance and support in ensuring that ROCKWOOL fire stopping and fire protection products are applied effectively and in full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Committed to improvement
Our commitment to fire safety also extends to education and professional development. ROCKWOOL has a growing suite of fire-focused CPDs to empower industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to enhance fire safety in their projects. Available in person, online, or on-demand through the ROCKWOOL Learning platform, these sessions cover essential topics such as passive fire protection, fire-stopping liabilities, structural steel protection, and compartmentation.
We’re also taking a proactive approach in transitioning our fire products from BS to EN certification. We believe EN standards are more up-to-date and better reflect the latest knowledge, methodology, and testing equipment. For our customers, this transition means a simpler, unified approach to fire safety, eliminating the need for dual classification and ensuring compliance with stricter global best practices.
Learn more about ROCKWOOL passive fire protection products.
