Nowadays, more and more emphasis is put on building safety, especially in the field of fire protection. In the construction industry, one of the key elements is fireproof windows and doors, which must meet strict standards and requirements. Production and assembly aluminum windows and fire doors is becoming more and more popular because aluminum combines durability, aesthetics and protective properties that are essential in modern facilities.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what requirements aluminum fire-resistant windows and doors must meet in Poland and what institutions supervise and control their compliance with the regulations.
What are fire-rated windows and doors?
Fire windows and doors are building elements designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke during a fire. Their task is to protect against the passage of fire for a specified period of time, which allows for the safe evacuation of people and the protection of property. Aluminum fire windows and doors are popular due to the material's strength, corrosion resistance and the ability to adapt to various architectural designs.
Why aluminum?
Aluminum is a material with many advantages in the context of fire protection. First of all, it is non-flammable, which means that in the event of a fire it will not fuel the fire. What's more, aluminum profiles can be filled with special fireproof materials, which additionally increase protection. Aluminum is also lightweight, durable and easy to process, which allows the creation of modern and aesthetic architectural solutions.
Fire protection requirements in construction for aluminum windows and doors
In Poland, the regulations regarding fire protection in buildings are specified in Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 12 April 2002 on the technical requirements to be met by buildings and their location. Chapter 7 of this regulation provides detailed information on the requirements related to fire protection in buildings.
Fire resistance classes
The most important criterion for fire-resistant windows and doors is their fire resistance class, which is marked with the letters EI and a number indicating the time in minutes that the element retains its protective properties.
- E (fire integrity) – The window or door must be airtight and prevent the passage of flames or hot gases for a specified period of time.
- I (fire insulation) – The window or door must prevent heat from reaching the side not affected by the fire.
Example of marking: EI 30 means that the element maintains fire tightness and insulation for at least 30 minutes. For more demanding facilities, products with higher parameters can be used, such as EI 60, EI 90, and even EI 120.
Where are fire-rated windows and doors used?
Windows, doors and fire-resistant facades made of aluminum They are used in residential buildings, industrial buildings, offices and public buildings. They are particularly important in:
- Evacuation corridors,
- Elevator shafts,
- Fire lobbies,
- Fire zones,
- Technical rooms (e.g. boiler rooms, server rooms).
Standards and certification
In Poland, the certification of fire doors and windows is supervised by accredited bodies such as Building Research Institute (ITB). In order for an aluminum window or door to be considered fire protection product, they have to go through rigorous fire tests, which check their tightness and insulation. These products must have appropriate certificates of compliance with European standards, including:
- PN-EN 13501-2 – concerning the fire classification of construction products,
- PN-EN 1634-1 – relating to the fire resistance of doors, windows and other closures.
When offering fire protection products, the manufacturer must obtain National Declaration of Performance (DoP), which confirms that the product meets the technical requirements and complies with building regulations.
Who supervises and controls compliance with regulations?
In Poland, various bodies are responsible for supervising compliance with fire protection regulations. First of all:
1. State Fire Service (PSP) – is a key institution responsible for checking buildings for fire safety. The Fire Department has the right to inspect buildings both during the construction phase and after its completion, checking whether the installed elements (including windows and doors) meet fire safety requirements.
2. Construction Supervision – checks whether all building elements, including fire-resistant windows and doors, have been installed in accordance with applicable regulations and the building design.
3. Designers and Investors – they are responsible for ensuring that the building design meets fire protection requirements, including the appropriate selection of fire-resistant windows and doors.
Summary
Fire-resistant aluminium windows and doors are a key element of modern buildings, the task of which is to ensure fire safety. In Poland, the regulations are clear and rigorous, and their compliance is controlled by numerous institutions, such as the State Fire Service and Building Inspection. Fire resistance class, appropriate certification and compliance with European standards are the basic requirements that all aluminium windows and doors designed for fire protection must meet.
By investing in high-quality products, the customer gains confidence that their building is compliant and safe. If you are planning to build or upgrade a facility, remember the importance of proper fire-resistant windows and doors.
We invite you to contact our company - we will help you choose solutions that will meet all technical requirements and ensure maximum safety!
