Palokipsilevyjä

Palokipsilevyjä, or fire-resistant plasterboard, are a type of building material used to enhance fire safety in structures. These boards are composed of a gypsum core, often reinforced with additives like glass fibers, that are encased in a paper or fiberglass facing. The key characteristic of palokipsilevyjä is their enhanced ability to withstand fire compared to standard plasterboard. During a fire, the gypsum core undergoes a process called calcination. Water molecules bound within the gypsum are released as steam, which absorbs a significant amount of heat, thereby slowing down the temperature rise of the board and the surrounding structural elements.

The fire-resistant properties of palokipsilevyjä are typically classified according to European standards, with designations such as F30, F60, F90, and F120, indicating the number of minutes the board can resist fire penetration and maintain its structural integrity. These boards are commonly used in applications where fire compartmentation is crucial, such as in wall and ceiling constructions in residential buildings, commercial spaces, hospitals, and industrial facilities. They are also frequently specified for protecting structural steel elements and in escape routes. The installation of palokipsilevyjä follows similar methods to standard plasterboard, but specific guidelines regarding jointing, fixing, and layering may be required to achieve the intended fire resistance rating.