NEW FIRE REGULATIONS

Roof & Wall Radiant Barriers

Quality through innovation:

For over 25 years, Envirotuff has set the standard in South Africa for high-quality radiant barriers. As we transition to the new SANS 53501-1 reaction to fire classification effective 01 January 2025, we are proud to introduce our updated product range designed to meet your needs for both performance and safety.

PLEASE NOTE: As of 01 January 2025, all insulation products including radiant barriers needs to be tested in accordance with SANS 53501-1 (equivalent to the European testing standard). If a product has not passed SANS 53501-1, it is non-compliant in terms of SANS 10400-T:2024 (edition 5). Attached to this letter is an extract from SANS 10400-T:2024.

 

The new SANS 53501-1 standard, what does it mean and what does it change?

In SANS 53501-1, Radiant Barriers are tested to stringent fire testing methods. Based on these results, the Radiant Barriers are classified for usage in different occupancy classes. Insulation products need to comply with these regulations or they cannot be used in buildings.

Products are tested to the new fire standard, and are found to be either:

• non-compliant (receive an “F” fire rating and are not fit for usage in buildings)
• combustible (receiving a fire rating between “B” and “E”, of which “B” is the highest achievable result in the combustible category.
• non-combustible (receiving an “A1” or“A2” rating allows this product to be used in all buildings).

The better the fire rating a product achieves, the more occupancy classes it can be used in. For example, a non-combustible “A2” rated product can be used in all occupancy classes, where a combustible “B” rated product can be used in most, but not all. As the rating lowers towards an “E” rating, so the product is then restricted and used in fewer buildings/occupancy classes.

Envirotuff has 3 products that has passed the new SANS 53501-1 standard.

Our Product Range:

1. Envirotuff A2 Firebarrier (new product available February 2025)

   - Fire Rating: A2-s1, d0 (SANS 53501-1, non-combustible)

   - R Value: 2.02 m2K/W (SANS  8301 – System Thermal Resistance)  

* Ideal for any building, covering all occupancy classes with its A2 fire rating.

* Highly reflective aluminium that reflects 97% of radiant heat.

* Innovative fiberglass/polymer/aluminium composite with extrusion welding.

* Strong tear resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.

* Dust and water barrier.

* Important to note: Our A2 Firebarrier is a far thicker fibreglass material, extrusion welded using 2 polymer layers and aluminium on both sides. This creates a thicker, more rigid, truly waterproofing product.

2. Envirotuff 202FR

   - Fire rating: B-s1,d1 (SANS 53501-1, one of the highest combustible ratings available)

   - R Value: 2.15 m2K/W (SANS  8301 – System Thermal Resistance)

               * Versatile use across most occupancy classes (B-E).

               * 5-layer, woven construction with extrusion welding.

               * Highly reflective aluminium that reflects 97% of radiant heat.

               * Non-tear and no delamination, ensuring long-lasting performance.

               * Dust and water barrier.

3. Envirotuff 203ECO

   - Fire Rating: C-s1,d1 (SANS 53501-1, combustible)

   - R Value: 2.25 m2K/W (SANS  8301 – System Thermal Resistance)  

   - Features:

               * High R-value

* Rigid paper-based construction ideal for exposed ceilings.

                *Smooth aesthetics without compromising on thermal efficiency.

* Dust and water barrier.

Please note the following table below.

 

The Envirotuff Advantage:

You will note that almost all 3 storey buildings require an “A2” rated product, this is where you will need to use Envirotuff A2 Firebarrier. There are also many single and double storey buildings where Envirotuff A2 FireBarrier is required, such as entertainment and public assembly, high risk commercial & industrial, hospitals etc. Please study the table carefully and ensure the products you use have been tested.

Envirotuff 202FR has achieved a “B” rating, meaning it can be used in all other single, double and 3 storey buildings, except where Envirotuff A2 FireBarrier is required. The benefit of this means you don’t need to stock any other products. If you stock our Envirotuff 202FR and our Envirotuff A2 Firebarrier, you cover all building occupancy classes.

Envirotuff 203ECO has achieved a “C” rating. This can be used in all building occupancy classes where “C” to “E”, reaction to fire classification can be used, which is still a large portion of the occupancy classes. This product is designed specifically to be more rigid for installations where there is an open ceiling.

Maximize safety and efficiency with our leading radiant barriers. Trust Envirotuff to meet and exceed the highest standards in fire safety, ensuring your projects are always compliant and competitive.