If a Building Exceeds 28.5 Meters, Non-Combustible Thermal Insulation Boards Must Be Used

A fire at a 24-storey apartment block in London has raised the question of whether buildings in Turkey are resistant to fire. First and foremost, the Grenfell Residence fire needs to be properly assessed. It is essential to understand the cause and development of the fire well. The fire is believed to have started in a second-floor apartment due to a refrigerator and spread because of the facade cladding material. The factor that contributed to the fire's spread and intensification is: The restoration completed in 2016 and the renewed 'Ventilated Facade' system reportedly used 'PIR', or 'Polyisocyanurate' boards for thermal insulation purposes. It is noted that fire retardant substances were also added to this material, and it was determined that the PIR 'Polyisocyanurate' material, which normally has a certain level of fire resistance, could not withstand the magnitude of the fire. In Turkey, where this material is not widely preferred, according to current Fire Regulations, the use of plastic foam on the external facades of buildings exceeding 28.5 metres is prohibited. According to Fire Regulations, for facades above 28.5 metres; rather than plastic material-based thermal insulation board components, A1 class non-combustible thermal insulation board components such as mineral wool, stone wool and ceramic wool must be used.

In buildings under 28.5 metres, even if the external facade is completely covered with plastic foam, it is mandatory to cover the area 1.5 metres above ground level and the sides of windows with non-combustible stone and glass wool. However, as İZODER, we can observe that due to lack of inspection, incorrect applications have been made in some high-rise buildings.

Currently, no legislation in our country completely prohibits polystyrene materials such as EPS or XPS. However, our Fire Regulations restrict the use of these materials in buildings with a height exceeding 28.5 metres. Furthermore, we need to understand that technically 'Facade Cladding' (Wrapping) systems for Thermal Insulation purposes and 'Ventilated Facades' are different from each other. Ventilated Facades typically have a gap of 5-10 cm in width between the wall and the final layer cladding material. In the event of a possible fire, even if fire resistance is increased with fire retardant substances mounted on the wall behind it, due to the stack effect and the resulting increased fire load, the thermal insulation boards in this gap become hazardous. On the other hand, according to Fire Regulations, such Ventilated Facade applications are not permitted in our country. When we look at high-rise building fires in our country, we must emphasize that the majority consist of 'Ventilated Facades' and incorrect product use, and that these fires have no connection with 'Wrapping' facade cladding systems. In buildings in our country, which is the area where energy is consumed the most and where energy efficiency can be achieved the most, it is necessary to draw attention to negative reports regarding 'Thermal Insulation' applications and in particular facade cladding (Wrapping). Some circles are using these reports to create negative perceptions among consumers and to mislead them. We recommend that consumers pay attention to statements from institutions such as our association İZODER, which has been conducting work on this subject for years on a scientific basis and in an impartial manner, based on international standards. Ertuğrul Şen / Vice President, İZODER