With increasing emphasis on safety and compliance in construction, fire-rated interior walls and partitions have become essential across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in Kerala. Updated national fire codes now demand more than just basic structural fire resistance—they require proof of performance, certified systems, and proper installation techniques.
At Constructions Kerala, we’re integrating smart fire-rated materials into interior construction—without sacrificing design or budget. Here's what builders, architects, and homeowners need to know in 2025.
What Are Fire-Rated Partition Systems?
A fire-rated wall or partition is built using materials that can withstand fire for a specified duration—usually 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes—without collapsing or transmitting excessive heat. These systems help contain fire within compartments, delaying its spread and giving people time to escape.
Why It Matters in 2025
- 🛑 Revised NBC (National Building Code) requirements in India call for stricter internal compartmentalisation in multi-storey and mixed-use buildings.
- 🏢 Builders are now legally required to use tested and certified materials in fire-sensitive zones (like corridors, lift lobbies, kitchens, and server rooms).
- 👷 Insurance and approval bodies increasingly demand proof of fire resistance certificates at the project handover stage.
Top Fire-Rated Walling and Partitioning Options
1. Fire-Rated Gypsum Boards
Special gypsum boards reinforced with glass fibres and additives can offer 60–120 minutes of fire resistance when used in layered assemblies with steel frames.
Best for: Office partitions, residential corridors, false ceilings
2. Cement Fibre Boards (Non-Combustible)
Calcium silicate or fibre cement boards are highly durable, non-combustible, and moisture-resistant. They are increasingly used for exterior and fire-safe interior partitions in tropical climates like Kerala.
Best for: Utility areas, fire escape paths, kitchen enclosures
3. Glass Partitions with Fire-Rated Glazing
Yes, even glass can resist fire—when treated with special intumescent layers or ceramic glazing. These offer both transparency and compartmentalisation.
Best for: Lift lobbies, offices, reception areas in commercial buildings
4. Aerated Concrete Blocks (AAC)
Widely used in load-bearing and partition walls, AAC blocks provide up to 4 hours of fire resistance and are lightweight and thermally insulating.
Best for: Load-bearing partitions in villas and flats
5. Metal Stud & Rockwool Systems
Combining non-combustible mineral wool insulation with steel stud framing creates effective, sound-insulating, fire-rated partitions, especially for large office interiors or hospitals.
How Fire Ratings Are Certified
- 🔥 Boards and panels must meet IS 3614, Part II or BS 476 standards in India.
- 🔥 Installation must match the tested assembly—materials alone don’t guarantee rating.
- 🔥 Site inspections and certification from licensed engineers are often mandatory for final approvals.
Applications of Fire-Rated Systems
| Area | Recommended System | Fire Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lift Lobby Walls | Fire-rated glass or gypsum board with mineral wool | 60–120 min |
| Server/Data Rooms | Metal stud + cement board + fire sealant | 90–120 min |
| Kitchen Partitions | Cement fibre board or AAC block | 60–180 min |
| Residential Hallways | Single-layer fire gypsum board | 60 min |
Fire Safety Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational
Today, fire compliance is not just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting lives and investments. Whether you're building a new home, fitting out a high-rise, or retrofitting an old office, fire-rated interiors are a must.
Why Choose Us?
Constructions Kerala provides:
- 🧱 Supply and installation of certified fire-rated wall systems
- 📄 Compliance with IS codes and local authority fire norms
- 🛠 Custom fireproofing for villas, flats, and commercial buildings
Safety begins with smart design. If your interiors aren’t fire-rated, they aren’t complete.
Get in touch with our fire safety team to upgrade your next project with certified protection.