The use of polyurethane foam in fire-resisting applications

Expanding foam fillers are used in vast quantities in the construction industry to serve a variety of useful functions. A proportion of these applications rely on the fire-resisting properties of the product. This may have life safety implications so their correct selection and specification is important and essential to achieving conformity with Building Regulations requirements. It is apparent that builders and specifiers do not always possess an adequate
understanding of the functions and varying properties of products generically referred to as ‘fire foam’. They all look similar and are usually tinted pink to distinguish them from other foam products but there is much more
to consider than a name and a colour when determining their suitability.

This guidance aims to inform the reader about the properties of fire foams in order to promote correct specification and ultimately buildings that are safer in fire conditions.