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Fire Foil Panel

Especially prevalent in the design and construction of commercial and public buildings, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, prisons, and government offices, fire foil panel is used to provide a barrier to fire should it occur. By adding fire foil panels between the walls and ceilings of these buildings, designers and architects hope to contain any potential fire to one room or area, and to prevent the fire from spreading throughout the entire structure. Fire foil panels are also used in multi-use building construction, as well as in apartment buildings and other multi-level or high-rise applications.

Fire foil panels and asbestos

As a fire retardant device used in many buildings, fire foil panels must be resistant to high heat and flames, as well as able to provide a barrier to the spread of flames. The panels must also be durable and strong, able to be cut and drilled through with ease. Sounds like a tall order. But for the manufacturers of construction materials prior to 1978, there was one material that fit the bill, and fit it admirably: asbestos. With high heat resistance and a high insulation value, asbestos fibers melded beautifully into the fire foil board manufacturing process. Asbestos is nearly indestructible, and was available in plentiful supply and at low prices, making possible the manufacture of a vast supply of affordable products. Although those involved in the manufacture of fire foil panels were at risk for exposure to the fibers during the fabrication process, the finished panels posed no heath threats when left in their original, undisturbed state. However, drilling and cutting during installation would expose contractors to the same health risks, as excess fibers were released into the surrounding air.

Most buildings which were constructed prior to the mid-1980s contain some asbestos products, which means that any subsequent renovation or remodeling involving the disruption of these panels can pose serious health risks to contractors, as well as those living or working near the construction area. Moreover, because asbestos fibers become dry and brittle with time, these older panels present an even greater risk of contamination when disturbed during any remodeling or renovation project. Extreme care should be taken during construction if the presence of these panels is known or even suspected.

Last modified: December 09 2009.