EDITOR’ S CHOICE
ALUPROF REITERATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT SPECIFICATION OF INTERNAL ALUMINIUM FIRE SCREENS
BY WOJCIECH BROŻYNA- MD ALUPROF UK
In the UK, internal fire screens are subject to stringent performance and safety standards to ensure they provide effective fire resistance and compartmentation. The key applicable standard is BS EN 13501- 2, which classifies the fire resistance performance of building elements, including glazed screens, in terms of integrity( E), insulation( I), and radiation( W). Testing is carried out to BS EN 1634-1, which assesses the resistance of door and shutter assemblies and glazed elements to fire exposure. Additionally, the Building Regulations Approved Document B sets out the fire safety requirements for internal separations and escape routes, specifying how long a fire screen must resist fire and prevent the passage of smoke and flames in various building types and risk areas.
Aluminium framed fire screens offer a compelling combination of strength, fire performance and design flexibility that often surpasses other materials. They are lightweight yet structurally robust, allowing for slimmer profiles and larger glazed areas that maximise natural light while maintaining critical fire protection. Aluminium is inherently corrosion-resistant and durable, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and can be finished in a wide range of powder-coated colours to suit any interior aesthetic. Combined with advanced fire-resistant glazing and internal insulation materials, aluminium systems can achieve high fire ratings without compromising on style or installation efficiency, making them a smart choice for modern commercial and residential environments. To make aluminium framing fire resistant, manufacturers incorporate specialised fire-retardant materials between the frame profiles that act as thermal barriers and insulators. These typically include intumescent strips or inserts, which expand rapidly when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and preventing the passage of flames and smoke. Within the aluminium frames ceramic insulation, and / or gypsum-based infills are
also used to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under extreme temperatures. Together with fire-rated glazing and compatible gaskets, these elements allow the aluminium fire screen system to achieve the required EI classification, ensuring both integrity and insulation performance during a fire event.
Modern aluminium fire systems are thermally broken and incorporate specialist glazing and gaskets, allowing them to meet EI30, EI60, or even EI120 classifications( maintaining integrity in minutes) while maintaining slim, elegant profiles suitable for contemporary interiors. This combination of strength and precision engineering allows for larger glazed areas and minimal sightlines, enhancing aesthetics without compromising safety. Aluminium is fully recyclable without loss of properties, contributing to low embodied carbon and supporting circular construction practices. Its durability also ensures long service life with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for hightraffic environments such as offices, hospitals, and educational buildings. Additionally, aluminium systems can be finished in a wide range of colours and textures through powder coating or anodising, ensuring both compliance with fire safety standards and alignment with the architectural vision of the interior space.
It is crucial to source both the frames and glazing from a single, tested supplier when specifying fire-rated glazed screens to ensure full system compatibility and certified performance. Fire resistance is achieved through a precisely engineered combination of frame, glazing, seals, and fixings that have been tested together as a complete assembly under BS EN 1634-1. Mixing components from different manufacturers can invalidate the certification and compromise the screen integrity and insulation performance in a fire situation. Using one approved supplier guarantees that the system has been independently tested and accredited
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