Integrity and insulation
Fire resistance is measured two ways: integrity — the construction holds back flame and hot gases — and insulation — the unexposed face stays cool enough not to ignite what lies beyond it. A specification such as EI 60 demands both, for a full hour, from the assembly as built. Meeting it on site means building exactly what was tested — no more, no less, no substitutions.
What's involved
System selection
The partition or ceiling system is selected from tested assemblies that achieve the required rating in the required configuration — height, span and loadings, alongside any acoustic or impact performance the space also demands.
Construction to the tested detail
Board type and number of layers, stud gauge and centres, fixing type and spacing, joint staggering and edge support — each is specified by the tested assembly and checked as built, not assumed.
Junctions and interfaces
Deflection heads that maintain the seal as the structure moves, abutments to other constructions, glazed elements and door openings — and interfaces with intumescent-coated structural steel, where fixing directly to the coating can stop it expanding in fire (the subject of ASFP Advisory Note 18). Ratings are most often lost at the edges, so the edges get the most attention.
Penetrations and follow-on trades
Every service that later passes through the partition must be fire-stopped with a detail tested for that construction — coordinated with our own fire-stopping team from the start, rather than discovered at snagging.
Where partition ratings are lost
Substituted components
A cheaper board of the 'same' rating, different fixings, wider stud centres — every substitution steps outside the tested assembly and voids the proven performance, however similar it looks.
Missing layers and shortcuts
Second layers omitted above the ceiling line, unstaggered joints, missing pattresses. Invisible at handover; decisive in a fire.
Unprotected interfaces
A perfect partition with an unsealed deflection head fails at the head. Interfaces are part of the tested system — not finishing details to be resolved by whoever arrives last.
No as-built evidence
Without documentation tying the built partition to its tested assembly, the rating is an assertion. Building control, safety cases and future owners need proof — not paint.
What you receive
As-built documentation and system certification issued at handover: the tested assembly references, the construction details as installed, and the evidence that the partition or ceiling you paid for is the one that was tested.
Built as systems, evidenced as standard
Goldthread installs partitions and ceilings as complete tested systems and documents them the same way we document fire stopping — because a rating you cannot prove is a rating you do not have.
Certified systems, provable performance.
Tell us the rating you need and we'll build to the assembly that proves it.
Contact us