Compliance of Certified Fire-Resistant Framing Systems in Civil Construction Projects
2026-02-03
Importance of certified fire-resistant framing systems in fire compartmentation and protection of evacuation routes in public, industrial, and service buildings.
Decree-Law No. 220/2008 (Portuguese Legal Framework for Fire Safety in Buildings – SCIE) predicts the use of certified fire-resistant framing systems in the following contexts:
- Public buildings (schools, hospitals, care homes, shopping centres);
- Industrial and logistics buildings;
- Service buildings and offices;
- Technical areas and high-risk zones;
- Stairwells and evacuation corridors;
- Compartmentation between units or fire sectors.
Naturally, the use of these systems is recommended in all constructions, public or private, that may be exposed to fire risk. This information is essential from the perspective of an Architect, Civil Contractor, or Real Estate Developer during the building design phase.
METALLIK, as a certified and audited company for the manufacturing and installation of certified fire-resistant windows and doors, operates exclusively with tested and approved systems, strictly complying with applicable European standards. It is subject to regular production control (FPC - Factory Production Control), ensuring material traceability, documentation compliance, correct CE marking, and the maintenance of declared fire resistance and smoke control performance.
Fire-resistant framing is not a simple construction element but a CERTIFIED TECHNICAL SYSTEM composed of specific profiles, fire-resistant glazing, approved hardware, intumescent seals, appropriate sealing systems, and accessories tested as a whole, with performance validated through standardized laboratory tests. Its behavior in fire situations depends on the correct combination of these components, the achieved classification (e.g., EI30, EI60, EI90), compliance with the SCIE design, and strict installation according to manufacturer instructions and test reports.
The real performance of a fire-resistant system therefore depends on four key pillars: proper design, tested system, certified production, and specialized installation. Failure in any of these factors compromises fire resistance and smoke control performance.
In case of fire, the main objective is to gain time. Without these systems, a fire can spread rapidly, compromising a building within minutes. Fire-resistant framing systems are essential because they create a safe time window for evacuation, emergency response, and limiting structural and material damage.
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