The scaffolding is still up, the facade is finished: insulated, plastered, and clad. And then the fire safety authority refuses to approve it. Such cases rarely begin on the construction site. They start in the planning phase, often months in advance. Fire safety in facade construction involves several interrelated requirements: thermal insulation, load-bearing capacity, material selection, and cantonal regulations. Someone renovating an apartment building has different requirements than someone building a single-family home. So, what determines how extensive the fire safety measures on a facade actually need to be?
The most important information about fire protection in facade construction:
Fire protection in facade construction encompasses all measures that prevent the spread of smoke and flames across the building envelope. The extent of these measures depends on the type of use, location, building geometry, occupancy, and the building materials used. Only VKF-certified materials and systems are used. The fire protection assessment must be completed before construction begins, and acceptance is carried out by the fire department and fire protection authority.
Are you planning a new building or a facade renovation and want to clarify fire safety requirements early on? The earlier the requirements are defined, the less it will cost to correct them later. Contact us now for a consultation. Consulting at MVM AG
What does fire protection mean in facade construction?
Fire protection in facade construction encompasses all measures that prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Fire-resistant cladding protects residents and property from open fires as well as cable or smoldering fires. Compliance with regulations is the responsibility of architects and civil engineers.
The building envelope performs more than one function. In the event of a fire, it must remain structurally sound, prevent the spread of the fire to upper floors and neighboring buildings, and limit heat and smoke.
Which building materials are considered fire-resistant?
In fire protection, there are two classes. Non-combustible building materials offer the highest level of safety. Flame-retardant materials fall below this level, but in many cases also meet the requirements. The class a building component achieves is determined by testing, not by product claims.
This applies primarily to external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) and external wall insulation embedded in plaster (EIFS). The law prescribes specific fire and smoke behavior for both. MVM AG Therefore, only VKF-approved systems are installed.
Where do the fire safety regulations in Switzerland come from?
The Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Companies (VKF) The [relevant authority] publishes a list of fire safety regulations at regular intervals. These regulations are legally binding for building owners, developers, and planners. This ensures a uniform framework for both private and commercial projects.
The advantage lies in the clarity. Anyone using VKF-certified materials builds in compliance with regulations. However, the scope of the measures varies from project to project.
What criteria determine the scope of the requirements?
The more densely populated an area is and the higher the risk of fire spreading, the stricter the regulations. These points will determine your necessary precautions:
| Criterion | Impact on fire safety regulations |
|---|---|
| Type of construction and use | Residential, commercial and industrial uses result in different regulations. |
| Location and risk to neighbors | Stricter regulations apply in densely populated and inner-city areas. |
| Extent and building geometry | Larger and more complex building structures increase the scope of the measures required. |
| Occupancy | An apartment building requires significantly more resources than a single-family home. |
| Fire behavior of building materials | Fire load and smoke risk determine necessary additional measures. |
| Accessibility for the fire department | Poor accessibility increases the demands on the facade. |
Low-flammability building materials reduce the need for additional measures, while a difficult-to-access facade increases it again. Both factors directly affect planning, material selection, and costs.
Which facade and insulation systems are approved?
The Facade insulation It is standard practice in modern new buildings; energy-saving regulations require it. Thermal insulation and fire protection must therefore be addressed together. Only external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) with approval based on comprehensive fire safety tests are permitted.
Fully mineral-based external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) are the preferred choice for commercial and industrial buildings as well as municipal housing. Polystyrene and rigid polyurethane foam are considered flame-retardant and meet the requirements within tested systems. Crucially, the insulation must be compatible with the building material.
What are the differences between single-layer and multi-layer facades?
In principle, both must meet the same fire safety requirements. The classification into a fire protection class is determined by the responsible building authority. For a single-layer facade made of glass or masonry, the entire structure must be fire-resistant. The requirements are only marginally less stringent than those for the double-layer version.
In double-shell facade construction, an additional task arises. With ventilated natural stone cladding on masonry, a substructure is required to prevent structural failure of the outer facade in the event of a localized fire. Depending on the design, ventilation openings may also need to be integrated.
Does anything different apply to existing buildings than to new construction?
The regulations don't differentiate between new construction and renovation. The process, however, does. In new construction, you coordinate insulation, structural engineering, and fire protection from the ground up. In existing buildings, the existing structure dictates the parameters: first, you determine the load-bearing capacity of the existing facade, and then you choose the appropriate system. Our article on [topic missing in original text] shows you how to assess the condition of an existing facade. 5 signs that your facade needs renovation.
In what order is a facade project carried out in accordance with fire safety regulations?
The order is not a matter of formality. Anyone who changes it risks a construction halt or costly dismantling. Therefore, five steps belong in every project:
- Define building physics and fire protection objectives in the planning of the facade design.
- Have the fire safety assessment prepared before construction begins, not during the execution.
- Choose VKF-certified materials and systems, tailored to the building structure and type of use.
- Carry out the installation professionally, including fire protection joints and suitable connections.
- Obtain approval from the fire department and fire protection authority; this is a prerequisite for the building to be released.
Why is a specialist crucial for fire protection?
Even the best materials and composite systems are only effective when professionally installed. A certified system offers no protection if the transitions to windows, base, and ceiling are not properly executed. Special coatings and claddings are available for fire protection in facade construction. Combined with fire-resistant joints, they increase resistance to heat and fire. Plastering and gypsum boards are also options for a legally compliant solution.
MVM AG maintains close contact with those responsible for fire protection regulations and only installs products that meet the requirements.
"When it comes to fire protection in facade construction, the execution is crucial, not just the choice of materials. That's why we support building owners, architects and municipal developers from the initial consultation to final acceptance."
Conclusion: When it comes to fire protection in facade construction, planning and execution are crucial.
The scope of fire protection measures is not determined by the building volume, but by the type of use, location, geometry, occupancy, and material properties. Within these parameters, the VKF regulations leave little room for interpretation: only tested systems are permitted, the expert report is submitted before construction begins, and final inspection takes place at the end. And because thermal and fire protection are linked to the same structure, it's best to address both together.
A certified system only provides protection if the installation, connections, and fire-resistant joints are correct. Are you planning a renovation or new construction? Then schedule an appointment. non-binding consultation with MVM AGWe will inspect your facade and show you which systems are suitable for your building.
Frequently asked questions about fire protection in facade construction
What regulations apply to fire protection on facades in Switzerland?
The fire safety regulations of the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Companies are binding. They apply to private and commercial building owners, developers, and building planners.
When is the fire safety report required?
Before construction begins. If it is only available later, a construction stoppage or costly dismantling of the facade is likely.
Is polystyrene permitted as facade insulation?
Yes, within certified systems. Polystyrene and rigid polyurethane foam insulation are considered flame-retardant. The relevant building authority decides on the specific approval in each case.
Who is responsible for the fire safety inspection of the facade?
The fire department and the fire protection authority. Their acceptance after completion is a prerequisite for the building to be released.