Comparing two of the best PFP solutions for loft compartmentalisation issues
Picking passive fire protection products when fitting a loft is a big decision. The need for it is enormous, given that without it, the loft is left open above the party walls.
This means that a fire could tear through the loft, so compartmentalisation is necessary. However, picking the right solution can be difficult.
In the main though, there are two main PFP solutions for loft compartmentalisation issues. They are the Protecta 80mm FR board (or 80mm batt) loft space system and either the Rockwool or Firefly fire curtains and in this article, we will compare both.
We will be honest and admit that we do stock the 80mm FR board, but we will still provide a balanced and objective comparison between all three products.
By the end of the article, you’ll know the differences between the batt and the fire curtains and which one will be better for your project.
The key difference to note is that both the Firefly and Rockwool fire curtains are two layers, whereas the 80mm bat is just one layer. However, both still have the EI60 fire-resistance classification rating, which means they can hold off fire for a minimum 60 minutes.
The feel of both is very different, too. The fire curtain is an insulation-like material, while the 80mm bat is more of a board.
Other than that, there’s not a great deal of difference between the products, although both have different pros and cons, which we’ll come on to. There’s also not a lot of difference cost-wise, so your choice will be based on what system is best for the situation at hand.
This is because there is only one layer to install as opposed to two, but you still get the EI60 fire rating with the one layer.
It’s also more pleasant to work with, in the sense it isn’t itchy and is quite easy to get into a loft space.
Also, loft compartmentalisation is a tested detail on the bat, which is something of an industry exclusive.
For those unaware, a tested detail means that the product has specifically undergone testing for that scenario. An assessment detail is something that has been given afterwards but isn’t specifically for the task at hand.
Both Firefly and Rockwool are big industry names, so you’re getting a trusted brand. The Firefly fire curtain is seen as the industry standard, while Rockwool’s name is synonymous with quality.
The fire curtains are also very lightweight and both also have the EI60 fire rating, which matches the 80mm batt.
They can also be integrated with fire alarms, which means they are only activated whenever a fire is detected. A barrier will then be made between the fire and the free space.
Another pro of the fire curtains is that they are very adaptable, in that they can be cut-to-fit on-site to certain size requirements. This can be particularly useful if they need to be installed on a property with an unusual design.
The main one for the 80mm batt is that it hasn’t been tested with doors in it, which could be an issue if there’s a fire door present.
In this situation, the batt can still be fitted, but the installer would need to fire-certify the door first. If time is of the essence, then this could be problematic.
While the curtains themselves are rather lightweight, the massive rolls they come with are not. Bringing these into a loft space can be challenging for those lifting them.
Finally, as the fire curtain is two layers, it takes longer to install compared to the batt. Both have the same EI60 rating, but one is much faster to install than the other.
Both are very good products in their own right and most importantly, both will get the job done of protecting those living with it installed.
If you are installing in a loft that has a rather unique design or has a fire door, then the fire curtains will be the best choice.
Your workers may have issues lugging the curtain into the loft space and getting itchy skin, but the result is hugely impressive.
However, if you’re in a normal setting, where there are no unusual characteristics to the building framework, then you can go down a different route.
That different route can save some time, while also ensuring the same level of fire safety is intact. As such, in those circumstances, the 80mm batt is a great option.
It could also save you in labour costs, as you could install more at a faster rate, helping you speed up a project without compromising on safety.
The Protecta 80mm batt is still a relatively new product on the market, so if you would like to speak to our expert team for more information, you can do so here.
This means that a fire could tear through the loft, so compartmentalisation is necessary. However, picking the right solution can be difficult.
In the main though, there are two main PFP solutions for loft compartmentalisation issues. They are the Protecta 80mm FR board (or 80mm batt) loft space system and either the Rockwool or Firefly fire curtains and in this article, we will compare both.
We will be honest and admit that we do stock the 80mm FR board, but we will still provide a balanced and objective comparison between all three products.
By the end of the article, you’ll know the differences between the batt and the fire curtains and which one will be better for your project.
What are the main differences between the batt and the fire curtains?
The key difference to note is that both the Firefly and Rockwool fire curtains are two layers, whereas the 80mm bat is just one layer. However, both still have the EI60 fire-resistance classification rating, which means they can hold off fire for a minimum 60 minutes.
The feel of both is very different, too. The fire curtain is an insulation-like material, while the 80mm bat is more of a board.
Other than that, there’s not a great deal of difference between the products, although both have different pros and cons, which we’ll come on to. There’s also not a lot of difference cost-wise, so your choice will be based on what system is best for the situation at hand.
Pros of the 80mm batt
One of the biggest pros of the 80mm batt is the speed of installation. It is estimated that the time to install an 80mm batt is 25% faster than other types of products, which can help you save on labour costs.This is because there is only one layer to install as opposed to two, but you still get the EI60 fire rating with the one layer.
It’s also more pleasant to work with, in the sense it isn’t itchy and is quite easy to get into a loft space.
Also, loft compartmentalisation is a tested detail on the bat, which is something of an industry exclusive.
For those unaware, a tested detail means that the product has specifically undergone testing for that scenario. An assessment detail is something that has been given afterwards but isn’t specifically for the task at hand.
Pros of the fire curtains
Both Firefly and Rockwool are big industry names, so you’re getting a trusted brand. The Firefly fire curtain is seen as the industry standard, while Rockwool’s name is synonymous with quality.
The fire curtains are also very lightweight and both also have the EI60 fire rating, which matches the 80mm batt.
They can also be integrated with fire alarms, which means they are only activated whenever a fire is detected. A barrier will then be made between the fire and the free space.
Another pro of the fire curtains is that they are very adaptable, in that they can be cut-to-fit on-site to certain size requirements. This can be particularly useful if they need to be installed on a property with an unusual design.
Cons of the 80mm batt
While it’s worth noting that both the batt and the curtains have very few flaws, there are a few prominent ones for each that could sway your decision.The main one for the 80mm batt is that it hasn’t been tested with doors in it, which could be an issue if there’s a fire door present.
In this situation, the batt can still be fitted, but the installer would need to fire-certify the door first. If time is of the essence, then this could be problematic.
Cons of the fire curtains
As for the fire curtains, the main cons come for those who are handling them. Like all insulation material, they are rather itchy if they encounter your skin and they are also difficult to physically carry.While the curtains themselves are rather lightweight, the massive rolls they come with are not. Bringing these into a loft space can be challenging for those lifting them.
Finally, as the fire curtain is two layers, it takes longer to install compared to the batt. Both have the same EI60 rating, but one is much faster to install than the other.
Choosing between the batt and the fire curtains
Both are very good products in their own right and most importantly, both will get the job done of protecting those living with it installed.
If you are installing in a loft that has a rather unique design or has a fire door, then the fire curtains will be the best choice.
Your workers may have issues lugging the curtain into the loft space and getting itchy skin, but the result is hugely impressive.
However, if you’re in a normal setting, where there are no unusual characteristics to the building framework, then you can go down a different route.
That different route can save some time, while also ensuring the same level of fire safety is intact. As such, in those circumstances, the 80mm batt is a great option.
It could also save you in labour costs, as you could install more at a faster rate, helping you speed up a project without compromising on safety.
The Protecta 80mm batt is still a relatively new product on the market, so if you would like to speak to our expert team for more information, you can do so here.