The direct answer: Thirty- or sixty-minute fire protection means that the specified construction has demonstrated the required fire-resistance performance for that period under standard test conditions.
The result depends on the complete system, including the timber, its dimensions, joints, fixings, exposed faces and any protective coating or covering.
Fire resistance is measured in minutes during a standard test. It should not be interpreted as a prediction of exactly how long the construction will perform in every real fire.
01 · Start with the requirement
What must be confirmed first?
Before choosing a product, confirm
- Whether 30 or 60 minutes is required
- Which timber element or construction is being protected
- The timber type, dimensions and existing finish
- Which faces will be exposed to fire
- Whether loadbearing capacity, integrity or insulation must be demonstrated
- What evidence the approving person or organisation expects
The product supplier can then confirm whether an appropriate tested system is available.
Official reference: Approved Document B.
02 · Complete specified systems
Is intumescent paint enough?
An intumescent coating may form part of a fire-resistance system, but the product name alone does not provide a 30- or 60-minute rating.
- Surface preparation and a compatible primer
- The required intumescent coating build-up
- A protective or decorative topcoat
- Application quantities
- Drying and overcoating conditions
- Inspection and application records
A 60-minute system is not simply twice the quantity used for 30 minutes. The correct build-up must come from the product manufacturer or system supplier.
03 · Obtaining the right system
Where can you obtain advice and products?
Fire Proofing Ltd no longer undertakes 30- or 60-minute intumescent timber-coating projects.
You can contact specialist suppliers such as Rawlins Paints or the technical team at Envirograf. They can advise whether they have a system for the proposed timber and fire-resistance requirement.
Before purchasing anything, request
- A project-specific product specification
- The exact system and application quantities
- The relevant fire-test or assessment documentation
- Confirmation that the evidence covers the timber and construction
- Details of the application and completion records required
The test evidence should come from a laboratory accredited by UKAS for the relevant testing. Check the laboratory’s accreditation certificate and schedule because accreditation only applies to the activities listed within its scope.
UKAS guidance for fire and textiles laboratories →
Once the correct system has been identified, appoint an experienced local passive-fire contractor who can follow the specification and document the completed work.
04 · A different type of performance
Is this the same as B-s2,d0?
No. They describe different types of fire performance.
A reaction-to-fire classification describing contribution to fire, smoke production and flaming droplets or particles.
A fire-resistance period relating to the performance of a complete construction or building element in a standard test.
A B-s2,d0 treatment certificate does not provide a 30- or 60-minute fire-resistance rating.
05 · Project documentation
What paperwork should be retained?
The project specification and relevant test, classification or assessment documentation.
Technical information, product names and batch details for the specified system.
Application quantities, completed areas, conditions and the contractor’s completion documentation.
Purchasing a product or receiving a general supplier certificate does not by itself prove that the completed construction provides 30 or 60 minutes of fire resistance.
06 · Common questions
30- and 60-minute timber questions
Can timber be given 30- or 60-minute fire protection?+
Yes, where an appropriate tested or assessed system is available for the particular timber and construction.
Can the number of coats be chosen from the required time?+
No. The complete application schedule must be provided by the manufacturer or system supplier.
Does Class B provide 30 minutes of protection?+
No. Class B concerns reaction to fire, not a period of fire resistance.
Does Fire Proofing Ltd provide 30- or 60-minute timber coating?+
No. We recommend contacting a specialist coating supplier and appointing an experienced local passive-fire contractor.