After the devastating fires in Mati, Attica, and the tragic events that followed with dozens of dead, it is time to question the safety of our homes and, by extension, our own safety, and the relationship between frames and fires. It is also necessary to investigate the relationship between frames and fires, that is, the behavior of frames – windows depending on their construction material, such as PVC – plastic frames, Wooden frames, aluminum frames, during a fire. Which type of frames – windows better protects our homes against fire? What is the behavior of the aforementioned materials during a fire and how do they behave?
Recently, the University of Athens, specifically the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, released a series of scientific data and research findings regarding the fires that affected Attica on July 23rd, 2018 (you can retrieve the full text from the address (https://edcm.edu.gr/images/docs/2018/Newsletter_Attica_Fires_2018_v11.pdf)).
The final conclusions (Nos. 11 and 12) state the following:
“11. In buildings with reinforced concrete load-bearing structures and infill masonry that had closed windows, the fire did not penetrate the interior of the buildings, resulting only in superficial external deformation of the plasters, without affecting the structural integrity of the buildings due to the short duration of the fire’s impact.
- Conversely, in similar buildings that had wooden or plastic and open windows, the fire penetrated their interior, and its impact was greater; high temperatures developed, particularly from the burning of equipment inside the buildings, and cracks were created that can affect not only the non-structural elements of the constructions but also their load-bearing structure.”
To these specific scientific data, the effects and risks from the inhalation of gases after the combustion of plastic materials, such as PVC, should be added. The Barriere Fire Department of Canada reports that the risks of fatalities from inhalation of fumes from burning plastic products are many times greater than deaths caused by burns.
By observing the images from the scene of the tragedy, reading all the above, and studying several scientific studies regarding the behavior of frames during a fire, you can easily ascertain that aluminum frames have the highest fire protection index compared to the other two window construction materials (PVC and Wood), and their use becomes imperative, especially in areas with a high risk factor.
See a comparison of all types for Which are the best frames, aluminum or PVC frames
Fire-resistant frames and categories.
See the categories and types of fire-resistant aluminum frames.
