Even though most buildings in the market look similar, its underlying materials surely affects its durability and cost. This is especially crucial when it comes to extreme situations such as fires. All type of buildings is classified from Type 1 until Type 5, and this will determine as to how fire-resistant a particular building is.
Some of the modern buildings today have already become cheaper and stronger to build. However, the manufactured materials such as synthetic plastics and engineered lumbers does not handle fire quite well. As a result, this can result to collapsing of a structure quickly which makes it dangerous for firefighters.
Type 1 buildings are the most fire-resistant structures. Contractors use protected steel and concrete in constructing these buildings and these materials are known to tolerate high temperatures. On the other hand, Type 5 buildings are the least fire-resistant structures. These are lightweight buildings that were built with combustible materials hence, these buildings easily collapses once it catches a fire.
Below, we will give you a brief explanation about the 5 construction types so that you will understand everything better.
Type 1: Fire-Resistive
Type 1 structures are those high-rise buildings in the area. Generally, these buildings are considered to be fire resistive. These buildings are those that are above 75 feet tall which includes commercial spaces and high-rise housing. Because of its design and materials, Type 1 buildings are the most robust in cases of fire. These buildings are capable of withstanding high temperatures without collapsing for a long time.
Whenever firefighters encounter these types of buildings, their main goal would be securing the stairwells. With that goal, there will be a safe evacuation.
Type 2: Non-combustible
A lot of the latest or recently renovated commercial buildings belong to Type 2 structures. These buildings includes large shopping malls and ”big box” stores. These buildings have fire suppression systems. However, these buildings are still prone to collapsing because of its metal roofs which fails at high temperatures even if the flames do not directly affect them.
Whenever firefighters deal with these structures, their main goal would be to ventilate the entire building. Doing so, flashover, a dangerous and sudden temperature elevation, will be prevented.
Type 3: Ordinary
Both old and new buildings such as houses, schools and businesses most likely fall on this type of structure. These are “ordinary” constructions that has non-combustible walls as well as wood roofs. Even if type 3 structures contain wood roofs, those older buildings have a tendency of having framed roofs. On the other hand, newer buildings were built with lightweight roof systems.
Type 4: Heavy Timber
Older buildings that were constructed before 1960s uses large lumbers and these buildings are considered being in type 4 structures. Firefighters can easily recognize these buildings because it has a prominent wood feature in the roof and walls. Examples of the buildings that have this type of construction are factories, old churches, and barns. All through the building, the lumber is linked by using bolts and metal plates, hence will form a strong structure.
Although these buildings were made with combustible materials, they surprisingly do well during fire because of the lumber’s sheer size.
Type 5: Wood-framed
Most modern homes today belong to type 5 structures because the combustible materials in its construction – wood. Unlike type 4, these structures use manufactured or lightweight wood. Even if this type of construction is efficient, inexpensive, and structurally sound, this is not fire-resistant at all. These type of structures collapses easily within minutes once fire starts.
The only advantage that firefighters can have in this building type is its easy ventilation because of the wood-framed roofs. However, there is a very high risk of flashover or collapsing.
It is important that you understand these construction types so that you will know which material is the best to use for your property. If your property does not meet the material type for its purpose, you better make sure to upgrade it.
In upgrading or renovating a building, surely you will be in need of a demolition team. For great and satisfying demolition services, Conway AR Demolition Contractor is the best in town. Contact us now so that you will know what we can offer you. Call (501) 259-7997 or email us at [email protected].
In constructing a new building, it is also important that you are well aware regarding the 4 Different Types of Steel.